Recently we got the opportunity to interact with Anushka Arora, a stalwart post-graduate in IPR from National University of Singapore. An extremely humble and equally proficient litigator, she discussed how important being proactive in the legal arena is and how to polish and compose oneself as a law student.
Q. What made you think of Law as a career option?
A. I was science with maths student with deep inclination towards Dramatics and Debating. It was right after 12th grade when I realised my interests and potentials and decided to pull out of engineering. The decision was between Law or Journalism, and with the correct guidance from my parents I decided to opt Law, for which I would be ever grateful to them. Law was the ultimate choice because it’s backed by an authoritative stand to bring a change.
Q. You have been a part of the Bench in Jessup International Moot Court Competition 2019. What according to you are the qualities a good mooter should possess?
A. I believe that the primary requisite for a good mooter is confidence and along with that, substance. One should be able to foster the interest and engagement of the Judges on one’s contentions. Topping up, an ace mooter should acquire the art of declamation in order to stand out from regular speakers. Once ready to present the arguments before the Bench, abstain from reading or referring to written arguments too much, it signifies weak preparation. Maintaining an eye contact with the Judges is appreciable.
Q. Time and again law students are found to be confused as to where their interest lies, Corporate sector, Litigation or Administrative services. How can they possibly clear their minds in this regard?
A. To answer the question, I would suggest students to venture into all kinds of internships starting from the first year of Law School-whether it be under a Lawyer, a Judge, a Law Firm or an authority or institution. It enables them to understand the functionings, requirements, timings, etc and gives them a brief idea as to how each sector is different from each other. Utilising vacations for this purpose is extremely important.
Q. Tell us something about your best memory as a Law student.
A. One of the most cherished memories as a law student was qualifying for the Jessup International Moot Court Competition in 2017 which was targetted by me since the initial years of law school.
Q. Please share your perspective about possible solutions for students to deal with peer pressure, parental pressure and falling grades.
A. I won’t give much credit to parental pressure. I believe everything depends upon choices and time management. Parental pressure will die out once you start performing well by making sure students attend your classes REGULARLY (even if they feel classes are boring) and grasp the concepts well.
As far as peer pressure is concerned, it’s all in the mind and depends upon self-confidence and determination to say a NO when the cost is losing a class room teaching vis-à-vis to hanging out.
Q. Lastly, what would be that one piece of advice you would like to give to our followers?
A. Try to have a hand in as many extra-curriculars as you can; they shape you and your abilities. Do not waste vacations, they are very important. If studying various subjects is the infrastructure, it is the cornerstone. Try and explore different areas of law when venturing into extra curriculars. As greater the perusal of choices, clearer becomes the goal.