In this Conversation with CLATalgoue, Kishor Biradar who studied from Osmania University & NLSIU reflects on his journey both to and through law school and his fond memories of being the first person from his village to have opted for law as a career.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Kishor Biradar and I hail from Bidar district in Karnataka. I completed my education up to Class 10 in my hometown, after which I relocated to Hyderabad for further studies.
My academic journey has been marked by a strong interest in humanities and management courses as opposed to science. Post completing Class 12, where I specialized in commerce, I took the TS LAWCET entrance exam.
Fortunately, I secured a seat for a 5-year integrated BBA LL.B program at Mahatma Gandhi College of Law in Hyderabad, affiliated with Osmania University. Education holds significant importance in my family, and I have been fortunate to have their unwavering support throughout my academic endeavors.
At present, I am continuing my educational journey by pursuing an LLM degree at India’s prestigious National Law School of India University, which is renowned for its excellence in the field of law.
How was the beginning of your journey through law school?
My journey through law school began with a strong aspiration to study and practice law. It all started after I successfully secured admission in the 5-year integrated BBA LL.B program at Mahatma Gandhi College of Law in Hyderabad through the TS LAWCET entrance exam. This marked the beginning of my formal legal education.
During my time in law school, I encountered some unique challenges, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic significantly disrupted the traditional educational system, leading to academic skill gaps and learning adjustments.
Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my studies and strived to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. One observation I made during this period was the difference in educational quality between traditional universities and National Law Universities (NLUs).
I realized that NLUs like the National Law School of India University (NLS) offer a distinct advantage. The professors at NLS are exceptionally knowledgeable and bring a wealth of practical experience to the classroom. This dynamic and interactive learning environment has enriched my academic experience and deepened my understanding of the law.
I believe that the challenges I faced during the pandemic have contributed to my resilience and adaptability as a student in my journey through law school, and I am grateful for the opportunity to study in an institution like NLS, where the quality of education is second to none.
What motivated you to pursue law as a career?
My decision to pursue a career in law was motivated by a deep-seated passion for justice and a strong desire to make a meaningful contribution to society. From an early age, I was drawn to the concept of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. I found the legal system to be a powerful tool for addressing societal issues and ensuring that individuals’ rights and freedoms are upheld.
Furthermore, I was inspired by the potential for positive change that the legal profession offers. Lawyers have the opportunity to advocate for the vulnerable, effect change through legal reform, and provide a voice to those who may not otherwise have one.
This sense of purpose and the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through the law greatly motivated me. Additionally, my family’s strong background in education and their encouragement to pursue my passions played a pivotal role in my decision to enter the legal field.
Their unwavering support and belief in the importance of education instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my knowledge and skills to address legal issues and contribute to a just society.
I’m also proud to be the first person from my village to enroll in a law course. The dream of being called “Vakil Saab” has been a profound source of motivation for me. Being the first one from my village to embark on this legal journey comes with a sense of responsibility and a strong desire to represent my community and contribute positively to their legal needs.
The title of “Vakil Saab” holds deep cultural and societal significance, signifying a trusted and respected legal advocate. This aspiration is not only a personal one but also a representation of my commitment to serve my community and ensure that their legal rights and interests are protected.
My unique position as the first law student from my village has fueled my determination to excel in the legal field, and I aspire to set an example for others to follow. I want to be a source of inspiration and guidance for those in my village who may share similar dreams but lack the means or encouragement to pursue them.
This motivation, coupled with my passion for justice and the desire to effect positive change, drives my dedication to a career in law.
Tell us a bit about your experience while taking the entrance test for admission into LLM courses. How was that experience different from the time you took the entrance test for UG?
Taking the entrance test for admission into LLM courses was a challenging yet rewarding experience, significantly different from my previous entrance test for UG. The transition from the undergraduate law entrance test to the entrance test for LLM courses brought a whole new level of complexity and competition.
When I initially took the TS LAWCET for my undergraduate studies, it was a state-level entrance exam. While it presented its own set of challenges, I found it comparatively easier due to its localized focus.
However, when it came to the entrance test for LLM, I took the CLAT PG (Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate programs). CLAT PG is renowned for its rigor and is known to be a tough examination, designed to assess a deeper understanding of legal concepts and critical thinking skills.
The competition was fierce, with candidates from all over the country vying for a limited number of seats. Even though I was fortunate to secure admission to the National Law School of India University (NLS) with the help of certain reservations, the examination itself remained exceptionally challenging.
Reservations provide opportunities for underrepresented groups, but the level of difficulty in the CLAT PG emphasized the need for rigorous preparation and dedication. This experience served as a reminder of the high academic standards and expectations at NLS and reaffirmed my commitment to excel in my LLM program. It also reinforced my belief in the value of reservations in providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to access quality education.
What were your top 3 sources of information while preparing for the law entrance exam? Did you prepare for the exam all by yourself?
While preparing for the law entrance exam, I relied on several key sources of information to ensure a comprehensive and effective preparation. These sources played a significant role in my journey.
Here are the top three sources I used:
Legal Articles: I extensively referred to articles from sources such as Bar and Bench. These sources provided me with in-depth insights into contemporary legal issues, landmark judgments, and emerging legal trends. They were valuable in expanding my knowledge and understanding of the legal field.
Landmark Judgments: I made it a point to study landmark judgments that had shaped the legal landscape. Analyzing these cases not only helped me grasp the intricacies of legal reasoning but also honed my ability to apply legal principles in a practical context.
Bare Acts: I thoroughly studied and followed bare acts, which are the fundamental texts that provide the legislative provisions for various areas of law. This resource was crucial for developing a strong foundation in statutory law and understanding the legal provisions relevant to the entrance exam.
In addition to these key sources, I also gained extensive research knowledge during my internships in the legal field. These internships provided me with hands-on experience in legal research, case analysis, and legal documentation, all of which contributed significantly to my overall preparation.
What would you say sets apart your story from others?
Firstly, as a first-generation lawyer from my village, I carry a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to represent and uplift my community through my legal endeavors. Secondly, my motivation to pursue law is rooted in a personal dream – the aspiration to be called “Vakil Saab.”
This dream reflects a cultural and societal significance that drives me to excel in the legal field and make a positive impact. Furthermore, my academic journey has been marked by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional learning and necessitated adjustments. Overcoming these challenges showcased my adaptability and determination to excel even in adverse circumstances.
Any advice you’d like to pass on to law school aspirants and law students?
Passion, commitment, and a strong foundation are your allies in the legal journey. Stay updated on legal developments, refine critical thinking, and master research skills. Internships offer real-world insights, while networking can provide valuable mentorship. Adaptability is key, as is upholding ethics and integrity.
Don’t forget your well-being; balance is crucial. Explore specializations, prepare thoroughly for the bar exam if practicing law, and seek mentorship. Contribute to the public good through advocacy and, most importantly, enjoy the learning and growth the legal field offers.
This interview is a part of our series #MyStory where we interview law students and legal professionals.
