Law students are training to argue cases

Law students are training to argue cases, draft contracts, and think critically under pressure.

But most of them can’t focus for 30 minutes without checking their phones.

Last week, Srihari Prahalad was invited to speak at The Central Law College, Salem for their Conclave on Beyond The Screen: Social Well Being & Culture.

The room was packed with students who will soon enter courtrooms, negotiate deals, and represent clients in high-stakes situations.

And right now? Most of them are losing arguments to Instagram reels.

This wasn’t a lecture about “phone bad, books good.” Srihari spoke about something far more urgent for future lawyers: how digital habits are eroding the exact skills their careers depend on.

The legal profession demands:

→ Presence to connect with clients and judges
→ Sustained attention to read dense case law
→ Deep analysis to construct arguments
→ Mental stamina for long hearings

But constant notifications, app-switching, and dopamine-driven scrolling are training their brains to do the opposite. Shallow thinking. Fragmented attention. Constant distraction.

One student asked: “How do we balance staying connected with staying focused?”

Srihari’s answer: you don’t balance them. You choose which one matters more for the life you’re building.

These students will either master their attention or let their devices master them. There’s no middle ground in a profession that rewards clarity and punishes distraction.

The question they left with: can you win a case if you can’t win back your focus?

Looking to bring this conversation to your college, company, or community? Srihari speaks on digital wellness, EMR awareness, and building healthier tech habits.

Reach out to book him for your next event.