Super Lawyer

Tag: UILS

  • Nitika Marya, Vahura, on recruiting junior lawyers

    Nitika Marya, Vahura, on recruiting junior lawyers

    Nitika Marya graduated from University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh in 2013. She did her internships with D.P. Ahuja & Co ( Patents & Coprights Attorney) in Kolkata, Lenovo- legal department, Gurgaon, SPS Bhullar, Punjab & Haryana High Court and also assisted Sivana with their contracts- a Recruitment Company in Muscat.

    At Vahura, Nitika is specifically responsible for recruiting junior lawyers with an experience of 0 to 3 years in the Delhi-NCR region and also looking into Candidate engagement and Assesment. 

    In this interview, she talks to us about:

    • Her experience at University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University.
    • Primary professional ethics she follows.
    • Unconventional start to her legal profession.
    • Other fields a corporate lawyer can try apart from joining law firms.

    Most of our readers are young lawyers and law students. How will you introduce yourself to them?

    I am a consultant at Vahura, a specialized legal talent search partner and a People’s person. I love networking and learning more about people from different backgrounds and have always been a sports person and a health freak. I have learnt from the experiences and situations in life and focused on developing myself into a better person with every passing day. I like to focus on being positive and healthy and working hard in the areas of my interest. I always want to be curious in my life.

    Please tell a bit of what motivated you to pursue law as a career.

    I was always interested in exploring the nexus between law and the Government Services. I always wanted a career in the Defense Services and an opportunity to work with the JAG Department had always been the reason behind my choosing a legal education and career. I had an opportunity to witness the value of a strong legal education and the impact it could have on an individual and societal level. Thanks to my uncle who was a Sessions Judge in the Panjab and Haryana High Court – someone who influenced me greatly and has been a role model to me in my entire life.

    Tell us about your college life at University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University.

    I really immersed myself fully into the college experience. I was chosen to be the Class representative and was genuinely interested in my education and believed in the need for practical. I was always a volunteer for field work on a number of projects that included issues like drug abuse and rehabilitation. I was not a keen orator however but never shied away from expressing my opinions. I always participated in all the extracurricular activities and as is the case with most college students, I travelled extensively with my friends.

    Did you find that your law school education had prepared you sufficiently for the many tasks you were required to execute during your internships and later at your job?

    There was very little assistance with respect to recruitments in its own way though it made me very independent. The pressure of seeking my own opportunities helped me refine my research skills and organizing abilities, which is something I have carried into my career. In a sense, law school made me very self sufficient.

    What is your take on working at a smaller law firm in early years of career rather than working at a very big law firm?

    If you’re looking for greater professional exposure and independent experiences, it’s always good to work in a smaller law firm. A smaller firm provides its employees a more diversified profile of work and encourages an attitude that is increasingly less dependent on external guidance. Spending time in a smaller law firm invariably leads to greater confidence, post which is good for someone to explore other opportunities.

    What are the primary professional ethics you follow while at work?

    I try to reflect the clients and the candidates I interact with, ensuring that I am well prepared for all discussions and negotiations. Etiquette is important and I always like to ensure that I have a complete understanding of what works where. I like to think that I should strike a balance between confidentiality and transparency wherein I never over sell or attempt to make an opportunity or a profile seem like something it is not. I like to call a spade a spade and by doing so, I earn the trust of whoever I am working with – something which is very valuable to me.

    Why is there an unconventional start to your legal profession (joining Vahura)?

    As I mentioned earlier, I always wanted to get into law because of my interest in Defense. As I continued to research opportunities in the law, I realized that there were very few resources and people who could offer guidance to young law students, particularly those interested in a more holistic perspective that looked beyond the already existing, conventional choices. I wanted to act as a bridge between students and the system and my work at Vahura allows me to do just that. You could say that it’s a way of reinterpreting the age that if you want to change the system, you have to be a part of the system and with Vahura, I interact closely with legal professionals and the industry, gaining insights into its working every day.

    What gets you to wake up every day?

    I’m excited about my work. Vahura offers me the opportunity to meet people who are interesting. I love my colleagues and the time I spend with them at work is precious. I feel like I’m getting closer to bridge the gap between professionals and students– a purpose that initially led me to Vahura.

    What is the best thing about your present job?

    I love meeting people. Vahura has given me opportunities to organize and speak at various platforms like IDIA where I have the chance to interact with young law students who are seeking answers to questions regarding their career and educations. I also look forward to meet my colleagues everyday. I also love organizing events and Vahura allows me to be in the forefront of interesting, curated experiences such as the Private Commercial Mediation Conclave – a conference co-hosted by the Centre for Advanced Mediation and Practices. I have some great memories from the Vahura – IDIA football tournament held every year where members of law firms from across the country meet up to play against each other, in the name of a good cause. I have spoken to SSB Army aspirants about my experiences taking the entrance exams and recently spoke to the IDIA scholars about preparing for the civil services exams.

    I feel like I’ve evolved as a professional and as a person I’ve become more confident and less shy of my abilities. I am always curious and feel like Vahura pushes me to learn more and more about myself.

    What are the other related fields where a corporate lawyer can try their hand apart from joining law firms and corporate houses?

    Government services and the Defense offer a range of options – there are always opportunities in JAG and the Civil Services. In addition, there are a number of Start Ups and smaller firms that are constantly looking for enthusiastic, young lawyers who are hungry to learn more and work hard on the job. Big law firms and corporate houses needn’t always be the answer and if anyone is interested, I would always be happy to speak to them one on one to discuss their concerns and answer their queries.

