Ms. Ankita Shanker is a qualified Barrister in England and Wales. After having completed her LL.M. from University of Oxford, she got inclined towards Animal Laws and Policy which prompted her to pursue her Doctorate in the same. Here are few excerpts from her conversation with Desi Kaanoon.
Q. How is life for a law student at Oxford University and what is the admission criteria?
A. My time at Oxford was among the best years of my life. It was incredible to be a part of such a magnificent institution, surrounded by and working with the most brilliant minds in the world. There is a a little magic in that town that I sorely miss, and will never forget.
As for the admission criteria, anyone interested in applying should check the website for the most relevant and up-to-date information. In general though, a demonstrable passion for your subject of choice, a strong academic record, and interesting co- and extra-curriculars—all wrapped up in a well-written application—go a long way for most applications to most universities.
Q. How were you elected in the Hon’ble Society of Lincoln’s Inn? Describe your work there.
A. I submitted my application (including my mooting CV) during the call for applications, and was appointed presumably on the basis of that. In my experience, advocacy skills and experience are very important for such roles. At Lincoln’s Inn, I organised and conducted regular mooting workshops, designed and sent advocacy exercises and newsletters, and judged moots and provided feedback to participants. Additionally, I was responsible for selecting and participants for external competitions and liaising with the organisers, as well as for designing and organising internal competitions and selecting participants for these. Most significantly, I designed and founded the Inn’s Internal Competition, which is now a permanent feature.
Q. When did you think of promoting Animal Rights and henceforth pursuing a Doctorate in it?
A. I have been troubled by our treatment of animals since a very young age. The brutalities we, as a society, openly, legally, and universally condone in our treatment of living beings is appalling (side note: I highly recommend the brilliant documentaries “Dominion” and “Earthlings”). As a proponent of Ripstein’s sovereignty principle as a guide for morality, I cannot in good conscience turn my back on the most vulnerable members of our society—the innocent animals we selfishly use and exploit regularly to fulfil our ends. I turned vegetarian at a young age because I realised that killing for pleasure is indefensible. Then, after learning about the abuse of the animals we don’t kill but use. I went vegan and magnified my efforts in the field of animal rights. To me, it isn’t just a personal choice; it is a prerequisite to being a decent person. I switched from simply volunteering on the side to working at least 50% for the protection of animal rights. I am now pursuing my doctorate in the field (topic: “An Inquiry into the Moral Basis for the Legal Status of Non-Human Animals”), and am a legal consultant composing policy recommendations for the EU on behalf of their Netherlands consultant group, as well as pro bono legal advisor to a number of animal rights NGOs (essentially, I help out any such NGO that approaches me). I want a just and kind future for all, and this is impossible if we don’t rise past our specieism and extend compassion to non-human animals. To me, this is the most urgent battle that needs fighting today, and is one I will fight until every last living creature has their rights recognised and respected.
Q. As a Moot Court Coach at Universität Luzern, what do you ensure your students must learn to ace their mooting skills?
A. In general, whenever I coach moots, I ensure that my students develop strong legal drafting skills, as well as strong oratory skills. My philosophy for mooting is to aim for coherence and structure in formulating arguments, clarity and confidence in their delivery, and sensibility in their defence. Mooting was one of the best parts of my university experience, and I love to share the joys of mooting with my students.
Q. Are there any internship opportunities at the International Criminal Tribunals you have worked for?
A. Available internship opportunities are regularly advertised on the UN Careers website (for UN internships), as well as the websites of the specific court/tribunal. My time at the courts/tribunals was fantastic, and I can highly recommend these internship for students and young professionals.
Q.What is your opinion about legal studies in India?
A. I have been away from India for far too long to give a relevant opinion on this. What I can offer (at the risk of sounding a bit preachy) is advice to law students: Study and work with honesty and integrity, and aim to be competent in your chosen paths. Never compromise morality in a blind pursuit of grades or “success”. Our world sorely needs more decent, hard-working people. If I credit my success to anything, it is to working hard, never cheating (even when I was part of certain education systems in India where it was norm), and never looking for the easy way out. I didn’t set out to pursue my “passion”, but to add value to the world in which I live by standing up for those without a voice. I was just incredibly lucky that the causes to which I have dedicated my life happen to fall in line with my passions. In my experience, doing good work for a worthy cause is the ultimate accomplishment, and success and material wealth follow dedication and competence.
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