Tag: law aspirant

1. Today many students after getting their undergrad degree aspire to pursue LLM in a foreign country as they feel that an LLM from a foreign country will be more worth than pursuing an LLM in India. What do you think about it and what would you say to these students?

Nikita Abraham- ” It depends on your interests and your means to pursue those interests. I cannot say with absolute certainty that pursuing an LLM abroad is worth more than an LLM in India, since the course structure would be very different and may not be suited for everyone. Studying abroad was the only choice many years ago if equivalent programs were not provided in India, however that is not the case today.

Before making the decision, I would recommend that students slow down and sit down to think about whether they want the experience of living abroad for a year, because that would be the minimum time spent away from India since most LLM programs are one year courses. After this, think about whether you want to stay back and work for some time away from home. Whatever your answer may be to the second question, there is a lot of planning and preparation that will follow, if you want to study abroad. If students decide to pursue their Masters from a university abroad, they should:

• Shortlist the universities that offer programs with subjects of their interest
• Have a look at the faculty associated with the courses. Go through their background and their accomplishments
• Read up about the alumni and reach out to them asking about their experiences.

A prospective LLM student should do this and definitely more! This could be an easy journey for some students, whereas it could be extremely challenging for others. Find out which one you are. The most striking features about doing any educational program abroad, which multiple people before me have said, are the people you meet from different walks of life and all over the world and what you learn from them.”

2. Many students feel that LLM is a necessity after studying law as it will enhance their profile and will give them better job opportunities in the future. What do you think about this thought process of students who just want to pursue LLM for enhancing their profile? What would you say to such students?

Nikita Abraham- ” An LLM will definitely enhance your profile, but so will actual work experience. It comes down to the real learning that takes place regardless of whether you do an LLM or decide to focus on work. Keep in mind that an LLM program is so much more labour intensive than your undergraduate program and an expensive endeavor as well. The decision you make will be influenced your unique personal situation.”

3. Students who have already decided that they want to do an LLM are often confused about whether they should pursue LLM after getting some work experience or before. What would you say to these students?

Nikita Abraham- ” This depends on your area of interest, which will influence your work profile. Did you decide when you were midway through your undergraduate program that you wanted to do an LLM from a specific university? Did you start working on your profile from then by writing papers, doing specific internships, or learn relevant skills specific to the area of your interest? If yes, then go ahead and apply for that LLM program.

But if you are unsure, don’t worry. This is where work experience helps you figure out what matters you enjoy working on and what you want to learn more about. Working in a specific field, being exposed to the current legal issues, discussions with seniors will help you navigate this. Keep in mind that some LLM programs might require work experience as part of their admission criteria.”

4. After deciding that a student wants to pursue LLM, a question that comes to mind is where? So, can you tell the viewers how to choose where to do an LLM? And how did you decide yourself.

Nikita Abraham- ” Your unique financial situation might influence this decision a lot more than other factors such as what your interests are. You will need to figure out whether you can finance it yourself, or if you need scholarships or any other external funding or benefits. Look at the places you want to apply to. Find out if it matches the goals you set for yourself, whatever they may be, and if it will help you get there. Talk to students doing the same program and ask them about their studies and other projects they have done. Does their lifestyle and experience appeal to you? If yes, then you can start planning accordingly.”

5. There is a common doubt in students that whether they should do a general or a specialized LLM. What are your thoughts on it and what would you say to the students who have this doubt?

Nikita Abraham- ” As clichéd as this will sound, once again it depends on your interests and what you wish after the program. Talk to people who have done both programs for perspectives on opportunities available after completing the programs. It doesn’t matter whether you do a general program or a specialized program, you must accept that you will have to keep learning and keep yourself abreast with legal developments that could have an impact in different spheres.”

6. Many students are often confused on which area of law they should pursue their LLM in? Because even if they know their area of interest, they are getting confused on which one to choose because today there is immense competition in the market and due to the rise of technology it creates uncertainty about the future of certain jobs. How did you decide and what would you say to the students who are confused about it?

