An AMU alumnus, Mr. Areeb Uddin is a practising advocate at Allahabad High Court and a former Legal Journalist. He is also a panel advocate for the UTI Mutual Fund. Apart from this, he is an avid writer and frequently writes columns on eminent platforms. Here is his interview with Desi Kaanoon-
Q1 How were your law school days like? Is there anything you’d do differently back then if given a chance?
Ans. I completed my entire schooling from La Martiniere College, Lucknow, which was an important chapter of my life. If I get another chance to go back, I would definitely try to engage myself more into cultural activities and public speaking. Needless to say, that La Martiniere was in itself an institution which promoted everything equally, from debates, horse-riding to cultural activities. If I get another chance, I’d definitely ask my teacher to teach me again, which was Ms. Neelum Singh, who is and was a mentor.
Q2 You started with your career as a Legal Correspondent for Bar and Bench when legal journalism was still evolving into a career option. How did the decision come about and how was the experience overall?
Ans. First of all, I would like to say that Legal Journalism as a career is a very interesting filed. Law schools should also come forward and promote their students to pursue journalism in the legal sphere. My career started with Bar and Bench, which gave me many things but most importantly it gave me the freedom to ask, report and explore. Best thing about Bar and Bench was the environment and the fact that it was led by a woman, Pallavi Saluja who was always a call away to support me and the ideas. The reason for leaving journalism was my commitment towards litigation and field work, but I’d definitely suggest and recommend law graduates to pursue it and explore.
Q3 You seem particularly interested in socio-legal issues, as is evident in your op-ed publications, etc. Do you believe penning down issues surrounding mid-day meals, right to shelter and manual scavenging is instrumental for both lawyers writing about it as well as the concerned authorities to take remedial action?
Ans. Definitely! As a lawyer or even a student, you must always have an opinion about various socio-legal issues. I started writing during my early days in law school, which was really helpful in a longer run. As a lawyer, I believe that legal writing is important, not only for the sake of publication, but it also enhances your limits.
Q4. You switched to litigation after working at Bar and Bench for a while. Was it always on your plate, or something sparked this switch?
Ans. As I said earlier, that legal journalism gave me a boost which was very beneficial for me in terms of learning how various courts function. Apart from that, it was also important for me to build a habit of writing which I continued in Bar and Bench also. Some of the most interesting stories which I did, was i) When Uttam Anand (judge) was killed in Dhanbad when he was out on a morning walk ii) Representation of women in various state bar councils – which was very low and iii) I interviewed Vimla – who was the wife of a manual scavenger who died and lately she was compensated in pursuance of a court order by the Bombay High Court.
Q5 As you were about to graduate, what were the hard-hitting realities people told you about the profession that you found to be true?
Ans. See, there are various myths about litigation which one needs to understand. Litigation is like any other profession and if you are dedicated, patient and you can give your time then it will reward you even better. During my law school, majority of the professors were more inclined towards judicial services and no one promoted litigation as a long-term career, but this mindset needs to go to the drain. Although, some of the realities like connections, cartels and regionalism still holds the stage in many High Court(s), but at present, Delhi High Court is one of the most welcoming and diverse court, I have ever been to.
Q6 How has your experience conducting the very recent Trial Advocacy workshop for Amity Law School been?
Ans. It was a good experience as most of the Moot Courts deal with cases which mostly fall down under appellate jurisdictions or superior courts but in trial court advocacy one has to focus on the basics. Trial court litigation is very important, if one wants to pursue litigation as a longer run, hence it exposes you with the basics like Criminal Procedure Code, Indian Penal Code and most importantly the Indian Evidence Act.
Q7 What are some of the key learnings you acquired after starting your independent practice?
Ans. Starting your career in litigation is not easy, as you have to make a place for yourself and being patient all this while is equally important. For me, independent practice was something which made me realize that before getting independent you need to explore your options and join a good office where you can learn, appear, experience and grow.
Q8 Did you notice any significant difference after moving to New Delhi and beginning your journey at your new Chambers?
Ans. Definitely, yes! New Delhi is the hub of litigation and it also consists of all the tribunals, including the Delhi High Court. Shifting to Delhi was a personal choice because initially I wanted to learn the basics and stick to the procedure. At present, I am working with Advocates Raghavendra Mohan Bajaj and Garima Bajaj (AoR, Supreme Court) and it has been a very accommodating experience.
Q9. Do you recall any mentor whose presence and advice have significantly influenced your life?
Ans. My grandfather, Ammi and my father has been my support system since day one and the best thing was their approach towards life. They never forced me to do law but gave me the freedom to opt whatever I wish to go ahead with. Apart from family, Anas Tanvir (AoR, Supreme Court) has been a constant support, who is not less than family now, as he once said, that Areeb “never forget your roots.”
Q10 Your practice areas vary from criminal and civil matters to commercial disputes. What kind of cases do you particularly enjoy handling the most?
Ans. A lawyer cannot opt for the type of cases he/she/they will be taking once they start their practice. In my case, I have some experience in criminal matters and commercial matters, but I also even the present office where I am working has mostly commercial/civil side matters.
Q11 What were your roles and responsibilities as a Member of the Indian Civil Liberties Union?
Ans. So, I came in touch with Indian Civil Liberties Union in 2019, when it was initially founded by Anas Tanwir and it was primarily working on basic issues revolving around civil liberties. One of the most satisfying project was the Migrant Labour project which we did during the second wave of Covid-19 and accommodated more than 500 people (migrant labours) from various states to come back to their home state. Other than this, I have been conducting sessions on legal aid, Kanoon-darshan and many more.
Q12 Lastly, what advice do you have for all law students reading this?
Ans. One cannot act upon suggestions given by others, but I can only share somethings which I loved back then. Firstly, keep yourself updated about what’s happening around, not only in terms of your profession but in every sphere, from historical to geographical. Secondly, reading is a very helpful habit (I am still learning how to be a constant readers), and as once a senior said that make sure you read 20 judgments in one year and read 10 pages on a daily basis, that would definitely help you in some way or another, thirdly and lastly try to maintain a balance between your professional and social life, which is really important. Thank you, all the very best!