    What would be the one misconception you’d say you’d always held about real life legal work till the time you were an intern but changed once you started working as a lawyer?

    At an internship I always assisted the Senior. I have now understood that I need to make my own decisions with respect to my career and my life.

    What would be your parting message to law students who want to be successful in law?

    I might be repeating myself however it is very important to always stay faithful to what you want to do. Even if what you want is not a majority opinion, that’s fine and this could still mean that you have opportunities ahead. You do not always have to go to a big law firm or corporate but you can always join a startup etc. and find yourself the way Vahura helped me find myself.

     

  • Manveen Singh, Research Associate, JGLS, on pursuing a PhD in Patents, and a career in academia

    Manveen Singh, Research Associate, JGLS, on pursuing a PhD in Patents, and a career in academia

    Manveen Singh graduated from UILS, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in 2012. He then went on to pursue his Masters from UCL in Intellectual Property Law. He is currently working as a Research Associate at Jindal Global Law School, Sonepat . He enjoys teaching and plans to pursue a PhD in Patent Law (Intellectual Property) this fall.With six international participations, nine internships, five research papers, one book chapter, sixteen national conferences, he was an extremely hard working, consistent and brilliant law student.

    In this interview we speak to him about:

    • Studying abroad
    • The legal education regime in India
    • Pursuing a future in academia

    Tell us something about yourself.

    Well, I am someone who is very honest, emotional and passionate about everything I do. I am a firm believer of destiny and I also believe that if you have your heart set out on achieving something there is absolutely nothing that can hold you back.
    What truly unwinds me is football. Manchester United is well, the love of my life. Besides that I love travelling, reading and listening to music. One thing that has always given me peace is photography.

     

    When and how did you decide to pursue law?

    Before joining law, I was basically a science student. However, my shifting from science stream to humanities was purely co-incidental with my father’s taking up a prestigious assignment as the founder Vice-Chancellor of one of the reputed National Law Schools of the country. Though my father never wanted me to study directly under his supervision and stewardship, lest it could affect my independence and academic blossoming, his constant hammerings for my understanding of the basic concepts of law and for an in-depth study and critical analysis of some of the legal doctrines nevertheless inculcated in me the strong and never ending desire for taking up legal studies as a means to embrace the ever challenging and exciting career in the field of law, the decision that I feel proud of having taken when I sit back and reflect pensively

     

    Tell us something from your days at UILS!

    I have very fond memories from my time at UILS and Panjab University. My graduation from such a reputed university, rather the best Indian university in the world (as we may call it now, based on the latest rankings) and my five year long and close association with some of the most committed and dedicated teachers showing paternalistic interests in me inculcated in me the never ending quest for more and more knowledge. I was always an active participant in all the legal as well as other academic events that took place at UILS and the University and not to forget, good in studies too.

    Besides that, college life gave me friends, friendships and more that shall stay with me for the rest of my life.

     

    What made you pursue your LL.M in the UK?

    I always wanted to go abroad for my post-graduation; the only dilemma being whether to go straight after law school or work for a year or two and then go. It was not until I entered into the final year of my undergraduate degree that I made up my mind and applied to all the top universities in the UK. My parents and teachers were unanimous in their advice to the effect of my going in for my masters straightaway.

    For me it was always going to be the UK over the US. Also, my father did his PhD. from the UK so there was always that connection and motivation towards handpicking UK over other countries.
    I applied to a number of UK universities including University College London, King’s College London, London School of Economics, Queen Mary University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) as well as University of Oxford. I got through to all of them with the exception of Oxford. I had my heart set on UCL and as destiny would have it, UCL it was.

     

    How should one zero in on the law schools? Should consideration be paid to living expenses in that particular place?

    There are multiple factors that you need to take into consideration while zeroing in on the right law school. Ranking, of course plays its part but besides that you have to be sure of the area you wish to specialize in, whether that university offers you that specialization and lastly, the concerned faculty. As far as the living expenses are concerned, when you pick a country there is not too much difference in terms of the living expenses within the different cities. On that front you would rather adhere to the overall profile of a university and then come to the advantages of being in a particular city.

     

    Tell us about the course structure and specialization of Master of Laws at University College London?

    Well, UCL offers you the chance to specialize in a whole lot of areas of law. I personally, have always been very fascinated by Intellectual Property Laws so one of the reasons behind my choosing UCL for specializing in IPR was the fact that the Faculty of Laws at UCL has arguably the best IP faculty in the UK.

     

    How diversified was your batch at UCL?

    Well, my batch at UCL was one of the most diverse ones out there. The quest for learning bringing together all these people from different parts of the world to brainstorm and share their ideas and expertise in the various fields.

    Most of them are now back in their own countries plying their trade while some of them stayed back in the UK as they were hired by some of the Magic Circle law firms. Some even made it to the UN.

     

    Do you think that nowadays, some students do an LL.M because it seems the “right thing to do” and not because they know what they want to study or why they want to?

    Well, to be honest, I don’t really subscribe to that view of it being the “right thing to do” or not. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of choice whether or not one wants to go in for his/her masters. If you’re up for it, just go for it. There’s no looking back.

    I would like to add a quote here, “If you force yourself to go outside, something wonderful always happens”.

     

    What do most foreign universities look for among candidates?

    Most foreign universities require a well drafted SOP and a couple of LORs besides good grades.

