Introduction
Ashish Bhakta is the founding partner of ANB Legal, a pan-India full-service law firm with offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Kolkata, and Goa. With a focus on dispute resolution and estate planning, Ashish Bhakta has led teams on numerous high-profile cases. As a prominent figure in the legal industry, he frequently interacts with law students who have questions about his career and the field of law. In this blog post, we will address the five most frequently asked questions by law students about Ashish Bhakta.
Question 1: Many first-generation law students fear their path will be harder than those with family in the legal field. How would you address these concerns, and what encouragement would you offer these students?
ASHISH BHAKTA “The one thing students have to realize that all the second-generation lawyers did have a first-generation lawyer. Believe in yourself rather than having such notions. They are spread by organizations who want to exploit the very insecurity in such students. Especially the so-called online experts in career counseling.”
Question 2: Some law students believe that securing a large number of internships is the key to success. Others worry they won’t get good internships without connections. Do you think it’s more about quantity or quality, and how can students without connections compete?
ASHISH BHAKTA- “It’s not the number, it’s the quality that makes the difference. By quality, I mean how much you got to learn rather than what kind of work you did. Merits always count. What you mean by ‘deserve’ is a relative term. Many a time such ‘references’ work as the students are more diligent and perform way better than the ones who have come on their merit as they have a face to keep. I would not get into such debates of who deserves what. More so as for a student even if he/she works with a clerk in a court it is learning. So do not think of ‘good work and ‘bad’ work. Just do what’s assigned with all your heart and mind. It will benefit you in many ways”.
Question 3: It can be disheartening for students who work hard but don’t get into their top-choice law schools. What advice would you give to a student in this situation?
ASHISH BHAKTA- “Law colleges matter to an extent. Believe in yourself. There can be no substitute for hard work. Not even the highest-rated college. Many a time missing out on a top college can be a boon in disguise. Please keep your head down and work no matter which college you from. It doesn’t matter in the long run.”
Question 4: There’s often pressure in law school to excel at moot court competitions. How important do you think moot court experiences are to becoming a successful lawyer, and what would you say to students who don’t enjoy mooting?
ASHISH BHAKTA- “The real moots will be when you argue before judicial authorities. There is a whole new world there. There is no ‘case’ based on which you argue. You have to make your own case. Many a time, students who have been top mooters are so used to such ‘base’ to work that they take a while to adjust to the real world. Mooting is a great way to gain experience and get a feel of things. Yet if you haven’t, don’t worry”.
Question 5: Many online courses aimed at law students promise to fill in knowledge gaps. Should law schools be revamping their curriculums to make these courses unnecessary, and what changes would you suggest?
ASHISH BHAKTA- “Online courses (most of them) are a scam. They tend to take advantage of a student’s insecurity which is a natural feeling for anyone wanting to make his/her mark in the real world. Law colleges have to allow students to get more practical experiences. Especially by attending more internships that are longer than one month at a time. It is only then that the students will be ready to forge in the real world. “
In conclusion, Ashish Bhakta’s advice for law students focuses on building a strong foundation, gaining practical experience, networking, continuous learning and adaptation, and maintaining commitment and resilience. By following these principles, law students can set themselves on a path towards a successful and fulfilling legal career.
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