What I Wish Someone Had Told Me in Law School: Tips for Law Students by Nuha Hajira

Introduction

Nuha Hajira, a fifth-year law student from B.R. Ambedkar Law University School of Excellence in Law, she is from small town in Vellore district, reflects on her journey as the first female law student from her town. Her path to law school has been filled with excitement, challenges, and a lot of trial and error, especially without any legal background or guidance. She writes this post to offer some clarity and guidance to fellow first-generation law students who may feel a bit lost, just as she once did. While her experiences are personal, they may provide useful insights for those embarking on their own legal journeys.

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1. Lawyers & Research: A Love Story You Can’t Ignore

Legal research is the cornerstone of the legal profession, and whether a student is just starting or a seasoned professional, it is an indispensable skill.

How to Start Researching:

To get started, consider online internships focused on legal research. Platforms such as Jus Corpus, The Legal Quorum, and AGISS Research Institute offer excellent opportunities for beginners. These resources help build foundational knowledge and even offer publishing opportunities. Additionally, using legal tools like Manupatra, SCC Online, Indian Kanoon, CaseMine, and COURTKACHERI.IN is invaluable for writing case studies, drafting comments, and referencing cases.

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2. Experience Matters (Even If It’s Messy at First)

While internships at large law firms are tempting, starting with smaller offices or working with individual advocates can often be more beneficial for those just beginning their legal careers.

Why Small Offices Are Better for Starters:

Small offices offer hands-on learning experiences that are crucial for understanding the practical aspects of the profession. Nuha’s early experiences involved learning the basics, such as locating courts, filing applications, and understanding courtroom protocols. A slower-paced environment makes it easier to grasp legal processes without feeling overwhelmed.

How to Secure Internships:

Networking plays a pivotal role in landing internships. Family, friends, and alumni connections can be key to finding opportunities. Nuha’s first internship came through a recommendation. Aspiring law students should also consider exploring various areas of law, such as intellectual property rights (IPR), taxation, property law, civil litigation, and criminal litigation, to discover their interests.

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3. Competitions: Your All-Access Pass to Growth

Competitions are more than just fun; they are an excellent opportunity for learning. They teach valuable skills such as teamwork, time management, and practical legal knowledge.

Competitions to Explore:

• Moot Courts: Ideal for developing research and argumentation skills.
• Client Counseling: Perfect for honing communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Arbitration Competitions & Paper Presentations: Great for boosting confidence and expanding subject knowledge.

Nuha’s favorite competitions are paper presentations, as they allow her to dive deeply into legal topics she’s passionate about and present her findings to a larger audience.

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Nuha’s Journey: A Glimpse

• First-Generation Challenges: Being the first female law student in her town, Nuha often felt overwhelmed. Without a clear roadmap, she had to navigate her way through persistence.
• Growth Through Experience: Internships in small offices provided practical lessons, complementing the knowledge gained from textbooks.
• Discovering Passions: Through competitions and research, Nuha discovered her love for analyzing and presenting legal ideas.

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Key Takeaways

• Start Small: Rather than rushing into big law firms, focus on building a strong foundation in smaller offices.
• Research is Everything: Invest time in learning legal research tools and techniques.
• Explore and Experiment: Competitions can help identify what excites you in the field of law.
• Network: Forge relationships with peers, professors, and professionals—they will guide you in ways you cannot imagine.
• Stay Curious: Law is a field that requires constant learning. Embrace every opportunity to grow.

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Also Read:

• Internship Opportunity at National Legal Services Authority, Delhi
• 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition 2025 by SRM University, Delhi-NCR
• Contempt Proceedings Initiated Against Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas
• Summer Research Fellowship (EU) 2025 by Institute for Law & AI
• Exclusive Interview with Senior Advocate Gourab Banerji on Arbitration in India

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Final Thoughts

Although starting law school may seem daunting, the right mindset and strategies can make the journey enriching and rewarding. Nuha hopes that her experiences will resonate with fellow law students and offer clarity. .