     

    What is the key ingredient of a well written SOP?

    A well written SOP is one which truly reflects your thoughts and intentions behind pursuing a master’s degree and how it is going to be beneficial for your career interests. You can, of course make it personal but the language must be formal. One thing that is highly appreciated by foreign universities is community work. Surely, that has got to be one of the key ingredients of an SOP.

    An honest tip to those making their SOPs would be to be as honest as possible and not cook up things or achievements. That’s the most common mistake people tend to make which has more chances of landing one in trouble than not.

     

    Do you think that having your recommendation letters written from distant acquaintances with influential position may backfire against you while making your application?

    Essentially, every foreign university requires two academic LORs, preferably from the professors who have taught you during your undergraduate degree. In addition to that any other LOR is considered as a supplementary document and the role it would tend to play in the success of one’s application is very subjective and depends from university to university. So there is not too much you can do with the standard established protocol.

     

    How do you think one should go about their chances of securing a scholarship for an LL.M program?

    Securing a scholarship at a foreign university is one of the first and foremost things that every Indian student tends to look at and with the cut-throat competition out there, it has become more of an uphill task in recent times. Good grades coupled with practical internships and community work is the key to securing a scholarship for an LL.M. program.
    UCL has quite a few categories of scholarships available to students all over the world. If we talk about the scholarships for Indian students at UCL, there are two awards; one being the Master of Rolls Scholarship for Commonwealth Students (one award for a student from the commonwealth nations) and the Chief Justice Scholarship. I was a proud recipient of the former for my LL.M. studies at UCL.

     

    What are the criteria for an LL.M graduate to enter the teaching profession in India?

    The minimum basic requirement for entering into academia is a master’s degree. Most of the universities require you to be NET qualified while at the same time there are some that allow you clear it while in service.

     

    How are you going ahead with the PhD application procedures?

    Yes, I wish to start off with my Ph.D. as soon as possible and shall put forward my candidature at various universities as soon as the applications open this fall.

     

    Describe your teaching style.

    I would say it comes to me naturally since it runs in the genes. My father is an academician and so was my grandmother. Now that I look back and try to find the inspiration behind my joining academia, I would have to give a major chunk of the credit to my friends since I taught a few of them during my university days and they would always encourage me by  telling me how good I was at it.
    One thing I still can’t forget is the fact that I taught a friend of mine and he outscored me in one of the semesters. I think that did it for me.

    Well, I am someone who tries to give his 100% in every lecture while at the same time try to get the best out of the students. Not every student is the same so my endeavor always is to reach out to every student and make them comfortable with the subject that I’m teaching.

    I try to use as much of practical and real life examples as possible besides the conventional theoretical methodology in order to make every lecture as interesting as possible. Although I give my students PowerPoint slides for every lecture but while teaching I want them to listen to what is being taught for I think that is the only way for them to master the concepts.

     

    What do you like best about teaching at JGLS?

    There are a couple of things that I like about JGLS. Firstly, I feel that the academic freedom you possess as a teacher and more so as a young faculty member is something that is very important. JGLS gives you that freedom and so much so that the only way you can repay it is by doing full justice to your job. That is something I cherish day in and day out.

    Secondly, it’s the students. They just get the best out of you as a teacher. Every day is like a new challenge for me. There are so many things that you as a layman would not be inspired to read or write on but the ideas that flow from classroom teaching are unparalleled. If the students are smart and intellectual, it will inevitably push you to give your best as a teacher and I think that is one thing I like the most about the students at JGLS. The sense of satisfaction that you derive out of standing in front of 60 students and delivering a good lecture is absolutely priceless

    I have been teaching for close to ten months now; all of those at JGLS.

     

    Which subject(s) do you teach?

    I have only taught a couple of subjects as yet; Labour Law being one of them. I am mostly interested in commercial and criminal law subjects. The one subject that interests me the most is of course, Intellectual Property Law (IPR) since that is the only subject that keeps me connected with science while at the same time being a commercial law subject. I shall be teaching Law of Evidence next semester and I am already looking forward to it.

     

    After your experience abroad, why do you think LL.M in India is a little less sought after?

    I think it flows from the fact that the two systems are quite different. Firstly, the biggest reason for students preferring to go abroad for LL.M. was in India being a 2-year degree. Secondly, the overall structure, the breaking down of the modules, the style of teaching and the tutorial system are so different from that in India that it is quite difficult to compare the two.

     

    Do you think legal education in the country needs an overhaul?

    I don’t think there are any drastic changes that need to be made in the existing system but something that can surely be done is to change the conventional orthodox system of legal education and adopt a more practical approach or rather strike a fine balance between the two and enable the students in competing with their contemporaries from around the world.

    Do you opine that law schools have become largely expensive?

    Yes, I do think some of the new law schools are relatively expensive as compared to the traditional universities but at the same time, I strongly believe that the kind of exposure and the opportunities that one would get at some of these privately funded or national law schools is incomparable to that being offered by the traditional universities.

     

    What would be your message to our readers?

    For those of you who are really keen to pursue an LL.M from abroad, remember what I earlier wrote: ‘If you force yourself to go outside, something wonderful will always happen.’ It’s a new and different exposure to behold. I wish all the very best to others in their endeavours.

