ASHOK KUMAR SINGH

Saturday, May 24, 2025

⚖ Pathway 1: How to Become a Barrister

✅ Step 1: Obtain an Eligible Law Qualification

Law degree (LL.B.) from a UK university
OR
Non-law degree + conversion course (formerly the Graduate Diploma in Law, GDL)

✅ Step 2: Join an Inn of Court
There are four Inns:

Lincoln’s Inn
Gray’s Inn
Inner Temple
Middle Temple

You must join before starting Bar training. The Inns provide mentoring, scholarships, and networking.

✅ Step 3: Complete Bar Training

Formerly known as the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), now updated to Bar Training Course (BTC) or equivalent.
Includes practical skills: advocacy, drafting, legal research, ethics, criminal and civil litigation.

✅ Step 4: Be Called to the Bar

After passing the Bar Training, you attend a formal ceremony at your Inn of Court to be called to the Bar.
You are now officially a barrister — but you can’t yet practice independently.

✅ Step 5: Complete Pupillage

A 12-month apprenticeship under an experienced barrister in chambers or an approved organization.
First six months: shadowing and observation.
Second six months: you can take on your own cases (with supervision).

✅ Step 6: Obtain Tenancy or Practice Certificate

After pupillage, if successful, you apply for tenancy (a permanent place in chambers) or work as an employed barrister.
You’ll need a practising certificate to take on independent work.

⚖ Pathway 2: How to Become a Solicitor

✅ Step 1: Obtain a Law Qualification

Law degree (LL.B.) or
Non-law degree + law conversion (formerly GDL)

✅ Step 2: Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

Introduced in 2021, the SQE replaces the old Legal Practice Course (LPC) and other pathways.
SQE 1 → Tests functioning legal knowledge (multiple-choice and legal problem-solving).
SQE 2 → Assesses practical legal skills (interviewing, advocacy, legal drafting, case analysis).

✅ Step 3: Complete Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

2 years of work experience in up to four organizations (law firms, in-house, clinics, or other approved settings).
More flexible than the old training contract system.

✅ Step 4: Apply for Admission as a Solicitor

Once you’ve passed SQE 1 and 2 and completed QWE, apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for admission.
Must also meet character and suitability requirements.

📊 Summary Comparison

Stage	Barrister Pathway	Solicitor Pathway
Initial degree	Law degree or non-law + GDL	Law degree or non-law + GDL
Professional training	Bar Training Course (BTC)	Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
Work experience	12-month pupillage	2 years Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Final qualification	Called to the Bar + practising certificate	Admitted as solicitor by the SRA
Regulator	Bar Standards Board (BSB)	Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

🌟 Additional Notes

Solicitor-Advocates → Solicitors who get extra accreditation for higher court advocacy.
Direct Access Barristers → Barristers who can take cases directly from the public without a solicitor.
International lawyers → May have to follow special routes if they want to qualify in England & Wales, depending on their home jurisdiction.

Barristers vs Solicitors: Overview

⚖ Barristers vs Solicitors: Overview

Aspect	Barrister	Solicitor
Role	Courtroom advocacy, specialist legal opinions, trial work	Client-facing legal services, drafting, negotiation, managing legal matters
Primary Work	Appear in higher courts, argue cases, cross-examine witnesses, advise on complex legal issues	Handle client interactions, prepare documents, manage transactions, provide legal advice
Client Contact	Limited — usually instructed by solicitors, not directly by the public (except in some cases under “direct access”)	Direct — clients come to them first, and they decide if a barrister is needed
Workplace	Self-employed, work from chambers shared with other barristers	Work in law firms, in-house at companies, or in government offices
Specialization	Narrow — often focus on specific areas (criminal, commercial, family, etc.)	Broader — general handling of a client’s needs across multiple legal areas
Advocacy Rights	Full rights of audience in all courts (including higher courts)	Limited rights of audience; typically represent clients only in lower courts unless specially accredited
Training Route	Join an Inn of Court, complete Bar course (formerly BPTC, now Bar Training), complete pupillage (apprenticeship)	Complete Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) (new system) or old Legal Practice Course (LPC) + two-year training contract
Regulation	Bar Standards Board (BSB)	Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

🏛 Key Differences

✅ Advocacy Focus:

Barristers specialize in courtroom performance and trial advocacy.
Solicitors focus on case preparation, legal documentation, and client management.

