Our very own Sharvari Pandit, has taken the Interview of Advocate Prateek Kasliwal. Lets see what he wants to convey regarding the career in Law. See Sharvari in a role of Interviewer.
Jaipur based Advocate Prateek Kasliwal, 31, is already a renowned lawyer in the national legal circuit despite his young years. From graduating with multiple degrees in Law to winning the internationally controversial Andy Pagnacco case, (which put him on the front page of New York Times), Kasliwal has only gone from strength to strength. Not only is he one of the best lawyers in the city, but has also written books used as references in some of the country’s top law schools, and is visiting faculty to many others. Today, sitting in the plush office of ‘The Law Desk’, his very own firm, he tells us all about his amazing journey, about the wonderful profession he is a part of, and gives pointers to anyone looking at law as a potential career option. From advice on how to crack the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), to a fresh overview of the legal profession, here are tips on how to win the race, from the winning horse’s very own mouth.....Q1. As a teenager, what prompted you to look at law as a career option?
I always thought being a lawyer was like being an actor. Just like an actor, a lawyer dons his robes, performs before an audience, and achieves fame and recognition. I loved the glamour, and I worshipped the cause it served. I loved the idea of making a difference and changing lives. Any of the famous world leaders, from Gandhiji to Barack Obama, are all lawyers. It’s inspirational.
Q2. Looking at other well known secure professions like Engineering or Medicine, how do you rank law in terms of security and earning potential?
Law is a charismatic profession of unbeatable calibre. Like any other secure profession, if you possess a degree from a respectable university, with adequate amount of patience and confidence, one can carve a successful career for oneself. When it comes to the fees, sky is the limit. The highest pay package offered to a 23 year old student at the National Law School, Bangalore (NLSIU), during the placements was Rs.90 lakhs per annum. There are more than 8 million immensely successful lawyers in the country at present; and the quantum of fees charged is far higher than that of engineering or medical professionals.
Q3. What would you say are desirable traits/interests/talents one should possess as a teenager to pursue law?
One has to be extremely sharp, patient and a great listener. Logic and rationality are desirable personality traits. Having good timing of speech, articulation, and an expansive vocabulary is a great asset. Public speaking skills are very valuable. One has to be capable of expressing himself clearly and aptly. You should be able to judge people and their emotions impulsively. And of course, you have to be a little outspoken, a little aggressive.
Q4. How hard is it to establish your own practise versus working in a firm?
If you are from a leading law school, jobs provide handsome pay, security and good returns on the long term. But the growth rate is arithmetic, not exponential. When it comes to setting up your own firm though, your growth can be exponential. However, there is always an element of the risk when you do that.
Q5. What is CLAT?
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), is the examination writing by all aspirants who wish to secure a seat for the prestigious 5 year B.A (Hons.) L.L.B course, offered by the National Law Schools all over the nation. It is taken immediately after one finishes their class XII board exam, and thus one does not need to do a separate graduation course before pursuing law.
Q6. What is your advice for students preparing for the Common Law Entrance Test (CLAT), and aspiring to grab a seat at one of the leading National Law Schools?
Reading is the magic word. Analytical reading is even more magical. Objective thinking, rationality and a good vocabulary are very helpful. Make sure you follow the legal news religiously, and know the basics of our constitution well. You should be familiar with legal terminology and maxims.
Q7. Are correspondence courses offered by the coaching institutes for CLAT worthwhile?
Yes, if you are sincere and dedicated. Of course, classroom teaching is unmatchable, but its loss can be compensated for by crash courses taken after the board exams and before the CLAT exam by serious applicants.
Q8. Tell me the best and worst thing about being a lawyer?
The worst thing is that taking out time for your family is hard. It keeps you on your toes. But I love every minute of my work. The best bit of being a lawyer is that you are completely aware of your rights and duties. No one takes you for granted. No one questions your authority to enter and question anything, from government agencies to airport security.
Q9. Tell me more about the case you handled for the famous Andy Pagnacco.
Andy Pagnacco was a British and an Italian citizen. He was travelling around the world in a bio bus, and came to India via Wagha border (Western Rajasthan) after crossing Iran, Turkey and Pakistan. On 7th January, 2010, he was arrested in Pushkar (near Jaipur) for illegally carrying a satellite phone. On receiving a call from the Italian ambassador, I took up his case, and argued that as it wasn’t considered a security threat at wagha border and he was only an eco tourist, he has the right to be given bail. After that, I was able to free him and we won the case later.
Q10. Apart from practising law, what are the other things you can do with a law degree in India?
Consultancy (especially in MNCs), Legal Processes Outsourcing, Soliciting, Drafting, Legal advice, etc. The list is endless, in India as well as abroad.
Q11. If you were to advertise law as a career in a few lines, how would you do it?
From Chanakya to eternity, law remains a profession that will be always pursued and payed. The scope of law is unending, you can travel the world. Today if you see the number of BMWs and Mercedes parked in any posh locality, the highest probability is that it would be owned by some successful lawyer. If you want to build and protect lives, law is the way to go.
Q12. What is your Mantra for success in this profession?
Learn from your past, don’t regret.
Sharvari Pandit
Excellent interrogation.
उत्तर द्याहटवाInterview provides much needed tips to youth aspiring for career in law.