  • Navneet Brar, Masters candidate, University of Bristol, on scholarships, SOPs and higher studies

    Navneet Brar, Masters candidate, University of Bristol, on scholarships, SOPs and higher studies

    Navneet Brar graduated from University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, in 2012. She holds an LL.M in International Law from University of Bristol. She was also awarded a scholarship to pursue International Winter Course on Human Rights and Asia, at the Seoul National University. She is keen to pursue further research in “International Human Rights law or International Criminal law” this fall.

    In this interview we speak to her about:

    • Studying in Bristol
    • The Indian legal education regime
    • Plans for the future

    Tell us something about yourself.

    Well, I would describe myself as someone with a sanguine disposition and one who is always striving to materialize her dreams. I believe in maintaining an open mind with an unprejudiced attitude.
    In my spare time, I love to try my hands at photography. Besides that, what truly unwinds me is traveling and reading about new places and diverse cultures. In terms of my strengths, I think my independence and will power have always been the biggest boon to me. But I have a tendency to get stuck up on trivial details and loose time.

     

    Tell us about your childhood and family.

    Sports! That’s the first thing that strikes my mind. I have been a National level skater, State Volleyball player and also tried my hands at fencing, basketball, cross country racing. I was always into extra-curricular activities. So, quite evidently I was the kid seldom found in the classroom.
    Regarding my parents, my father is a PCS officer working in the Punjab Co-operatives Department and my mother is a subject expert with the State Council of Educational Research and Training, Punjab. Thankfully, both of them have always been very open and supportive of whatever I wanted to pursue.

     

    What made you pursue law?

    Honestly, growing up, the legal field never crossed my mind. I have no one in my distant relatives involved in the legal profession. In fact after 12th grade, I had started undergraduate studies with Geography and History as my major. However, when I was towards the completion of my first year, I started feeling very dissatisfied with what I was doing. I discussed my concerns with my parents. A very good friend of mine, who was pursuing law at Symbiosis, Pune at that time hatched this idea to try the legal field. It sounded quite appealing and I took the plunge. So, here I am! Still very content with my decision.

     

    How would you describe your five years of law school?

    I started studying in UILS in 2007 and graduated in 2012. I must say I had a lot of fun during these five years. In fact, Panjab University was like a second home for me.

    When I joined UILS, it was very new, as the first batch was still to graduate. In spite of that, the institution had made quite a good name for itself. As I look back now, it has come quite a long way in a very short while. With the new students bringing laurels to the institute each day, I expect to see UILS as one of the top law schools in the coming years.

     

    Tell us about few legal luminaries or other persons that you highly admire.

    I greatly admire Justice J.S. Verma. He truly was the face of judicial activism in India. Though he has always been the champion for the expansion of fundamental rights and women empowerment but I gained the utmost respect for his thought and ideas while I was working on my LL.M dissertation on criminalization of marital rape in India. The content of the comprehensive report which was submitted under his supervision is commendable!

     

    When and how did you decide to do your LL.M?

    Frankly, it wasn’t an instant decision. Over the law school years, I got a small taste of the litigation world while doing my internships. I had decided there on that I would instead like to go into academics and legal research. Even so, I always wanted to have an experience of studying in a foreign university.

     

    How did you choose University of Bristol? What was the application procedure?

    Well, firstly I was certain that I wanted to apply for UK only and secondly that I didn’t want to spend my masters living in London. The London part might confuse some people (it usually does!) but having lived in both London and Bristol, I would still never choose London!

    Besides, University of Bristol is one of the top 30 universities in the world and Bristol Law School is also amongst the best law schools in UK. The application procedure is the standard as any of the UK universities. Applicants are required to have a minimum 2:1 degree and need to submit a Statement of Purpose along with two reference letters.
    Image: Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, United Kingdom

     

    How did it interest you to learn the nuances of International Law and Legal Studies?

    During my days at UILS, Human Rights Law was one of my favorite subjects. Besides, I never studied public international law ‘formally’ as a subject during my undergrad but developed quite an interest through non-curriculum readings. So, I opted to do my specialization in it.

     

    university-of-bristolTell us about the course structure and specialization of LL.M program at the University of Bristol.

    Well, my study modules included International and European Immigration and Refugee Law, International Law and Human Rights, International Law and Armed Conflict and General Principles of International Law. Teaching includes tutorials and interactive small group seminars which are carried out each week. Marking was done on the basis of a written annual examination as well as written coursework, each depending upon the subjects of choice.

     

    Was the academic year very taxing and rigorous? Was there ample time for extracurricular activities?

    I think the best part about foreign universities is that they put fewer burdens on the students and instead encourage independent thought and self-motivated research. So, yes the academic year isn’t too intense and instead provides students ample time for independent research as well as extra-curricular activities.

     

    Give us an insight into the extracurricular activities. Are there any clubs or societies?

    Oh there are tons!! Usually in the fresher’s week, the universities organize fresher’s fairs where the freshers can approach the heads and members of societies and clubs available at the university. They all put up their respective stalls. These range from law, sports, cultural clubs to debate clubs; they are endless!

     

    How diversified was your batch at University of Bristol?

    It was quite multifarious. Apart from local British students, there were many from Greece, France, Cyprus, Kenya, Nigeria, Germany, Spain, St. Vincent, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Mongolia, Thailand, etc. Currently, most of my colleagues are either working in international law firms or practicing in their respective countries, while some of them have opted for further studies and research.

     

    Tell us about your work experience.

    During my undergrad, I was involved in various legal internships under established senior lawyers at Punjab & Haryana High Court. Besides that, I have also been a National Service Scheme volunteer for two years and also delivered lectures on drug de-addiction and HIV/AIDS. Thereafter, when I was doing the LL.M course I also tried my hands on part time work with River Island in Bristol.

