In this conversation with CLATalogue, Sudiksha Chauhan talks about her law school experience at VIPS, Delhi and sheds light on her diverse career trajectory.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Sudiksha Chauhan and I am a practicing advocate. I completed my graduation (B.A. LL.B.) from VIPS, Delhi in 2019 and post-graduation (LL.M.) from Indian Law Institute, Delhi in 2021. I am an avid debater with more than 15 winning titles in MUNs and Youth Parliaments.
I have won Best Speaker and Best Team title in Various Moot court competitions. Not only have I participated but also chaired various MUNs and Youth Parliaments debates in the past as well.
I have authored a research paper, De Legalite (2018) which concentrates on the Rule of Law. I have been a critical part of final publication and editing of multiple books and journals released by NLU, Delhi. Apart from academics I have led and performed Nukkad Natak in slum areas of Delhi to spread awareness, played at zonal levels in swimming and like to play chess and do trekking.
What motivated you to pursue law as a career?
Since a young age, I have always had a keen interest in debating and an inclination towards politics. That gave me the knack to pursue Law when I got to learn more about the legislature and Judiciary during my high school.
I have a strong resonance with adventures and risk taking activities, and this challenging arena of Advocacy gave me that edge to jump in and test the waters. Lastly, the famous courtroom drama series, “Suits” added to that zeal.
Tell us a bit about your experience at law school. Were you always sure about your end goal?
Law school came with a lot of challenges. Every year it came with a new set of them. Initially it was all about acclimatizing to the syllabus and then to the new extra-curricular activities such as Moot Court, Client Counselling competition, etc.
The only downside I felt was at the end of 4th year, when you still have a year of studies, your school peers and acquaintances are already working and earning. But I got through that with a vision to my goal, which was to get into this field with all the zeal. I wasn’t sure of my end goal at that point, as it involved a lot of variables considering the vast field of Law.
How different was your experience as an undergraduate in law school to that of a post graduate?
Considering my post grad which was of 1 year, it was an intense course in totality whereas the undergrad was a little laidback. Post grad focuses more on Research and enhance qualities in its attributes too. You get to learn and work with some of the brightest legal minds in Post Grad which broadens your horizon and reasoning abilities.
You’ve had a diverse career trajectory. Tell us a bit about your journey as a practicing advocate.
My career started off with working as an intern in a legal firm. It exposed me to the court room culture and various auxiliary work which comes with it. The learnings from these initial internships helped shape me to perform well as I got my first individual case to argue in the court and there was no looking back after that.
What would you say sets apart your story from others?
Being a non-NLU student, had its own disadvantages. But when it comes to the courtroom everyone is an equal and the advantages side with the person who is better with their litigation skills. And that’s where I made sure, I never lack. Not restricting myself to a certain area of law, and experimenting and exploring all different avenues in the initial stage of my career.
You’re currently working at LLS. Would you like to tell us a bit about your experience there?
In the initial days at Lawctopus, the senior management make sure that I felt comfortable and smoothly transitioned to the role I was hired for. Getting an understanding about the working of LLS and the content of courses took away the hesitation and drove me towards it easily. The practically inclined courses helped me gain more skills as well. The team is a joy to work with. Everyone understands each other’s shortcomings and pushes to get better each day.
Any advice you’d like to pass on to law school aspirants?
I believe that for good ideas and innovation, one needs human interaction and debate. Students in today’s world should understand that interactions and debates bring out the best of ideas.
I also believe doing things outside curriculum helps one connect with people and find a combined solution pertaining to humanity and law. So, apart from regular studies, law school aspirants should participate in as many extra-curricular activities as they can get their hands on to enhance their practical skills.
This interview is a part of our series where we interview law students and legal professionals.
