Adab Singh Kapoor on AOR exam prep as independent family law practitioner

Adab Singh Kapoor is an Advocate-on-Record (AOR) at the Supreme Court of India and Founder of Adab Singh Kapoor & Associates, a litigation firm with a pan-India practice. A first-generation lawyer, he has built a commendable family law practice, one that operates as comfortably in the courts of Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai as it does in disputes touching Singapore, Dubai, London, and beyond. His practice is anchored in high-stakes matrimonial litigation, highly contested child custody disputes including cross-border disputes and complex financial settlements in family disputes. He holds a BBA LLB from Symbiosis Law School, Pune, an LLM in Energy Laws from UPES, and concurrently qualified as a Company Secretary giving him a commercial rigour that is rare in family law practice. His article on Parental Alienation and Child Custody appears in the SCAORA Journal (November 2025). He is a Visiting Expert at Symbiosis International University and is currently pursuing a PhD on a topic pertaining to the socio-psycho legal aspects of shared parenting. He spoke to SCC Online about his practice as a Family Law specialist, what it takes to clear the AOR examination when you run your own firm, and why Indias family law still has a long way to travel. 1. You were a science student. What was the moment you realised you wanted to become a lawyer? I was a science student and was contemplating a career in engineering, as was the sentiment amongst most of my batchmates then in St. Patricks School, Asansol, West Bengal. However, after Class 12, I did not see myself pursuing further studies in engineering. It was at that time when I figured that I should pursue a career which resonated with my strengths and interests. I enjoyed debating and public speaking and felt that I should pursue a career which involves these skills. It was at this point that a career in law started making sense and I decided to pursue it. 2. You set up your own firm as a first-generation lawyer in your mid-twenties. What is the one thing I wish someone had told you before you opened those doors? What gave me the confidence to start my practice early, was my stint at Law School. At Symbiosis Law School, Pune, I had the honour and privilege of being the first President of the Student Council in 2008. Also, I was the Convenor of Symbhav, the colleges first sports and cultural festival in 2009. To pull off a festival, you need a strong team, sponsors, and meticulous planning and execution at various levels. There was no precedent and we as a team managed to make it a success. Also, I had taken various other initiatives in Law School. I thought, if I could manage to successfully take initiatives in Law School as a student then probably I could manage to run a law firm. As such after working for 2.5 years with Paras Kuhad and Associates, Delhi and DSK Legal Delhi, I started my independent practice in December 2011 at the age of 26. As per the one thing, which I wish someone had told me early on, I would say, the importance of networking, and more importantly the manner in which it is to be done. This is of material importance and I wish I had known these skills earlier in my career. 3. What advice would you give to advocates desirous to clear the coveted AOR exam? What people do not quite appreciate is how difficult it is to prepare for that exam if you are running an active independent practice. If you are working in a law firm or a seniors chamber, you can request for some time off, three-four weeks, to prepare and study. When you run your own firm, you are accountable to your own clients. Urgent matters come up. Interim reliefs need to be sought. The phone does not stop ringing simply because you have an examination going on. There were times when I had to appear for hearings even on the day of the exam. I cleared it while managing an active practice. However, my advice would be to take some time off (a month, if possible) and request your colleagues to pitch in wherever requ

Lawyers running their own firms should be aware of the challenges in preparing for the AOR examination, which requires significant time and dedication, and may need to adjust their priorities or seek support from colleagues.

Source: Original reporting via SCC Online Blog