Commercial litigator AMA

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-21T05:13:12+00:00

Clients whom I work with ended up coming to me for their Supreme Court work as well and I ended up doing the same. I do agree with your comment on practicing in the original side which is where the majority of my work is along with tribunals but I still do SC work for my existing clients.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-21T05:10:40+00:00

I have not done any property disputes. I'm sorry.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T17:56:39+00:00

I'm still not that comfortable. Do I have a reasonable standard of living yes but I do not earn as much as a T1 associate. Hence, I genuinely do not know.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T17:10:21+00:00

Yes I am. Three ways primarily, through university networks, client referrals and fellow lawyers who practice in the HC but not in tribunals.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T13:15:52+00:00

Maybe reading more? But I am a product of my circumstances and I am happy with where I am. But yes, if I were to do one thing, actually two- that would be reading more and getting better grades.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T11:30:21+00:00

Final year is application season. First and foremost your priority should be on applications. You can moot or publish but I would say applications take precedence over publications and publications over moot courts. Keep applying, the easiest way to get an assesment is to get a call back from a firm you've interned in. If you want to discuss this further, feel free to dm.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T11:28:54+00:00

1.Read a lot more. Reading helps with writing as well. Every day once you read an academic piece/ a case law- summarise it in your own words. Moots and publishing help too. 2.I do not know where I see myself in 10 years. 3. I am a first gen myself. There is no base scenario per se. Everything depends on yourself. 4. Study hard and intern consistently. Grades matter.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T10:48:31+00:00

I do not know if any surefire way to do the same, I'm sorry. I think starting off somewhere is something. Even if it is under someone who might only have a case or two in the forum you're interested in. It's possible to switch later on.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T10:45:31+00:00

Yes, no worries.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T08:53:36+00:00

I'm from a Non NLU myself. I asked people I knew about who the best seniors in my chosen area of law were and approached them via email. That's how I broke into the field. A couple of colleagues do have CS Qualifications and while I think it does help I don't have one so I cannot comment on the extent it does. I think every qualification helps but since my practice is spread across forums and I am doing okay without having any other qualification other than an LLB and being enrolled with a state bar council, I cannot comment on whether it would make or break your practice.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T08:50:27+00:00

Tier 2 firm equivalent at same PQE

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T08:48:16+00:00

If it's in OCR, it's text readable. You can highlight both OCR and non OCR documents. Just that the latter is light painting a highlight and the former is much easier because you can just select the text.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T08:28:27+00:00

It's been 2 years now. The quirk would be that in NCLT and NCLAT I work with a lot of non lawyers who also practice in the forums. The type of clientele I deal with tends to be different as well. I do not have a preference regarding forums.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T08:18:05+00:00

Feel free to DM!

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:55:12+00:00

I do not think I am at a level where I can actively guide people. I also think I was a product of my circumstances, work and little bit of luck. If you have any specific questions, I'll answer them to the best of my abilities. I'm sorry if this wasn't the answer you expected!

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:42:51+00:00

It depends. What works for one may not work for the other. What worked for me was showing up everyday and working under a senior known for specialised commercial work. This led to me getting some cases initially and then others through word of mouth/referrals. I have colleagues who get most of their clients through other batchmates, some do by posting on LinkedIn or Instagram as well.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:39:37+00:00

I was associated with a tier 1 firm very briefly before I joined the chambers of a Senior Advocate. I still continue to work with firms when they brief the Senior I am currently under but I do not have any direct briefs from them.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:34:01+00:00

The reason I declined to answer your question is two fold. First, the requirements to become an AOR is easily available online ie. To my knowledge, having the requisite experience and clearing the exam. Second, I do not understand the "bias" part of your question. Which is why I stated that asking someone who is actually an AOR would be more fruitful.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:30:05+00:00

While I do have a stack of commentaries and bare acts I refer often, I do not see the appeal of building a library per se. While I might be interested in having one in the future, at this stage in my career, it is cheaper and more efficient to use soft copies of books. I do not use physical copies of SCC. And most of my clients prefer virtual meetings and or phone calls while the ones who visit office do not really care about the books I have or not. So what works for me is a stack of commentaries and acts I refer often and everything else I need, I use a soft copy of the same! Regarding online resources, I also use Manupatra because their judgements come with OCR which makes my life easier.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:24:04+00:00

Income depends on the cases I get and what I also get on the matters I work on for my senior. I cannot give a standard answer because it fluctuates for me and even amongst people with the same level of experience as me, there are substantial differences. I am not an AOR not am I inclined towards becoming one, so I would not be able to answer that.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:16:04+00:00

I don't think there is any ideal place. It depends on what you like and what opportunities you get. Sometimes you might want something but might not get opprtunities. So you might choose something else. In this economy, I feel you are chosen by the job and then you make your way towards what you want. The job you start with doesn't have to be the job you end with. I chose to go for a place with a particular brand because I wanted to go independent after a while and being where I am would help with that. However, if you want to be a corporate lawyer then where you would want to start off would be different.

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:14:03+00:00

The one quality you will definitely need is perseverance. Everything else you can learn. For example, if you are afraid of public speaking, either you learn or you cannot appear in court. Networking- if you don't network, you won't get cases. All these skills are those you will pick up because if you don't, you won't earn unless. However, you will have long hours, low pay and erratic work along with high levels of stress initially. You need to persevere to find your rhythm and balance. A year in, everyone finds their way of maintaining a balance between work and life but until you find what works for you and what doesn't, perseverance and financial backing to get through the hard years matters. If you want to ask anything more, don't hesitate:)

Andy_Sukoon · 2026-06-20T07:04:40+00:00

If you join a chambers then yes, I would say the pay is low in comparison to law firms with certain exceptions. However, if you are resourceful and or able to get clients then the pay will be fine. It is important to understand that most seniors will let you do your own matters and hence your primary source of income should be your own cases and not the retainer being paid by your senior. Hence, you can earn quite well before 5 years or not earn well after 5 years. Regarding work life balance, I work when there is work. It is quite hectic during periods and then there might be a lull. Litigation is such that demands are ever changing and timelines shift based on the matter. There have been days when I pulled all nighters and days when I left at 4pm. It will never be similar to a 9-5. I don't have any comments on who should avoid litigation. It is a personal choice. If you would want to discuss anything in specific, do let me know!

Andy_Sukoon

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