This interview has been taken by Md. Irtaza Aziz Khan.

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.

My name is Md. Hasnain Raza. I am a student of B.A.LL. B (Hons) at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and I have been interning under the able guidance of AOR Shoeb Alam and AOR Fauzia Shakil since June 2022.

Apart from my obvious inkling for law, I have a keen interest in Urdu literature, and I write for Urdu magazines regularly.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

Well, law was not something I had contemplated and being a science student, it was never an option for me. However, soon I realized that I was not made up for science, and I started exploring other options. Meanwhile, some legal and constitutional events took place that had a telling effect on my career, and here we are today!

Why did you choose to study at Jamia Millia Islamia and how do you feel this choice has contributed to your future career?

I had to keep three factors in mind while choosing a university to pursue law.

(i) Quality education
(ii) Challenging economic circumstances, as it was not possible for me to afford the exorbitant fees charged by the private law colleges, and
(iii) Located in Delhi – considering the opportunities available for litigators, as my whole motivation behind pursuing law was to litigate.

Accordingly, Jamia Millia Islamia was the best available choice for me.

As far as the second part of this question is concerned, Jamia has immensely contributed, in fact, it is. Right from the top-class infrastructure to the highly qualified and experienced professors, Jamia has everything to offer that is needed to develop legal skills and knowledge.

Moreover, some of my batchmates and seniors in Jamia have been extremely encouraging. In the era of cutthroat competition, you don’t see the appreciation and encouragement coming from your peers, and this is something invaluable.

You have participated in various moots; can you tell us about your experience as a mooter?

Generally speaking, mooting offers lots of opportunities for growth and introspection, and it becomes more relevant when you want to enter into litigation. It has been a great experience. It has essentially helped me improve my advocacy and networking skills, apart from others.

What tips would you like to share with a first-time mooter on the basis of the experience you gained from participating in various moots?

(i) Understand the problem: Make sure you read and understand the problem statement thoroughly. Analyze the issues and identify the relevant legal principles and precedents.

(ii) Find good teammates & Work as a team: Moots are team competitions, so work collaboratively with your team members. Divide the research and preparation work and assign roles and responsibilities based on each team member’s interests and strengths.

(iii) Research well: Conduct comprehensive research to support your legal arguments.

(iv) Prepare well for the oral rounds: Practice your oral arguments and work on your presentation skills. Rehearse your arguments with your team members and consider seeking feedback from your mentors or seniors.

(v) Be confident: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Present your arguments with confidence and clarity. Be prepared to be grilled by the judges.

(vi) Respect the judges: Be respectful and professional when interacting with the judges. Listen carefully to their questions and feedback and respond thoughtfully.

(vii)Time management: Manage your time effectively, both during the preparation phase and during the moot. Make sure you stick to the allocated time limits and avoid rushing through your arguments.

(viii) Follow the rules: Follow the competition rules and guidelines. Make sure you understand the format and structure of the moot, including the submission requirements and the rules for oral arguments.
Remember, moots are a learning experience, so approach it with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and improve. Best of luck!

How has your internship experience at various places been? Can you describe some of the skills that you developed through these internships?

I have had the privilege of interning under the able guidance of the best legal minds. I did several internships ranging from NGOs, political organizations, think tanks, academia, law chambers, and law firms. Some of them require special mention.

Foremost, as already stated in my introduction, I have been working at the Chambers of AOR Shoeb Alam and AOR Fauzia Shakil since June 2022, and I am truly enjoying it. As an intern, particularly in the legal profession, it is quite difficult to find someone who communicates, understands, trusts and supports you by giving time, respect, and appreciation without any expectations.

This chamber is not merely a place of internship for me; this is the place where I believe a child is learning to walk by holding the hands of his parents. Nothing less!

Working under the able guidance of Mr. Nikunj Kulshreshtha, Lecturer at Jindal Global Law School was an enriching experience. As my mentor in the profession, he was there when no one else was. I have been very fortunate to meet him at a very early stage, and he has a greater role to play in shaping my career.

Another experience worth mentioning is at the chambers of Mr. Tanveer Ahmed Mir. Sir is a person of great aura and a great source of inspiration for me. During my internship, I closely observed and followed his arguments.

Even though I am not currently there in his chamber, I still learn from him every day, as I still remember some of his arguments that have had a long-lasting effect on me.

It has been an honor for me to be a mentee of these great personalities, and I am deeply indebted to all my gurus.

What areas of law interest you the most, and how do envision your future after law school?

My area of interest includes but is not limited to Constitutional & criminal laws arising out of general and special criminal legislation. Though I am exploring other areas of law as well, it is all about having a taste and getting addicted to something.

So far as my plan after law school is concerned, I want to practice in Delhi. My ultimate aim is to become a senior counsel primarily dealing with the matters that matter for human rights and civil liberties.

This Interview is a part of our Star Student/Faculty interview series wherein our campus leaders interview the star student/faculty of their college. Stay tuned for more!

Note: This article was first published on April 27, 2023. We have republished it on June 11, 2024.