Guest Lecture by Adv. Yogesh Dabke at Navjeevan Law College
Navjeevan Law College recently organised a highly informative and engaging guest lecture by Advocate Yogesh Dabke, a respected legal professional with over 20 years of experience as a Public Prosecutor at the High Court. The topic of the lecture, “How to Conduct a Trial in Court,” aimed to equip law students with practical courtroom knowledge and strategies essential for a successful career in litigation.
Adv. Dabke began the session by explaining the step-by-step procedure of a trial, starting from the filing of a case, submission of pleadings, framing of issues, and progressing through the examination of witnesses (chief, cross, and re-examination), followed by final arguments and judgment. He emphasised the importance of thorough preparation, accurate documentation, and strong legal research in building a solid case.
Drawing from his extensive courtroom experience, Adv. Dabke shared several real-life examples, illustrating common mistakes made by young lawyers and offering practical advice on effective examination and cross-examination of witnesses. He particularly highlighted the role of a prosecutor in upholding justice while ensuring fair trial procedures, stressing the need for clarity, presence of mind, and strategic questioning.
The lecture also touched upon the vital subject of ethics and courtroom etiquette. Adv. Dabke advised students to maintain professional integrity, respect judicial decorum, avoid unnecessary adjournments, and develop persuasive communication skills. These attributes, he noted, are as important as legal knowledge in shaping a competent advocate.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students eagerly asked questions on handling pressure in high-profile cases, balancing aggression with diplomacy during arguments, and exploring career opportunities in litigation and prosecution. Adv. Dabke addressed each query with clarity, offering insights that were both practical and motivational.
Overall, the guest lecture served as a valuable bridge between academic learning and real-world legal practice. Adv. Dabke’s dynamic presentation, combined with his vast experience, left a deep impression on the students. The college expressed its sincere gratitude for his invaluable guidance and looks forward to more such enriching sessions in the future.
