“31ST Informal Discussion Group Session on ‘Navigating Law School Life and Placement Puzzle: Insights on the Journey and Stress Management’ held on September 2, 2023”
31st Informal Discussion Group Session
Theme: Navigating Law School Life and Placement Puzzle: Insights on the Journey and Stress Management.<
Introduction:
On September 2, 2023, the Informal Discussion Group at NLU, Odisha, hosted a guest lecture featuring Divyansh Nayar (Associate, Trilegal) and Sridutt Mishra (Associate, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.). The session took place online and was divided into two segments, each tailored to address specific aspects of a legal education journey and the challenges of the placement process.
Segment 1: Navigating Law School (For First and Second-Year Students):
The first segment aimed at first and second-year students focused on helping them navigate their early years in law school. Both guest speakers shared personal insights from their law school journeys, emphasizing the common dilemmas faced by first-year students. The speakers highlighted the importance of exploring college life and considering various career options. They explained that this exploration, even if it leads to career changes later on, can be incredibly beneficial in the long run.
The guest speakers advised students to engage in discussions with peers to understand their career goals and the essential skills required for their chosen fields. These conversations could expose students to a wide range of career opportunities and skill sets. The speakers recommended that students aim to narrow down their career choices by the end of their third year, allowing them to focus more specifically on internships and career development during their fourth and fifth years.
Furthermore, the guests discussed the significance of extracurricular activities, emphasizing that participation should not be solely for enhancing one’s CV but also for gaining valuable experiences. They encouraged students to approach these activities with the goal of skill development and gaining insightful experiences. The invaluable soft skills cultivated through extracurricular activities would not only enhance CVs but also benefit students’ overall careers.
Segment 2: Challenges in the Placement Process (For Other Students):
The second segment mirrored the first but focused on the challenges students might encounter during the placement process. The guest speakers shared their personal experiences, highlighting the stress and anxiety caused by the impact of COVID-19 on placements. They emphasized that taking stress wouldn’t be productive and suggested having a backup plan if the primary placement doesn’t materialize due to unforeseen circumstances.
The speakers recommended continuing to work at Chambers of Senior Advocates or Boutique Firms, even if one doesn’t secure a top-tier placement immediately after law school. They stressed the importance of prioritizing practice areas over teams and teams over firms when choosing internships. This approach allows students to develop specific skills that will benefit their future careers. However, they also noted that Tier-1 law firm internships can provide valuable exposure to the industry’s highest standards.
The guest speakers shared insights on effective internships, including working closely with Senior/Principal Associates or Partners instead of multiple tasks with junior associates. They emphasized the role of alumni connections in internships and advised students on how to streamline their CVs. They also clarified that lacking prior experience in a chosen practice area should not deter students from pursuing internships in that field.
Finally, the speakers discussed lateral hiring and its advantages over traditional hiring methods like Pre-Placement Offers and Campus placements. They reiterated that the placement journey is not always perfect and may have inconsistencies.
Conclusion:
The session ended with Ms. Shubhangini Rathore (Convenor, the Informal Discussion Group) expressing gratitude to the guests, the audience, faculty members, and the IDG members for their support and participation. The lecture provided valuable insights into navigating law school and the placement process, emphasizing adaptability, skill development, and the importance of proactive career planning.
