In this article Jahnavi Bhattathiripad interviews a Amreen Anwer a third year student studying at National Law University Odisha (NLUO) in India.
What inspired you to study law?
What inspired me to study law is the fact that as a lawyer is that you will be able to make a real difference in people’s lives. Helping people through the legal system is not only extremely satisfying, but it also fulfils a vital need in our communities and our neighbourhoods. To be able to do my part in solving issues that plague our communities is what I aim to do with my law degree.
Why study law at NLUO?
The main reason I chose NLUO was due to its excellent reputation when it comes to several national and international mooting competitions. Coupled with the fact that NLUO is an academically rigorous institution, I saw no reason to not choose NLUO as the next step in my academic journey.
Did you always want to do law?
Yes! I have always wanted to do law. More recently though, what has been driving me to continue in this field is the amount of diverse options law provides when it comes to career development.
What are those diverse options?
There are several job options in the legal sector. Lawyers can find employment in many different fields, such as academia, government, non-profits, business, and private practice. There are several chances to specialise and explore your interests, whether they be in criminal law, human rights, business law, environmental law, or intellectual property. The diversity is astounding!
Do you think this diversity is seen in how legal education is imparted in India today?
Yes. India’s legal education has changed substantially throughout the years. Most law schools now not only teach foundational areas of law such as constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, and more, but also teach politics, sociology and economics, as part of the curriculum. I think this interdisciplinary education allows us to be able to explore more diverse career opportunities. Additionally, the emphasis that is now being put on experiential learning in our law schools is also allowing us to explore more job options.
Do you have any tips for people who wish to study law?
If there is anything I would tell people who wish to study law is that studying law requires commitment. It’s critical to keep a strong work ethic, properly manage your time, prioritise your education, and strike a balance between extracurricular activities and personal commitments. Additionally, qualities like flexibility, a curious attitude, and a love of learning are advantageous and will help you on your path to become a lawyer. But above all try to enjoy the journey and don’t push yourself too hard. It will all work out in the end.