    After, finishing my LL.M I moved to London for a few months and worked as a fundraising officer at Pell & Bales. Through Pell & Bales, I got the chance to work on behalf of various organizations such as UNICEF, RSPCA, Cancer Research, British Red Cross, WWF, etc. It was the most humbling experience for me.

     

    Did you have any Indians in your batch?

    Contrary to the Indian students’ ratio in UK universities, we were just three Indians in the entire LL.M batch! However, there are different societies at UOB such as the ACS which bring together all the Indian students at the university for various cultural and religious celebrations. So, one doesn’t really feel too far away from home with all the festivities.

     

    What is the status of placement and recruitment available for overseas students?

    Placements! This is something that I have been asked by a lot of juniors. I hate to break it to them but ‘placements drives’ in the sense of what we have in India are not the same in UK. Yes, although hundreds of firms do visit the campuses but they do not offer direct placements. Such career conferences and seminars are good platforms for networking. An LL.M does not guarantee you a job in a firm in UK! One may apply for internships and has a fair chance of getting through. But, if one wants to work as a trainee/ solicitor in a firm you have to either undertake a LPC or pass QLTS.

     

    Best/Worst things about University of Bristol?

    I would only complain about the steep mountainous road called Park Street that one has to climb to get to classes! (Sorry, it’s just a common Bristolian joke!) Drollery apart, I think UOB has tons to offer to everyone. It has a very experienced and highly qualified faculty, with a great infrastructure to cater to everyone’s needs. It’s located in the heart of Bristol with everything just a short walk away. Besides that Bristol was voted as the best city to live in the UK this year!

     

    How expensive was the degree at UOB?

    Tuition fee for international students is almost three times that of what is charged for UK/EU students. So, yes it’s quite expensive keeping in mind that the tuition fee experiences a significant hike of up to 500 GBP each year. The fee generally ranges from 13,000 GBP to 18,000 GBP per year depending upon the choice of university.

     

    Should consideration be paid to living expenses in the place where you are going to pursue LL.M?

    Yes, definitely I would advise one to plan their expenses accordingly as the cost of living in UK is quite high, especially the rent.

    But, thankfully there are plenty of part time opportunities available for international students both on campus as well as off campus. If one wishes to work, they must first apply for a National Insurance Number with the HMRC. The kind of part time employment ranges from paid internships in law firms to various on – campus opportunities. The on – campus opportunities generally offer a higher rate of pay from 8-10 GBP/hour. However, if one wishes to work off campus, there are abundant part time job opportunities to explore.

     

    Tell us about the UOB scholarships program.

    Each year, UOB offers a range of scholarships to international students. These scholarships provide assistance in the form of full/partial fee waivers to covering monthly living costs in the form of annual stipends. One can explore the forms of funding available at UOB by checking the following link: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/studentfunding/financial-help/search/

    Tell us about the International Winter Course on Human Rights and Asia, at the Seoul National University.
    I was awarded a full scholarship for the SNU course which covered the food and accommodation costs. The SNU was an intensive course which aimed at critically addressing Human Rights issues in Asia through various international human rights mechanisms (since there is an absence of a regional body apart from ASEAN).
    The course was taught by an esteemed faculty comprising of UN Independent experts, members of UN Commissions, UN Special Rapporteurs and experienced professors from various universities, who shared their practical knowledge related to the field.
    Besides, I got an opportunity to interact with students and professionals from all parts of the world regarding HR issues in their respective countries. More information can be found here : http://hrc.snu.ac.kr/eng/research/asia.php

     

    How did you apply for the SNU Course?

    I applied for the course on my own. Candidates were selected and respective scholarships were awarded on the basis of a candidates’ level of education/degree, field of specialization and any previous work/ volunteer experiences related to the theme of the course.

     

    How are you going ahead with the application procedures for your PhD?

    Yes, I want to pursue further research in International Human Rights law or International Criminal law. So, far I have submitted relative research proposals to various universities. Honestly, the application procedure can be quite taxing with all the writing samples, research proposals, reference letters, motivation letters that are to supplement the applications. And even though studentships are highly competitive, yet I’m being positive for a favorable reply.

     

    Would you like to tell us about the universities you are targeting for your PhD?

    PhD applications are a whole lot different because one needs to find an institution offering the similar area of research. So far, I have applied to Dublin City University, Ghent University, University of Liverpool, University of Sheffield and there are a couple more which I still have to finish with.

     

    How do you expect your PhD to influence your further career goals?

    I want to establish myself into academics as an avid legal specialist/researcher. A PhD opportunity would take me a step closer to my goal by giving me a chance to extend my knowledge and specialization in my desired field of law.

     

    Would you say an LL.M abroad is worth the expenditure?

    Yes, I agree an LL.M abroad quite truly can be a very expensive investment that may or may not rake out the same output in terms of remuneration. Therefore one should always give good thought and weigh all the pros and cons before taking the plunge. But, honestly if one can afford the expenses without any bursaries, it’s very much worth the entire exposure and experience.

     

    Do you think that nowadays, some students do an LL.M because it seems the “right thing to do” and not because they know what they want to study or why they want to?

