A lawyer at 100 with no plans to stop

P.B. Menon, a Palakkad lawyer, turned 100 on October 10, 2026, and continues to walk into court with a brief in hand nearly eight decades after he first began practising law.

He holds the Guinness World Record

Menon holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a practising lawyer. Three years ago, he completed 73 years and 60 days in practice, surpassing Gibraltar lawyer Louis Triay's record of 70 years…

Prime Minister Modi sent centenary greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Menon on his centenary, commending his contribution to the legal profession and his service to people over several decades.

Modi praised his decades of service

Modi said a century is a remarkable milestone and that dedicating time and energy over such a long period in service of people is inspiring.

“A century is a remarkable milestone. To dedicate one's time and energy over such a long period in the service of people is even more inspiring.”

Trust matters more than years in court

For Menon, a lawyer's worth has never been determined by years spent in court or cases handled. What matters is the trust clients place in him and the responsibility that comes with representing them.

A turning point in civil law

Menon graduated from Government Victoria College, Palakkad, in 1947 and studied law at Madras Law College, Chennai.

His approach to every case

Menon earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, concise arguments and honest assessment of cases. He believes a strong case does not require lengthy arguments but thorough understanding and ability to anticipate opposing arguments.

Colleagues call him a legal institution

P. Premnath, former deputy director of prosecution, calls Menon a phenomenon and legal institution from which today's practitioners have lessons to learn. E. Krishnadas, lawyer and BJP State treasurer, describes him as a legend.

His home became a meeting place

Menon's home, Rose Land at Puthur in Palakkad town, has long been a meeting place for lawyers and clients.

Client confidence is his greatest reward

While many contemporaries became judges, Menon chose to remain a practising lawyer. The greatest reward, he believes, is the confidence of a client who considers him dependable and values his honest opinion.