✅ Working Structure:

Barristers are independent practitioners sharing costs at chambers but working individually.
Solicitors usually work as part of firms or companies, often in team settings.

✅ Public Access:

Traditionally, a member of the public couldn’t directly hire a barrister — they needed to go through a solicitor.
Direct access barristers (a modern development) now allow the public to approach some barristers directly, but this is still a smaller portion.

✅ Earnings Structure:

Barristers are often paid per case or appearance (brief fees, success fees).
Solicitors usually work on salaried positions, billing clients by the hour.

🌍 Outside the UK

In countries like:

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria (common law systems):
The solicitor–barrister distinction is not formally followed, though senior advocates play a somewhat similar courtroom-focused role.
United States:
No formal split — all lawyers are “attorneys” and can handle both advisory and advocacy work, though large firms may have trial specialists.

🚀 Modern Trends

The sharp division between solicitors and barristers is softening.
- More solicitor-advocates with higher rights of audience.
- Barristers increasingly taking on direct access work.
Many clients prefer firms that offer both solicitor and barrister services under one roof, especially in corporate and commercial law.

🔍 Summary Table

Factor	Barrister	Solicitor
Main strength	Courtroom advocacy	Client handling, paperwork, transactions
Work setting	Self-employed, chambers	Employed, law firm or company
Main clients	Solicitors, occasionally public	General public, businesses
Path to qualify	Bar training + pupillage	SQE / LPC + training contract
Regulator	Bar Standards Board (BSB)	Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

⚖ What Is “Bar-at-Law”?

The term Bar-at-Law traditionally refers to:
✅ A legal qualification obtained by completing the training and membership requirements of one of the Inns of Court in England — primarily for those who want to become barristers in England and Wales.

It’s sometimes also used loosely (especially in South Asia) to refer to someone who has been called to the Bar in England, i.e., who has formally completed barrister training and is entitled to practice as a barrister.

🏛 The Historical Background

In England, the legal profession is divided into solicitors (who handle client work, contracts, etc.) and barristers (who appear in higher courts and specialize in courtroom advocacy).
To become a barrister, one must:
1. Join one of the four Inns of Court (Lincoln’s Inn, Gray’s Inn, Inner Temple, or Middle Temple).
2. Complete required academic and vocational training (historically the Bar Professional Training Course, now replaced by new routes).
3. Participate in certain ceremonial and formal requirements (such as “keeping terms” — attending dinners at the Inn).
4. Be officially called to the Bar — meaning they are authorized to practice as a barrister.

The title Barrister-at-Law or Bar-at-Law indicates that the person has completed this pathway.

🌍 Bar-at-Law in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)

In the past, especially during the British colonial period, many leading lawyers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh traveled to London to qualify as Barristers-at-Law at the Inns of Court.

Being a “Bar-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn” or “Middle Temple” was seen as a prestigious legal qualification.
Many famous political leaders and jurists — such as Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, B.R. Ambedkar — held the Bar-at-Law qualification.

Even today, though Indian lawyers can qualify domestically, some still choose to go to the UK to become barristers for international practice or prestige.

📋 Summary

Term	Meaning
Bar-at-Law	A lawyer who has been called to the Bar in England & Wales and is qualified as a barrister, often through one of the four Inns of Court.
Inns of Court	Historic institutions in London responsible for the training, qualification, and regulation of barristers.
Modern Usage	In South Asia, still sometimes used as a mark of prestige, though local legal qualifications are sufficient to practice domestically.

✨ Key Takeaways

Bar-at-Law ≠ passing a bar exam (like in the US); it refers specifically to barrister qualification in England.
It is a pathway for courtroom advocacy and higher court practice in the UK system.
Historically very influential in former British colonies.

What Is the Law Profession?

🌍 What Is the Law Profession?

The law profession is the field of practice concerned with advising, representing, and assisting individuals, businesses, and governments in legal matters. It plays a critical role in ensuring justice, upholding rights, interpreting laws, and maintaining order in society.

