The lawyer’s less glamourous

Before we ask him about his family, he shoots: “I hardly get to spend even five minutes with them in the morning. I feel really sad about it but then, work is work. We do have the satisfaction that I am not working in another city.”

Once in office, he studies the court cases, does the necessary paperwork and attends his clients

“This is one time when I am available to them as they come with their problems, seeking advice and telling me about the development,” explains Gagan.

A practitioner at both the District Court and the High Court, the lawyer heads for the court around 9.30 am.

Here, his time is usually spent “rushing from one court to another. We (lawyers) are always climbing stairs or getting off them. Work apart, it is a good exercise and keeps us fit,” remarks Gagan.

Some clients follow him even to the courts. “People come with different cases. Some have family disputes while others may be involved in accidents.”

He adds, “A lawyer shares a personal relationship with his clients because they generally meet him at a critical point in their lives. As a result, they are not merely clients, because we build a very humane rapport with them. One has to be patient.”

Gagan is also the general secretary, Lawyers for Human Rights, an NGO.

At 2 pm, it is time for lunch with a group of friends, who rarely get to spend time other than the brief encounters during court hours.

Between 4 and 5 pm, Gagan is busy with his paperwork again, updating the diary. At 6 in the evening, he is back to office attending clients till 9 pm.

After reaching home, it is a quick dinner with family before the lights go off. “Hobbies are no longer a part of my life. My family worries because once I get married my personal life will also be more demanding.”