- Hello, Ipsiata! I know you are not going to appreciate this one bit but – can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi Nisha! I am a final year law student at National Law University Jodhpur. I am going to join Linklaters as a trainee solicitor after I graduate. I grew up in Kolkata and I now live in Delhi. When I am not busy being a law student, I enjoy reading, traveling, music and movies.
- Thousands and thousands of law students across the world will agree that you’re “living the dream”. After a vacation scheme, you’ve managed to lock in a training contract with Linklaters, London. Those aspiring to reach the same heights have the same question – how did you get here?
As humbling as that is – I do not think there is a formula for it. A few things that could generally be helpful when you make your choices as a law student are: first, be open to trying new things and discovering yourself. Second, think about your choices and how they impact you. If it is a moot or an internship – think about the firm, the practice areas, your goals and remember to pick the things that will add value to your growth as a lawyer. Third, read the newspaper! It is understated how helpful that can be. At the end of the day your ‘height’ is only defined by the satisfaction you get from what you do – and so, it helps to introspect about ones plans and work on them to get where you want to be.
- One of the first things I heard about you when I entered NLUJ was that you’re the perfect example of “beauty with brains”. Can you take us through your many academic and mooting achievements?
That is very kind of you. I will just focus on the achievement part of the question – I have participated in three moot court competitions in college, namely the Jindal Technology Law Moot (on international investment law), the Oxford IP Moot (on intellectual property law) and the 25th Willem C Vis Moot in Vienna (on international commercial arbitration). I think I have maintained decent grades in college because it was important for me. Lastly, I participated and organised several events in and outside of college – such as debates, ADR competitions, fests, conferences, and youth parliaments – that gave me the opportunity to meet several people from different fields. Consequently, I feel that I have grown as a person. As someone who was an introvert in her first couple years of college – I think doing different things helped me imbibe a holistic approach to law school and education.
- Internships are rarely referred to as “achievements” but you scored an internship with the renowned Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). You’ve also done your share of litigation & corporate internships before that. Can you tell us more about your experiences?
Interning at the SIAC was a wonderful experience for me and I am very grateful for that opportunity. Interning in Singapore can be tricky because of two reasons – one, that it can expensive city for an Indian law student; second, the visa approval process is difficult as well. Again, there is no formula to figuring out internships and I would recommend to plan them as early as possible and ideally, six months in advance. Other than that, the SIAC office is encouraging and supportive. A piece of feedback that I have received is to take time to write your applications in a polite and formal manner. An internship application reflects a degree of professionalism – that along with some research on the organisation you’re applying to and you should be good to go.
- It’s next to impossible to talk about you and not think of TL&D. How does it feel to be the Editor-in-Chief of an internationally renowned journal? I’ve heard a lot of opinions on the importance of mooting; what do you have to say about the significance of being part of a journal?
My Journal is very close to my heart. I have been associated with it for the last four years. It is the best Law Journal in India as per the most recent Washington and Lee University Rankings and among the top ten student-edited journals in the field of International Trade Law globally. Our seniors of the Journal have made it everything that it is and it has been rewarding for me to carry on their legacy. Being a part of Journal refines your ability to critically assess academic writing, stay apprised of updates in the field and develop communication skills with legal luminaries.
- I hate to remind you but you’re entering the last leg of your law school life. What all have you learned in the last 4.5 years and what are some suggestions, recommendations and experiences you’d like to share?
Yes, I know. This has been such an eventful journey – with a lot of ups and downs.
I think the only thing that makes it all worth it are the people I have met through these years. So, my suggestion would be to take time out for yourself and maintain balance in your life. Focus on your growth and do not feel pressured or compelled to follow any specific path to success. Always trust yourself and feel free to learn something new and be wrong sometimes. It is all worth it at the end.
