Mr. Aditya Raghu Rayee is an Assistant Lecturer at Jindal Global Law School. He completed his LL.M. from the Queen Mary University of London in International Arbitration. Prior to the same, he completed his BBA LL.B. from Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune. Currently a member of various international arbitration centres including SIAC, YPG Asian International Arbitration Centre, MCIA, etc., Aditya’s has been an exemplary journey in law. Prakhar Srivastava, EBC SCC Online Student Ambassador speaks to Aditya Raghu Rayee on his LL.M. from Queen Mary University of London and more.
- Please introduce yourself. Also tell us, why did you choose law?
I am a person who has always had a profound passion for various areas of the legal and judicial system. Right from my first day, I found law school very intriguing. The developments in the legal system and the way that it adapts to an ever changing society would make me like it all the more. I completed my law degree from Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune and further went to pursue my post-graduation (LLM) in International and Comparative Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London.
- Please tell us something about the LL.M. course that you completed from Queen Mary University of London.
My specialization for the said LL.M was in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution. By god’s grace I was admitted into one of the world’s leading institution for the said course. It was my privilege to get tutelage from Prof Stavros Brekoulakis, Prof Loukas Mistelis, thery are the stalwarts of International Arbitration Community.
- Why did you not opt to pursue LL.M. from an Indian university?
The specialization which I always wanted to study was only available abroad, Accordingly, I choose LLM abroad over LLM in India.
- Can you please throw some light on how exactly should a student work her time in the law school if she wants to get into an LL.M. course from a university like yours?
My only suggestion to students who want to pursue LLM in a university like mine would be that they should remain focused in the area they want to proceed with. Their concepts of the law of their choice should be very clear. That’s about it. Your UG degree prepares you for a much challenging PG, as such you should be as thorough as you can in the subject of your choice.
- What was your motivation behind pursuing LLM in International Dispute Resolution?
My motivation to pursue LLM in International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution was the realisation that time has come to think of providing people a forum that can redress their grievances speedily, as opposed to courts. As it is said, Justice delayed is justice denied; and at the same time justice hurried will make the justice buried. There is no doubt today that IDR is the best possible way for resolution of disputes in a stipulated time frame and more effectively than other mechanism.
- Did you face any hurdles in getting admission into Queen Mary to completing the course?
Frankly speaking yes, I faced hurdles to get into QMUL as I was aware that it is one of the world’s best institutions for my specialized course. I really did have to pull up my socks to get through QMUL.
- I understand you also worked as a Legal Trainee at Robinson Ravani and Co. How was your experience there?
First of all, I would like to give credit to the gem who is no more with us, Prof Dr Mukund Sarda, without whose support I wouldn’t have been a part of Robinson Ravani & Co. My experience at the firm was a roller coaster ride. In terms of professionalism, as they say, you cannot match the “White”. I learned a lot and it was great platform for me to explore other dimensions of international legal system. I count it as a great opportunity of my lifetime which enhanced my skills and understanding of the work concept at an International level.
- How would you weigh in on the argument that people should first take some work experience before going abroad to pursue LL.M?
In my perception, it is always better to complete our studies in one go. I say so because this way, one remains in the same flow as before. Contrary to which, once a break happens in your studies and you begin earning, it is pretty difficult to get back. Accordingly, I did not wait for gaining any work experience prior to going for my masters.
- When do you think is the ideal time for one to set her mind on pursuing LL.M? Also, how does one decide the best college for them?
There is no such ideal time, but I should suggest students set their minds on pursuing LLM in their 4th year itself. That way, they will have an ample amount of time and understanding as to whether LLM from abroad is beneficial for them or not. The best colleges are always known to the world, the only thing is to see how to get through the admissions.
- Can you please tell us more about the timeline of the application process and the commitment it requires?
It will roughly take around six -seven months to complete your whole process till the admissions are done. A lot of commitment and patience are required for the same.
- What are the key considerations one should keep in mind for writing their Statement of Purpose? What made your application stand out?
Statement of Purpose should be original and shouldn’t exceed the word limit, in my case, it was 500-600. Further SOP is weighed on the quantum of quality not quantity, so quality shouldn’t be compromised with. In short I would say while writing your SOP, you should appear to be passionate about your subject. All you have to do is portray yourself indirectly.
- Any advice you would want to give to students who are willing to pursue LL.M.
My only advice will be that one should do thorough research for the subject in which they are willing to pursue their master’s degree because the same will very much beneficial. Remember one thing, follow your passion. No degree is a waste LLM might be a turnng point of one’s life.