Thread by @Hareshraichura

Thread : How to read a Legal Document. A small tip..

1) Clients come with heap of letters and documents and ask us to file their case.

There is a method about it which many #Lawyers use.

2) First, listen at length. Do not interrupt client if possible. Do not cross examine him. Do not disturb him. Avoid jumping to any conclusion about his case.

3) We cannot build our case on basis of what clients tell us.

We have to go through the papers he may have brought with him.

If there is a heap of papers, we may have to read them one by one.

Here, if we know some method, it helps. This method is the purpose of this thread.

4/ Take one paper, one letter or one document for reading.

First read, who is the author of this document?

Which authority has signed it?

What name is on the letterhead of document?

5/ Then next, try to find out Date of the document or letter.

What is the date of letter?

Is there any different other dates below sign?

Signing date, dispatch date, receipt date etc.

This can alert us if letter is "backdated" or if there is discrepancy in these dates.

6/ Then, check to whom this letter is addressed.

Who is the addressee? Or is this a general letter?

7/ Then, try to check what does the letter writer wants in the end of letter?

What is the ending of letter?

Does it give time period?

Does it give any order ?

Does is it ask for something?
etc.

8/ Above steps will create a frame work in your memory.

Thereafter, you can relax and if it interests you, if you think that this will be an important document, start reading it from top line of the letter to the last of the letter.

9/ An example. Many years ago, a client came to me. He has lost in courts below. It was his last chance in Supreme Court. He has came with three bag full of papers.

He wanted me to read all these papers before I prepare his case.

It was summer vacation. I had no other case.

10/ I told him that I can do focused reading only upto 5 hours in a day. If I have to read all these papers, it may take me 7 days. And while I read, he will have to sit with me to answer any questions that may come to my mind while reading. I quoted my fees. He agreed.

11/ For next 7 days, I read all his papers by applying method in tweet 4) to 8) above.

We discovered that one sale deed in the chain of sale deeds, was in name of some non-existant persons.

This one document turned his case around and he won in Supreme Court.