    I won’t rule out that statement because it’s the truth in a few cases. I think it’s very important to be aware of the repercussions of such ‘casual’ steps as one might regret ‘wasting’ a considerable amount of time/money on something that they don’t put their heart into. It’s always good practice to have an open discussion with professors, professionals or parents when one is not sure about the next step.

     

    What do most foreign universities look for among candidates?

    Besides good academic potential, they desire candidates who are proactive and have significant practical experience in the form of internships or who have been involved in significant voluntary work.

     

    What is the key ingredient of a well written SOP?

    In my opinion, adding a personal touch to the SOP will definitely work in one’s advantage. All universities receive thousands of applications each year and they are always on the look for candidates who strike as different and interesting from rest of the lot. Thus, candidates should try to highlight their potential in a way that sets them apart from the rest.

     

    Do you think that having your recommendation letters written from distant acquaintances with influential position may backfire against you while making your application?

    It most certainly will backfire! Applicants should refrain from such practice as the universities consider a ‘strong recommendation’ to be from a referee who has known and closely supervised the applicant’s work for at least 12 months. Thus, the best option is to have recommendation letters from university professors or a significant employer.

     

    After your experience abroad, why do you think LL.M in India is a little less sought after?

    That’s quite a debatable topic actually. In my opinion, comparing both the education systems with each other won’t do justice to any of them. Both of them are incomparable, with each having its pros and cons. I agree however, that foreign universities appreciate and support innovative and individual thought process more.

     

    Why do you think it is utmost important these days to have a LinkedIn account?

    I think LinkedIn is a great source of networking and keeps users updated about the vast number of employment opportunities available. I think we are way past the newspaper classifieds era as they only cater to limited regions.
    In my opinion, one should most definitely add the LinkedIn account URL in their CV! The reason being that majority of recruiters today use social media and especially LinkedIn to research candidates. However, one should refrain from doing so if their LinkedIn profiles are either not complete or blatantly mention the same things as their CV. In fact some of the foreign universities encourage for applicants to enlist their LinkedIn accounts while making applications. Personally, I remember making an application to one of the European universities and they actually had an option to make the application by connecting my LinkedIn account.

     

    Do you think legal education in the country needs an overhaul?

    Not an overhaul in the sense, but a few minor changes would be welcome. I think law schools in India should offer more international exposure to students along with introducing a practical course structure.

     

    Do you think legal education continues to remain relatively inaccessible to several, owing to the fee structure?

    Yes, I agree that many law schools nowadays are comparatively expensive. In my view, this applies more to law schools which are privately funded. But, some of them actually do provide better facilities and have established quite a good reputation amongst students as well as employers.

     

    Do you think that the country’s law schools have a lack of adequate student representation in the decision making that affects the students?

    Yes, I strongly feel that there is an absence of student legal bodies that have direct participation in decision making and putting forward the larger interests of law students.

     

    Do you think it can help in improving the quality of law schools across India?

    It most definitely will! I think the students know best about the short comings of their respective institutes or legal education system in India on the whole, as they are the ones at the receiving end of it.

     

    Could you please share your feedback on SuperLawyer’s initiative?

    I was introduced to this platform by my junior and interviewer. I’d like to say that SuperLawyer certainly has become a lucrative way for those who are in a fix to decide what path they have to choose ahead. From the experience and future expectations shared by others on this portal, it is a great one stop station for law students to have an insight into the academic, professional, scholarships. By sharing their relative experience, professionals are able to render effective career advice. So, it’s a very welcome initiative.

  • Chitrrangada Singh, Legal Assistant, Appeals Chamber of International Criminal Tribunal, on LL.M. from UC Berkeley and practice at The Hague

    Chitrrangada Singh, Legal Assistant, Appeals Chamber of International Criminal Tribunal, on LL.M. from UC Berkeley and practice at The Hague

    chitrrangadaChitrrangada graduated from University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University in 2010. She took a certificate course in Arbitration and Mediation from the WIPO Academy and thereafter in 2011 she went on to pursue her LL.M. from University of California, Berkeley.

    Chitrrangada is working as a legal assistant in a defense team at the Appeals Chamber of International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Her job entails researching for and defending people who are indicted of international crimes. She has also worked in various high level and landmark cases at The Hague.

    In this interview we asked her about:

    • Studying at UC, Berkeley
    • Interning and practicing at the Appeals Chamber of International Criminal Tribunal (Yugoslavia)
    • Working in landmark cases and representing people indicted of international crimes

     

    How will you introduce yourself to our readers?

    Hi, I’m Chitrrangada. I’m a lawyer from India. After getting my license to practice at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, I successfully completed my LL.M. at University of California, Berkeley. Since then, I’ve been working and living in The Hague for the past three years.

     

    Did you ever feel that not being from an NLU was a disadvantage?

    I graduated from the University Institute of Legal Studies at Panjab University in 2010. Itwas, at the time, the newly established institute setup by the university to offer a five-year B.A. LL.B degree. The faculty and administration, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. R.S. Grewal, was different from the three-year graduate degree in Law offered by the Department of Laws. The batch that I was a part of was the second batch to have graduated from this institute. At the time, we could not boast of a well-connected career placement programme. This experience would resonate with most newly established law schools in India and not just non-NLU schools.

    Further, as I did not graduate from a National Law University, it would be unfair for me to make assumptions about the experiences of an NLU graduate. However, I would say that I did find myself somewhat disadvantaged when it came to opportunities in commercial firms.