⚖ Main Roles in the Law Profession

The legal profession includes several types of roles:

Advocates/Lawyers → Represent clients in courts, draft legal documents, give legal advice.
Judges → Interpret and apply laws, preside over court proceedings, deliver judgments.
Legal Advisors → Work in companies or governments, providing legal opinions on transactions and regulations.
In-house Counsel → Lawyers employed directly by corporations to handle internal legal matters.
Public Prosecutors → Represent the state in criminal cases.
Legal Researchers/Academics → Work in universities, think tanks, or research bodies, focusing on legal scholarship and teaching.
Paralegals & Legal Assistants → Support lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, and managing case files.

🏛 Types of Legal Practice / Specializations

Law has many branches. Some major areas include:

Civil Law (contracts, torts, property, family law)
Criminal Law (defense, prosecution, criminal justice)
Corporate/Commercial Law (mergers, acquisitions, company law)
Constitutional Law (fundamental rights, government powers)
Intellectual Property Law (copyright, patents, trademarks)
Environmental Law (climate, sustainability, regulations)
Human Rights Law (civil liberties, discrimination, humanitarian law)
International Law (cross-border disputes, treaties, international organizations)
Tax Law, Labor Law, Banking & Finance Law, Real Estate Law, etc.

🎓 Qualifications & Entry Requirements

Depending on the country:

Law degree (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent)
Bar exam or enrollment process to qualify as a licensed advocate/lawyer
For higher practice (e.g., Supreme Court in India), additional qualifications or years of experience may be required.

💼 Skills Needed

Successful legal professionals usually have:

Strong analytical & critical thinking
Excellent communication & persuasion skills (oral + written)
Research abilities — finding and interpreting laws, precedents, and statutes
Negotiation & advocacy skills
Ethical judgment — commitment to justice and client confidentiality
Attention to detail — precise drafting, careful review of documents

📅 What Does a Lawyer Do Daily?

Meet clients and advise on legal issues
Draft contracts, petitions, agreements, wills, or pleadings
Appear in court for hearings, trials, or arguments
Conduct legal research, prepare case strategies
Negotiate settlements or out-of-court agreements
Attend client meetings, negotiations, arbitrations, or mediations

🌟 Challenges in the Profession

Long working hours, especially in litigation and corporate law
High-pressure deadlines
Navigating complex legal frameworks
Balancing commercial pressures with ethical duties

🚀 Trends & Opportunities

Growing use of legal technology (AI, document automation, e-discovery)
Increasing importance of international law in a globalized world
Rise of alternative dispute resolution (mediation, arbitration)
Expanding focus on social justice, climate law, and cyberlaw

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

हनुमान चालीसा

दोहा
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज निज मन मुकुर सुधारि ।
बरनऊँ रघुबर बिमल जसु जो दायक फल चारि ॥

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके सुमिरौं पवन कुमार ।
बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहिं हरहु कलेस विकार ॥

चौपाईयाँ

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर ।
जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर ॥

राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा ।
अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा ॥

महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी ।
कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ॥

कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा ।
कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा ॥

हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै ।
काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै ॥

शंकर सुवन केसरीनंदन ।
तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन ॥

विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर ।
राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया ।
राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥

सूक्ष्म रूप धरी सियहिं दिखावा ।
बिकट रूप धरी लंक जरावा ॥

भीम रूप धरी असुर सँहारे ।
रामचन्द्र के काज सँवारे ॥

लाय संजीवन लखन जियाए ।
श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाए ॥

रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई ।
तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई ॥

सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं ।
अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं ॥

सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा ।
नारद सारद सहित अहीसा ॥

जम कुबेर दिकपाल जहाँ ते ।
कवि कोविद कहि सके कहाँ ते ॥

तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहि कीन्हा ।
राम मिलाय राजपद दीन्हा ॥

तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषण माना ।
लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना ॥

जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू ।
लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥

प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं ।
जलधि लाँघि गए अचरज नाहीं ॥

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते ।
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ॥

राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे ।
होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे ॥

सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना ।
तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना ॥

आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै ।
तीनों लोक हाँक ते काँपै ॥

भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै ।
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥

नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा ।
जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा ॥

संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै ।
मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥

सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा ।
तिनके काज सकल तुम साजा ॥

