Tell us about yourself—what motivated you to choose law as a career path?
Career of law provides multitudes of opportunities. There is no dearth of opportunities after pursuing law honestly. Advocates don’t retire. I wanted to leave an imprint on my deceased father’s legacy. This motivated me to choose law as a career path.
How important are internships for succeeding in the legal profession?
Internship and practical training have become an inevitable part of the academic career of law students. Procedural law like CRPC, CPC cannot be well understood without practical training in the chambers of an advocate or litigation firm. Law students should get training to become ready to take up cases independently just after graduation. Every aspiring criminal law candidate must do an internship with Public Prosecutors in District Courts to observe trial proceedings, examination of witnesses, and original police records. This practical learning is essential to understand investigation lapses and the challenges of the judiciary.
Congratulations on passing the AOR exam in your first attempt. How was the experience and what tips do you suggest?
Thank you. I was determined to crack the AOR exam because the AOR tag sets me apart from other advocates. Since I came from Bihar to Delhi, I faced difficulties in getting cases and could not always become a Junior. The AOR tag gives recognition and independence. My mantra for success is consistency. I studied daily, solved previous years’ questions, and focused on understanding leading cases. Tips include answering all questions completely, maintaining legible handwriting, being precise, and citing judgments when possible.
Should law students be taught ground realities along with theory?
Yes. Law students must be taught the ground realities of court proceedings by trial court advocates. Understanding delays and case pendency helps future practitioners make informed decisions and contribute to system improvements.
How do different approaches of adjudicators help in critical thinking?
Different adjudicators have different approaches to the same case. Reading their orders and judgments helps in understanding cross-cultural overlaps in legal systems and develops critical thinking.
Does being related to a family of lawyers help in this profession?
Being related to lawyers certainly helps in starting your career, but in the long run, hard and smart work is what builds a reputation. Many advocates eventually become your competitors, so personal effort is crucial.
What’s your approach to posting content on LinkedIn?
I post knowledge-based content that provides insights to viewers. Posts are natural and originate from honest thinking. Networking is important for advocates, and posting on LinkedIn helps recognition when advertising is prohibited.
How does the startup era open new opportunities in law?
Startups always need legal consultants for regulatory compliance, approvals, IPR, cyber law, corporate, and commercial matters. Opportunities in these areas will continue to grow.
Can someone without guidance succeed? How do you inspire readers?
Guidance helps reduce struggle, but even without it, one can succeed by observing and learning from others. Honesty with oneself and continuous learning are key. Reading stories of figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Nani Palkiwala, Martin Luther King Jr., Ramanujam, and Nikola Tesla inspires motivation and passion.