You have been working as an Associate at Solicitors India Law Offices with previous experiences at Bihar State Pollution Control Board and Vidhi Associates. How has your journey been so far?
After graduation, I was very unsure as to what stream I wanted to pursue. There was Judiciary, and my family was quite excited at the prospect of the job security that a government job provides. Then there was the option of pursuing Masters, which was an attractive option, since I love teaching. However, I wanted to stay for a while at my hometown, so I joined Vidhi Associates. It was a great learning experience, and the mentors were extremely nice while explaining the ABCs of practicing law. But then I got to know about the opportunity at the Pollution Control Board, and it had easier working hours, and was also very close to my place. I unexpectedly learned a lot about the language of drafting, including the most minute details of legislative drafting.
However, I had this continuous itch inside of me, that wanted to appear and argue, and go beyond drafting notices and petition. So I applied to around ten law firms in New Delhi, and most of them weren’t hiring. After a long wait, I got shortlisted for three firms. Solicitors India was a great option, because I had interned there previously, and I knew the people who worked there. And sir immediately agreed to meet with me, and asked me to join on a probation basis for a month. But working at the office, I got such a lot of exposure in the first fifteen days, I knew I was staying put. Sir lets us, entry level graduates, to work on the entire case files, patiently explains what needs to be done, and does not doubt his Associates for a minute. And after such a tumultuous year, I’m glad I made the right decision.
You graduated from RGNLU, Patiala. Do you think a NLU-tag matters?
Initially, while I was in college, I was sure that the tag is mostly just something we’ve made up. And of course, my college had its share of bad reputation (we even had a strike and the authorities had to compromise and make a lot of administrative changes). But while applying for enrollment, I was told that since I was from an NLU, the process should go by smoothly. And after talking and meeting people who graduated from non-NLUs, I believe that it’s a deep-rooted notion in a lot of people, and that is the sole reason it matters. And somehow, this notion helps non-NLU students to work harder and take up more initiatives.
How were your law school days like?
College was like Narnia. I made the unlikeliest of friends, and transformed from a person who is into large groups into a recluse. I also failed in Economics, which was a first for me. But then I also realized how much I love studying law, arguing and teaching. We had a lot fun at fests and college parties, but I also learned how much societal issues affect me. I saw myself getting upset whenever I read or heard about women being raped or children being abused, because I knew there were things, we could do about it. And when I graduated, I saw my batch mates turn into some of the most aware and strong individuals I know, and despite the five years that involved petty fights, arguments and Chinese Whispers, I am proud to have graduated with that batch.
You have had diverse internship experience which includes Additional Advocate General, Patna High Court and National Commission for Women. How important it is to choose your internships wisely?
Very. But not in the sense that the name of the institution in important. I had also been selected for internship with advocates who were empaneled with the government and had huge chambers, but I have also quit internships on the first day. It is important to talk to your friends and seniors, and to decide which internships suit you best. If the career you are pursuing requires you to intern at tier-one and two law firms, do it. If your career requires you to learn court craft, opt for a senior who is willing to teach you, or assign a mentor for you. Interning at various places definitely leaves you with a variety of career paths to choose from.
A word of advice for young law aspirants?
Read. Question. And do not be apprehensive about being inquisitive for your own sake or others. You are going to be lawyers. We are problem solvers. This is one community where you are nobody’s employee. There will never be a day when you will be unemployed. Sure, things will seem dicey at the beginning, but this is one avenue that has no limit. You continue to learn and implement. But always, always remember – knowing the power you hold, use it for someone who needs it truly. Be a humane lawyer. We are all humans anyway.
Also read - In conversation with Advocate Anish Sethi, Delhi
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