    Nevertheless, it would also be too simplistic to say that there is a bias against non-NLU students when it comes to professional opportunities. In retrospect, I think that the avenues, which each of them offers, are different. Therefore, what one can make out of the experience is also different. While the lack of facilities and the bureaucratic hurdles in state universities can threaten one’s chances, strangely, they also make you resourceful, resilient, and patient.

    I believe that, having lived and worked in Chandigarh both at the district court level and at the High Court within a Chamber, helped me immensely during my assignment as an intern and legal assistant at ICTY defence. I was able to integrate faster within the daily court functioning and minimize the adjustment period greatly. More importantly, I was able to observe and learn from seasoned criminal law professors at university and work closely with trial lawyers at the district court level over a period of two years. This gave me invaluable experience, which I was able to obtain by virtue of being at Panjab University.

    My law school experience varied a lot because of the subjects that were being taught each semester and the kind of projects I had aligned myself with every year. I was a mooter and that always kept things interesting. On an average, I was able to fit in a moot and a half per year in my schedule.

    A large part of one’s experience at the university level is determined by the expectations one has of oneself and their career – and then to make the best out of the opportunities available. For me, while it was tempting to work in a high profile commercial law firm in India, I knew that I would miss the daily rush of being in court and working on criminal law cases. I worked from that bottom-line, upwards.

    The institute faced a lot of logistical challenges on account of being newly established. However, overall, I would say that it was a positive experience.

    In conclusion, I think the nature of the law school, in and by itself, cannot change much of your career path if you are aware of what your bottom line is.

     

    How did tge certificate course from WIPO help your career?

    I took a certificate course from the online WIPO Academy on Arbitration and Mediation Procedure under WIPO Rules under their Distance Learning Program. This program offers different courses on topics related to Intellectual Property over one year and most of them are free of charge. The courses being offered currently are available online here while the full list of the courses offered by this academy can be found here. This course had a fee but it was subsidised for students from developing countries. The course required a good knowledge of the fundamentals of IP law and I had already taken their General Course on IP.

    Reading this course was quite fun actually. It covered three aspects:

    • main features and advantages of the procedures designed by WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center;
    • selection of an appropriate means of dispute resolution; and
    • drafting appropriate dispute resolution clauses for the purposes of a formal agreement.

    I liked how it focused on the procedural aspects of IP dispute resolution. However, what I liked best about this course was that it helped me look at dispute resolution further in a better way. The course material covered the basics comprehensively and was quite interesting to read. I would recommend taking this course if you’re at all interested in exploring this area of law.

     

    How did you decide to pursue an LL.M.?

    Having a Master’s degree is almost a requirement for one to entertain the idea of a career in international law. Therefore, I’m glad that I was able to conclude that step at the first given opportunity before seriously building my professional experience around that goal. However, I do think that having some amount of professional experience before beginning the LL.M. helps one make more informed choices about how best to maximize on the one (or two) year(s) of study.

    Further, successfully completing an LL.M. was important for me personally to understand whether or not a life lived abroad was for me. Even though it was at a big financial cost, I think that my experience at Berkeley was instrumental in shaping my life and career for the long term. I would have had a different opinion, had I decided to go back and work in India.

    I had applied for admission into LL.M. in my final year of law school. I did not have vast amounts of practical experience as an advocate to boast of except for numerous mooting stints and internships as a student.I had planned the application in a way that would allow for the examiners to know about me as a person as much as possible. I used my application to show that I had made the best of my situation and would do the same with the opportunities available at Berkeley.

     

    How different has Berkeley been when compared to your graduating university?

    Both the universities were unique in their own respect, especially in how they shaped me as a professional. In retrospect, I am grateful for the experiences in each of these universities, as they were big stepping stones in how my career developed. Berkeley was different from Panjab University in a lot of ways. What I appreciated the most was the flexibility in planning one’s own curriculum. During the one year of the master’s programme, I was able to pursue both thesis and course track, along with the asylum law clinic, and take courses ranging from foreign investment law to mediation etc. to humanitarian law. This was quite beneficial to me as an entry-level professional; I was able to expand on my substantive learning and build upon my research and writing skills, while graining practical experience in dealing with clients, especially those that don’t speak your language.

     

    Anything memorable that is stuck in your mind?

    The year at Berkeley was quite memorable and it is difficult to isolate one experience out of the many. The course on International Business Transactions taught by Professor Buxbaum was a delight. The majority of the students in that class were LL.M. students who, apart from the class discussions and readings, were given specific problems to discuss. Personally, I found it quite exciting to observe the various ways and means of problem-solving from the perspective of 20-30 lawyers from around the world. Before this, I was wary of the differences but not of the manner in which they operate in terms of how a problem should be approached, researched, and solved as well as how the solution must be offered and expressed to the client. Not only was this class testing you on the laws governing international transactions in business, it was also preparing us to handle the geographical and cultural sensitivities in the legal profession. I thought that was great!

     

    How did you apply for an internship to the Appeals Chamber of International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia?

    A fellow student from Boalt Hall had successfully completed a six months internship at the ICTY. I spoke with him about his experiences and the life in The Hague. After that, I decided to apply for an internship as well. The online application system on the ICTY website is fairly simple. I applied during my first semester of the LL.M. almost one year in advance of the starting date of the internship. This also gave me time and space to look for other opportunities during the LL.M. career fairs. When I got an offer for an internship at the ICTY, I also had an offer to intern in Los Angeles where I would work on community mediation projects and an offer to stay in Berkeley in pursuance of the J.S.D. degree. I was not able to obtain financial grant for the L.A. internship as well as the J.S.D., so I decided to defer my admission to the J.S.D. and take up ICTY.