और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै ।
सोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै ॥

चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा ।
है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥

साधु संत के तुम रखवारे ।
असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ॥

अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता ।
अस बर दीन जानकी माता ॥

राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा ।
सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥

तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै ।
जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै ॥

अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई ।
जहाँ जन्म हरि-भक्त कहाई ॥

और देवता चित्त न धरई ।
हनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई ॥

संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा ।
जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ॥

जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं ।
कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं ॥

जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई ।
छूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई ॥

जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा ।
होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ॥

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा ।
कीजै नाथ हृदय मह डेरा ॥

हनुमान चालीसा का सरल अर्थ (संक्षिप्त)

गुरु के चरणों की धूल से मन की अशुद्धि दूर कर मैं श्री राम के पवित्र और निर्मल गुणों का वर्णन करता हूँ।
मैं अपने को बुद्धिहीन समझता हूँ, इसलिए पवनसुत हनुमान से बुद्धि, शक्ति और ज्ञान देने की प्रार्थना करता हूँ।
जय हो हनुमान जो ज्ञान और गुणों के सागर हैं। जो पूरे ब्रह्मांड में प्रसिद्ध हैं।
वे राम के दूत और असीम बल के स्वामी हैं। वे अंजनी के पुत्र और पवन के संतान हैं।
वे महावीर, वीर, और कुमति को दूर करने वाले मित्र हैं।
उन्होंने सीता की खोज की, लंका जलाई और रावण के वध में राम की सहायता की।
वे संकटों को हरने वाले, रोगों को दूर करने वाले और भक्तों की रक्षा करने वाले हैं।
जो लोग हनुमान चालीसा का पाठ करते हैं, उनके सभी दुख और संकट दूर होते हैं।
हनुमान जी की कृपा से जीवन में सुख-शांति आती है और भगवान राम की भक्ति होती है।

What is Broken English?

Broken English means English that isn’t spoken or written correctly or fluently. It usually happens when someone is learning English and makes mistakes in grammar, pronunciation, or sentence structure.

For example:

"He go market yesterday." (Incorrect)
Correct form: "He went to the market yesterday."

Why do people speak Broken English?

They are beginners or still learning English.
They translate directly from their native language, which causes mistakes.
They don’t know English grammar rules well yet.
Lack of practice speaking or listening to English.

Common mistakes in Broken English

Missing helping verbs:
- Broken: "I no understand."
- Correct: "I do not understand."
Wrong verb forms:
- Broken: "She go school."
- Correct: "She goes to school."
Wrong word order:
- Broken: "You are where?"
- Correct: "Where are you?"
Missing prepositions:
- Broken: "I live Mumbai."
- Correct: "I live in Mumbai."

How to improve from Broken English?

Practice basic grammar rules step by step.
Listen to native speakers (movies, podcasts).
Speak often, don’t fear mistakes.
Read simple English books or articles.
Use language learning apps or courses.
Write small sentences and get feedback.

सिंह वंश की वीर गाथा

शेर की दहाड़ सी है इन वीरों की बातें,
सिंह वंश की परंपरा में झलकती हैं रातें।
महाराणा प्रताप ने हल्दीघाटी में दिखाया,
माँ भारती के लिए जब भी समय आया।

ख़ून की नदी सी बहाई जिंदगानी,
स्वतंत्रता की राह में न मानी तानी।
गुरु गोबिंद सिंह ने जगाया जोश,
खालसा पंथ की दी शेरों को खोज।

समानता और बहादुरी का संगम बना,
जात-पांत के बंधन तोड़े, नया युग चला।
पृथ्वीराज चौहान ने रणभूमि में रोशन किया,
भारत का तिरंगा गर्व से फहराया।

हार न मानी कभी, डटा रहा वह वीर,
देश के लिए किया अपने प्राणों का त्याग बिनाfeer।
सिंह वंश की परंपरा है हमें सिखाती,
साहस, न्याय, और सम्मान की राह दिखाती।

चलो मिलकर इस गौरव को जगाएं,
वीरों के सपनों को हकीकत बनाएं।
शेर की तरह दिलों में दम रखें,
सिंह वंश की शान को हम बढ़ाएं।