Lakshmi Srinivasan did her LLM from King’s College, London in Intellectual Property and Information Law. After graduating from King’s with a Distinction in 2019, she joined Jindal Global Law School as an Assistant Lecturer and has completed one academic year of association. She is an alumni of NMIMS, School of Law, Mumbai. She has been interviewed by EBC/SCC Online Student Ambassador Vanshika Doshar.
- Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your professional experience?
I am born and brought up in Thane, Maharashtra. I owe the Maximum city, my education and coming-of-age. Since the eighth grade, I wanted to pursue law as a career and my dream came true when I joined law school at NMIMS. Being the inaugural batch, there were many ups and downs that taught me much more than a classroom and shaped me into who I am today. While at law school, I interned in some of the top notch law firms, with Counsels, a High Court Judge and some companies. However, I realised soon that academics is my calling. Hence, a post-graduation seemed the next logical step.
After passing out in 2018 with B.A., LLB (Hons.) in Business Law, I joined King’s College, London to pursue my Master’s in Intellectual Property and Information Law. After graduating from King’s with a Distinction in 2019, I joined Jindal Global Law School as an Assistant Lecturer and have completed one academic year of association.
2. Can you share some memories of your college days with us?
My memories date back to the two classrooms Law School we were in when it first began in 2013. From then, establishing different co-curricular activities to having a dedicated space in multiple campuses, our college has come quite far. I only look back with a sense of pride and gratitude. Despite the academic rigour, we used to find time to share and chat about food, sitting on the staircases and sipping beverages, catching up with fellow batchmates, who went on to become some of the closest friends I have today. I am reminded of the days when I used to feel low and tensed about my academics and some people always picked my spirit up and a sense of unity prevailed. Despite being strict task masters, our faculty ensured that we take important life skills from our college.
3. What is your area of interest in the field of law?
Intellectual Property Law. I find myself sometimes levitating towards new age IP like blockchain and artificial intelligence. But my core area remains the problems associated with digital enforcement of Intellectual Property, which India is grappling with.
4. Can you share your idea like how one should shape his profile during law school for higher studies from some world’s top universities?
The key is intent. Many people, who have asked me about this, ask with a purpose of immigration. My opinion is that once you sort your priorities, you will be able to choose the place you want to study in. Also, when it comes to building your profile, be sincere in your approach. Particularly when you write your Statement of Purpose, do not necessarily make it larger-than-life. Some things can be kept very simple. Also, know the university and its pros to shape the SOP well. If you are applying to multiple universities, customise your SOP to incorporate the requirements and how your candidature fits the University. Visit the websites of the institutions you intend to apply for. Look for scholarships as well.
Academics are very important. Some universities like King’s do not even require recommendations. They rely solely on your academic performance, SOP and IELTS scores and the strength of internships and other co-curricular activities that have added value to your personality. Hence, building these become absolutely crucial.
However, it is okay to not know what you want to do in the University. Hence, keep a catalogue of your ideas on what modules to take, what to research on and more importantly, have an open mind.
5. Apart from this any other experience or suggestions you would like to share?
Once you have made it, pat yourself in the back. In a country where foreign education is slowly becoming a norm, competition is also very high. Once there, do not stress yourself with the thoughts of immigration or your daily expenses. Daily expenses are strongly controlled by currency. Hence, converting them to the Indian rupee and worrying about the outcome will not be a good experience. Immigration, in UK particularly, is in a rough patch right now. So allow room for multiple options post your education.
Above all, you have gone there to gain an experience that is one of a kind. Enjoy it and live it to every moment!