Nikita Abraham- ” Make sure that you are ready to learn and be willing to accept that things may very well change. If the rise of technology creates uncertainty about the future of certain jobs, then you should also realize that it opens the door for other kinds of jobs. Try to learn the basic skills and more, you will realize that these will always be in demand.”

7. Do you think doing an LLM after getting an LLB degree helped you? How was your experience pursuing LLM? What were some lessons which you learned while doing an LLM which you would like to share with the viewers?

Nikita Abraham- ” Yes, it has certainly helped me. I am currently doing the program. I learnt the importance of research. Being prepared really makes a difference, whether it is for your lectures, your seminars, other miscellaneous discussions with classmates, studying for your exams. You realize the importance of effective time management while juggling so many tasks on your own as an LLM student abroad. You also realize that the work you put in and your extra efforts make a difference in most activities that you do, but sometimes you can be wrong. You learn the importance of working hard but also that you need to be smart. You learn by trial and error and you come to accept that you will not be successful at everything you try out, but you will find out what you can succeed at.”

8. What according to you are some key things the students should keep in mind who have decided to do an LLM? What advice would you like to give to LLM aspirants?

Nikita Abraham- ” I would say start early once you have made up your mind. Do not while away time when you have to work on your application, because there is a lot of preparation that goes into this. After shortlisting the universities that you want to apply to, be sure to be very clear about what is expected from you as a candidate. Do not leave room for doubt. Ask around if you are unsure; ask the present students studying there, reach out to the alumni, contact the university’s administrative department.

After you know the process thoroughly, start working on your application. Some of you may take months, some of you might only need a week or two. Don’t be afraid to ask for help during this process. It is stressful and you will definitely need support. Reach out to your teachers, your friends who have done this before, seniors, your employers if that is the case, etc. Make sure to give it your all and do it with sincerity. The rest usually follows!”

About Nikhil Naren

Nikhil has completed his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelors of Laws [B.A.LL.B] from Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, India in the year 2020. Over the years he has built special inclination and interest towards Information Technology Laws, Intellectual Property Laws, Competition Law, and Contract Law amongst other areas of law. He has Co-Authored the book, Internet Law: Regulating Cyberspace and Emerging Technologies published by Bloomsbury Professional India [ISBN: 978-9389714951] at the age of twenty-three.

He was an active member and convenor of his law school’s photography society- One ‘Click’ and also has a good experience at Moot Courts and Mock-Trial competitions. Apart from this, he also mentors law students for Moots, Research, Internship, and on any other issues approached for. He loves to write on contemporary issues falling under his domain of interest. He was offered a Pre-Placement [PPO] while he was in the VII Semester of his law school and thus, has around 25 months of Work Experience in IPR and InfoTech laws over and above his past internships.

He successfully handles Metacept [www.metacept.com], a one-stop platform created for the enthusiasts of IPR and InfoTech laws with the help of his dedicated team.

He is a focused person with a strong belief in honesty and hard work. His objective in life is to continuously improve himself and to try new things that challenge him. He is a firm believer in the fact that “learning never stops”.

7 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY LAW STUDENTS:

1. Grades are important because the goal of grading is to evaluate individual students’ learning and performance. But some say that grades are not always a reliable measure for evaluating. What do you think the role of grade/CGPA in a law student’s career? Up to what extent does a grade got in college matter? What would you say to students who haven’t been able to get good grades/CGPA in college as many students fear that due to bad grades/CGPA they won’t be able to get jobs in top law firms or companies?

Nikhil Naren- “Grades may be a good reflection of one’s discipline but not necessarily one’s skills. The study of law enables you to proceed with multiple career choices and one needs to figure out what aligns with their career choice. If a student’s choice of career mandates having good grades, they must. If a student wishes to pursue masters from top law schools abroad, grades [and specific subject grades] play a vital role. Some of the top law firms do have a minimum grade requirement that makes you eligible to sit for their interview.

In conclusion, I would like to say that grades are important but are not the only important factor in placing you where you wish to be. I will advise students to at least maintain an average grade in law school but give due attention to both co-curricular [publications and moots] and extra-curricular activities to make a fine balance in the end.”

