In Conversation with Naman Tripathi from HNLU and NLUO on his Law School Experience
In this Conversation with CLATalogue, Naman Tripathi from HNLU and NLUO reflects on his Law School Experience and his journey in the domain of law.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Naman Tripathi. I hold a BA LLB (Hons) degree from HNLU and an LLM from NLUO in Constitutional and Administrative Law. I work as a freelance researcher with a strong focus on contemporary legal matters. Additionally, I serve as a law mentor at IMS Learning Resources in Mumbai. My passion lies in legal research and mentoring aspiring law students to help them achieve their academic and career goals.
How did you start your journey in the field of law?
My law school experience began in 2015 when I embarked on the path of preparing for CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) for undergraduate studies. Over the course of the following years, from 2016 to 2021, my journey in the field of law took various twists and turns. These experiences helped me discover my true calling within the legal domain.
As I navigated through this period, I realized my strong inclination towards academia and research in the legal field. This newfound passion inspired me to continue my educational journey in law. Subsequently, I made the decision to pursue a Master’s degree, and in this pursuit, I appeared for CLAT PG (Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate) and achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 350.
This accomplishment opened the door for me to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, allowing me to delve even deeper into the intricacies of law. In retrospect, the journey from CLAT preparation to qualifying for CLAT PG was marked by personal growth, self-discovery, and a commitment to pursuing a career in the legal field, particularly in academia and research. This experience has shaped my path in law and has been instrumental in defining my current role as a freelance researcher and law mentor.
How was your initial law school experience?
My initial law school experience was both exciting and challenging. Being a first-generation law student, the entire experience was entirely new and unfamiliar to me. However, it turned out to be an interesting journey filled with valuable learning experiences.
One of the key aspects that made my time in law school enjoyable was the strong sense of camaraderie and support I received from my batchmates and seniors. This support network played a pivotal role in helping me adapt to the new environment, understand the intricacies of legal education, and navigate the various challenges that came my way. It highlighted the sense of community that often thrives in law schools.
What motivated you to pursue law as a career?
My motivation to pursue a career in law evolved over time. Initially, when I began my undergraduate program, I had no specific motivation or strong inclination towards the field of law. However, as I progressed in my journey, I discovered a growing interest in the subject, particularly in our constitutional history and the legal framework that governs our society.
This newfound interest led me to actively engage in projects with government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Through these experiences, I began to delve deeper into the intricacies of the law and its practical applications. It was during this phase that I started to see the potential for law to create positive change and contribute to the betterment of society.
Ultimately, my motivation to pursue a career in law shifted towards the academic realm. I was driven by a desire to raise awareness among younger generations about their rights and responsibilities within the legal framework. I wanted to aid and support them in their legal education and preparation, helping them understand the law and its implications.
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?
When reflecting upon my experiences during the entrance tests for admission into LLM courses in comparison to the undergraduate entrance examination, it becomes evident that these examinations exhibit distinct patterns and demand varying levels of preparation and expertise.
In the case of the CLAT UG examination, it encompasses five core subjects, whereas the CLAT PG examination requires candidates to delve into all major and significant minor law subjects encountered during their undergraduate studies. Furthermore, candidates are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of recent, contemporary, and landmark case laws.
The primary purpose of this rigorous examination is to assess candidates’ awareness of diverse legal principles and concepts elucidated within these area. In terms of my preparation, I covered a total of 14 subjects, encompassing both major and minor areas of study.
Additionally, I diligently studied and analyzed around 300 contemporary and landmark case laws. However, it’s worth noting that one challenge with the CLAT examination is its tendency to change the pattern periodically. For instance, when I appeared for the exam in 2021, the paper had recently undergone a significant shift in 2020, placing a greater emphasis on contemporary case laws and the principles associated with them. Yet, once again, they altered the pattern during our time, and it resembled more of a judiciary-focused format.
This sudden change posed a significant setback for us as aspirants. The dynamic nature of the CLAT examination, with its evolving patterns, necessitates adaptability and a broad range of knowledge to excel in different formats.
What were your top 3 sources of information while preparing for the law entrance exam? Did you prepare for the exam all by yourself?
Here are my top 3 Sources for CLAT PG:
- Legal articles from top sites like Livelaw, Bar and bench, EPW, SCC etc.
- 2. AK Jain Book for CLAT PG to have a brief understanding about the different concepts.