    While in The Hague, I was constantly exploring funding options and was able to obtain a grant from Sir Richard May Trust to cover my living costs for the duration of my internship. This went a long way in being able to extend my stay and look for further opportunities.

    As an intern for the drafting team in the case of Prosecutor v. Lukic and Lukic, this was my first experience in a truly international working environment (Case Information Sheet, available here). I had a wonderful team to work in and everyone was very encouraging and supportive. I learnt a lot at this stage about the laborious process of judgement-writing in the appellate stage. Most importantly, I learnt that as a lawyer, one can never underestimate the significance of a carefully thought-out format. I worked on the preparations for the appeal hearing, including the deliberations between the judges.

     

    You also worked as a Pro-bono Legal Assistant, Defence, Trial Chambers at ICTY. How did you get this opportunity?

    I was recommended for this opportunity by my work supervisor at my internship in the ICTY Appeals Chamber. I applied right away and was selected for an interview. I was interviewed by a Senior Legal Assistant of the defence team. After having received an offer, I was able to start right after concluding my internship. I remember being quite excited about this opportunity. Criminal defence work at the international tribunals is quite hands-on and there is a lot of scope for learning and growth.

    My work included substantive tasks like writing research memos on specific questions of international criminal law, statute of the ICTY, Rules of Procedure and Evidence; reviewing submissions to be filed before the Trial Chamber, as well as case management tasks like organisation of evidence and providing technical and research support to the Case Manager and the counsels during court hearings.

     

    You are currently working at the ICTY as a part of the defence team. How is the work environment? Who are you representing? How did you start working on this case?

    I am part of the defence team representing Jovica Stanišic in the case of Prosecutor v. Stanišic and Simatovic under Counsel Wayne Jordash and Co-Counsel Scott Martin (Case Information Sheet, available here). Mr. Stanišic was the head of the State Security Service within the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs during the regime of Slobodan Miloševic. I started working on this case in February 2012 when I was taken up as a Pro-Bono Legal Assistant in their team. I was hired as Legal Assistant four months afterwards.

    In terms of the work, there was a steep learning curve in the beginning as this case covers very complicated aspects of the five-year conflict. However, I was lucky to have found myself in a team that was very dedicated, motivating, and good-humoured. They came through well together even during the most work-intensive and stressful times during the case. There is not one member of the team, who I have not learnt a lot from.

     

    You also worked as a junior associate at Global Rights Compliance. What do they do? What was your job as a junior associate?

    Global Rights Compliance, LLP provides international advisory services to business and government, including those operating in conflict-affected and other high-risk areas of the world, to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights impacts. Details of their recent projects can be found here. They are one of the very few pioneer firms that provide specialised services in international human rights law and responsible business practices, including public international law, international criminal law, and international trade and development.

    My job as a Junior Associate involved conducting intensive research and drafting memoranda on international human rights law and regional treaties, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and complaint mechanisms under the OECD Guidelines for Multi-National Enterprises. I also assisted in preparation of training material on business and human rights and conducting country-specific due diligence on their human rights record and compliance with international human rights standards.

    Earlier this year, I was also able to assist in the two short-term intensive training courses that were undertaken by Global Rights Compliance at NALSAR, Hyderabad on Business and Human Rights and International Criminal Law.

     

    What is it like working to defend persons indicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity?

    The work of the prosecution is complex, painstaking, and rigourous at any given situation. However, it is still incomplete without a well-functioning defence.

    The criminal justice system is based on respect for human rights, among them being the right to a fair trial. To limit criminal justice solely to a severe contest between the prosecution and the defence and/or the victim and the accused amounts to undermining its objectives. Its objective is to aid the restoration of the imbalance caused by violation of human rights by ascertaining and affixing guilt under law. That restoration can not happen at the cost of the human rights of the accused.

    It is honourable to be working towards assuring that a person, irrespective of their charge, is able to access his right to a criminal defence. Contrary to what is sometimes assumed in respect of the ethical issues relating to this aspect of legal work, I find this work quite meaningful and fulfilling. I don’t see criminal defence as more perverse (or hallowed for that matter) than any other job description in the legal field. It is an exciting,albeit delicate, job and it deserves to be done to anyone’s best of abilities.

     

    Lastly what would be your message to all the law students who aspire to work at the International Criminal Tribunal?

    I don’t have anything new to say because there is no generic formula for this. In my case, I sometimes feel like I’m making it up as I go along. But there is no right way of doing it. I would, however, advise not to shy away from applying to opportunities that you think you’re suitable for.

    For a long-term career, you will almost definitely require a master’s degree. However, if you’re determined and hardworking, you will get there; to make life easier, it’s best to choose an LL.M. program that can provide you that opportunity. It is important to be mentally prepared to invest a good amount of time and energy in the initial few years; it can be quite a struggle.

    Few of the internships are paid, for example, sometimes the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia offer stipends. However, most of the internships are unpaid but it’s possible to obtain grants for the entire duration or part of the internship.After my grant dried out and before a job came about, I was babysitting and dog-sitting after work as well.

    I also know of some very determined people who have worked an extra job while interning in order to fund their stay.Lastly, it’s helpful to learn French and to be able to use it fluently. More obviously, it’s very important to like the work and to be committed to it, especially working in criminal law. And once you’re there, you should continue working on yourself.