2. Students are often confused about what does a good CV look like which would attract the attention of employers. Many students even pay some organizations to make a good CV for them. You must have changed and updated your CV/Resume many times in your career and you must have even seen many CV/Resumes of students as well. What according to you is an ideal CV? And what is the difference between a rejected CV and an accepted CV? In simple words, what according to you does an employer tries to find in a CV? 

Nikhil Naren- ” At the very outset, I would like to state that CVs should be tailored every time one sends them for availing an opportunity. Tailoring a CV means that the student highlights their accomplishments in line with the opportunity they wish to apply for. For example, if one applies to a law firm specialising in Intellectual Property Rights [IPR] laws, they should make it a point to first highlight all of their important achievements in the domain of IPR. Do further research on the other domains that the firm caters to.

Remember, your CV should speak loud and clear about your interests because it is the first point of interaction between yourself and your potential recruiter. You may also try to switch roles and assess yourself from the perspective of the recruiter.

One should also keep in mind that the CV does not run beyond two pages, utilize the margins and keep clear headers. You must avoid having your picture on the CV unless it is for modelling assignments.”

3. Many students normally have a fear that since they are 1st generation law students their journey would be more difficult than a student whose parents are lawyers. What is your take on it and what would you say to them?

Nikhil Naren- ” This perception might have been true around two decades ago. Certainly not in the present times. We are witnessing good law schools coming up and the practice of law diversifying. Opportunities have moved beyond graduating from law school and heading straightaway to Court practice. I am a 2^nd generation lawyer myself, but the domain of law I work in has never been practised by my father and vice versa. Today, one has ample opportunity to make their mark provided they are honest and consistent with their efforts.”

4. In Law school, there is a perception that the more the number of internships the better. Is it true? And many students feel that most of their friends get internships because of contacts and not merit due to which the students who truly deserve miss out. What would you say to them?

Nikhil Naren- ” Internships are very important, numbers aren’t. Internships provide a student with the practical learning opportunity and application of theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom. Personally speaking, an internship at one place for a longer duration creates a better impression as compared to five internships at five different places. Another reason why internships are important is that it is the only way to assess if the practice of a particular domain of law interests you or not. You might be great at knowing the essentials of a valid contract but it is through internships that you hone the skills of drafting a contract. What do you think is more important and place you well then, knowing the essentials or drafting?”

5. When you enter into law school there is a perception that you need to do moots and win moot competitions so that you can be a good lawyer in the future. Is it true? What would you tell the students regarding this, especially to students who haven’t or don’t want to participate in moots?

Nikhil Naren- ” Mooting is an important learning and skill-developing exercise that prepares you for the profession [especially if you want to pursue litigation]. However, it is not a set benchmark for becoming a good lawyer. I encourage the learners of law to become a part of their law school’s mooting contingent for at least a year. A moot court competition improves your researching and drafting skills, teamwork skills, oratory skills, presentation skills and tests your perseverance. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that while working on a moot problem one gets a golden opportunity to lay their hands-on learning new laws even before being taught.

For students who are not interested in mooting, I strongly urge you to take it up for a year. If one is not interested still, I strongly advise them to go for good publications, but that too would not necessarily guarantee in making them a good lawyer.”

6.Students nowadays are very confused regarding the area of law they should choose. Even if they know their area of interest, they are getting confused on which one to choose because nowadays there is immense competition in the market and due to the rise of technology it creates uncertainty about the future of certain jobs. What would you say to the students?

Nikhil Naren- ” Competition shouldn’t ever make you quit on your area of interest rather it should become an enabling factor to become the best version of yourself in that particular area of practice. That’s just two different perceptions of looking at it. We have witnessed our lives turning upside down due to the pandemic, which in itself was so uncertain. You can’t stop the waves, but you can always learn to surf, isn’t it?”

7. What according to you is the most important life/career lesson you learned which every law student should know?

Nikhil Naren- ” Keep learning every day and be a better version of yourself. Evaluate before you decide or make an opinion about something. Be the Shepheard, not the sheep. Impressing others shouldn’t be your motivation. Lastly, keep your excuses at bay.”