- 3. YouTube Videos from different channels like Finology, Theory of Abrogation, Livelaw etc.
What would you say sets apart your story from others?
What sets my law school experience apart from others is the unique blend of my academic and spiritual pursuits. While many aspirants focus solely on their academic preparation, I incorporated a Krishna consciousness lifestyle into my routine. This spiritual path involved practicing mantra meditation and regularly reading the books of Srila Prabhupada.
One notable differential factor was my approach to studying. Instead of burning the midnight oil like the high majority of people, I adopted an early morning routine. I would wake up early and dedicate my mornings to focused and disciplined study sessions. This approach not only allowed me to maximize my productivity but also gave me a sense of tranquility and clarity that I found essential for effective learning.
This spiritual dimension added a distinctive aspect to my preparation and personal development. It provided me with a sense of inner calm, tranquility, and resilience that was invaluable throughout my journey. Like every aspirant, I too encountered moments when self-doubt crept in or when the pressure of the exams became overwhelming. However, the spiritual practices I embraced allowed me to remain centered, relaxed, and optimistic, even during these challenging times.
Krishna consciousness provided me with a profound sense of purpose and perspective, reminding me that there’s more to life than just academic achievements. It encouraged me to cultivate a balanced approach to my studies, emphasizing not only knowledge acquisition but also inner growth and mindfulness.
This unique blend of academic dedication, spiritual grounding, and early morning study routine set my journey apart and played a pivotal role in my ability to navigate the ups and downs of the CLAT examination and my law school experience as a whole.
Any advice you’d like to pass on to law school aspirants and law students?
Advice for Law Students
Build Strong Fundamentals: Focus on building a solid foundation in the core subjects of law, such as Constitutional Law, Contract Law, and Criminal Law. A strong understanding of these foundational areas will serve as a solid base for more specialized topics later in your academic journey.
Engage Actively in Class: Actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and engage with your professors. Classroom interactions not only enhance your understanding but also build a strong rapport with faculty, which can be beneficial in the long run.
Effective Time Management: Law school can be demanding, so it’s crucial to manage your time effectively. Create a study schedule that allows for consistent, focused study sessions, while also allocating time for relaxation and extracurricular activities.
Utilize Legal Resources: Take advantage of law libraries, online legal databases, and academic journals to deepen your knowledge. Familiarize yourself with legal research techniques and tools, as these skills will be invaluable throughout your career.
Participate in Moot Court and Legal Clinics: Join moot court competitions and legal clinics to gain practical experience. These activities provide insights into real legal scenarios and improve your advocacy and research skills.
Advice for Law Exam Aspirants
Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the format of the law exam you are preparing for, whether it’s CLAT, AILET, or another competitive test. Knowing the pattern, types of questions, and time constraints is crucial for effective preparation.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan that covers all relevant topics. Allocate time for each subject, practice, and revision. Consistency is key, so stick to your plan diligently.
Periodic Revisions: It is of paramount importance. As your revision consistency wanes, your knowledge foundation may weaken when you approach the main exam. Therefore, it’s crucial to revisit and revise your previously studied material at least once every three days. In the final stretch, approximately 10 days before the exam, refrain from taking in new information. Instead, focus solely on intensive revision.
Practice Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests and previous years’ question papers. This helps you get accustomed to the exam’s timing and format, and it’s an excellent way to assess your progress.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Many law exams include a section on current affairs or general knowledge. Stay updated with current events, legal developments, and landmark judgments to excel in this section.
Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, educators, or experienced legal professionals. They can provide valuable insights, study materials, and advice tailored to your exam preparation.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial during exam preparation. Get enough sleep, eat well, and incorporate regular exercise into your routine. A healthy mind and body are more receptive to learning.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Understand that success in competitive law exams often requires persistence. Stay motivated, believe in your abilities, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Consistent effort and a positive mindset can make a significant difference. Remember, the field of law is both intellectually rewarding and diverse.
Whether you’re pursuing a legal education or aiming to excel in competitive exams, a strong work ethic, effective study strategies, and a passion for the law will be your greatest assets. Stay dedicated, and you can achieve your goals in the legal field.
This interview is a part of our series #MyStory where we interview law students and legal professionals.
Click here to submit your #LawSchoolJourney
Subscribe for updates
Join 10,000+ subscribers.
RU
Ruchika Mohapatra
Contributing author
Have a doubt about this?Ask Doubts
