Justice Nelson Sailo, Judge, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, has asserted that legal aid lawyers can do much more by interacting with those in conflict with law or those in need of legal assistance apart from courts which may strictly go by the law.

Delivering the inaugural address during the State Level Advocacy Skill Training for legal aid lawyers, organized by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority today at SIRD Conference hall, Kohima, the Judge called panel lawyers and defence counsel to assist those people who are in requirement of legal aid and assistance, NSLSA informed in a press release.

“Similar to those who need medical aid and assistance, even people who require legal assistance have tough times because they spend days, time and savings in order to get some legal aid,” the Judge stated and underscored that the profession of the lawyers was not just to practice law but to assist people in need of legal assistance.

Speaking of the role of the lawyers, Sailo also added that they are present at the grassroot level to help people who are in need of their expertise.

“What is most important is your communication skills, how you interact with clients whom they are assisting,” the Judge reminded and said that courts may go strictly by the law but legal aid lawyers can do much more by interacting with those who are in conflict with law or those in need of legal assistance.

He highlighted that while for a lawyer, they are handling their own case but for Judges they handle all cases. In this regard, this gives lawyers, both defense or on the side of the persecution the opportunity to be well versed. Sailo added that they contribute much to assisting the court by doing their homework and presenting case through research and bringing up latest law.

He asked the lawyers to be sensitive with what their clients are looking for or what kind of trouble they are in and accordingly represent the cases of their clients to enable them to get justice.

Sailo encouraged the lawyers to remain focused and work hard in the profession and said “How you present your case and how well prepared you are speaks a lot.”

Member Secretary, NSLSA Victo Sema, NJS delivered the welcome address. Earlier the programme was chaired by Adv. Apila Sangtam, Retainer Lawyer NSLSA and Gallery of District Legal Services Authority was also presented.

Over 50 panel lawyers, retainer lawyers, legal aid defence counsel members and young practitioners attended the training.

During the inaugural programme, Justice Budi Habung, Judge, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench and Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench, Registrar, Ajongba Imchen attended the programme.

During the technical session, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Vrinda Grover, spoke on Navigating criminal Justice system and highlighted on the need to have a broad base of legal and case strategy. She dwelled on the important role defense lawyer plays during remand stage

and the purpose of staying in communication with the arrested person keeping in mind the need for safeguarding human rights.

The resource person took the participants on advocacy, lawyering skills, examination of witnesses and arguments

Additional Director, General of Police (Law & Order), Sandeep M. Tamgadge dwelled on an overview of new criminal laws including the BNS, BNSS and BSA asserted the new laws replaces laws created during colonial period with relevance on expediting justice system, focus on digital technology among others.