An Interview with Dr. Alamdeep Kaur (Assistant Professor of Law at University Institute of Legal Studies)

1. Hello Madam, Please Tell Us Something About Yourself to Our Readers.

I completed my Bachelors in Law from Punjabi University Patiala and my masters in Law from Kurukshetra University. After that, I earned myself a Ph.D. in Law from much revered Panjab University, Chandigarh. Before pursuing a professional law degree I had been into literature, as I did Bachelors with English Honors and after that a Masters in English, both from Panjab University, Chandigarh. All through my student life, I have been an extremely hard-working student.  The sincerity and dedication helped me land in the merit list for LL.B. as I got second position in the university. So, these virtues I have followed till date as a mantra to sail me through my career.

2. What Inspired You to Choose Law as Your Career? Why Law and Not Engineering or Medical Studies?

Well, that’s an interesting question. For me it was always legal professionals around me. Both of my parents being Lawyers I have literally grown up with the law books around me. When kids of my age used to have one or two books to go through I had a whole library at home since the time I remember. So, it won’t be wrong to say law has been in my genes. I not only love this field but I keep this field in the highest esteem as it has a role to play in shaping a society and a country. The level of integrity that is required to pursue a career in this field is of utmost degree.

3. Madam, Please Tell Us About Your Law School Journey.

I have done LL.B. from Punjabi University, Patiala and have been a merit list holder throughout. I completed my Ph.D. in law from Panjab University, Chandigarh in social media and family law. Law schools have now changed a lot. There is more exposure for the students and that has made them more aware also. But, I strongly believe that the ideals and ethics engraved by the traditional education system are still unmatched.

4. How important do you think mooting or any co-curricular activity is in shaping one’s future career in law?

Mooting is extremely important for a law student. Mooting not just teaches the law students about the art of lawyering but it is a great excersise to gain confidence and develop one’s personality. As we all know that to be a good lawyer the public speaking skills are important, so, mooting gives an excellent platform to the students to work on their rhetoric. These days, all law schools organise various other kinds of extracurricular activities such as singing, debates and declamations etc. Such activities are vital for over all development of the students.

5. What Kind of Internships Did You Do While You Were A Student? Any Remarkable Experiences During Your Internships That Shaped Your Career Choices Later?

As, I mention above I have grown up in an advocates family, so, my first practical learning opportunity was with my father, at the District Courts. As he dealt with criminal cases mainly but also civil occasional, so, I got to learn both the kinds of cases. After a while I joined in with my husband at Panjab and Haryana High Court. High Court’s experience has been valuable in shaping my career as an Assistant Professor as well because the practical knowledge gained there is appreciated by the students.

6. If You Could List Out 5 Activities Which on A Scale of Priority, Should Be at The Top in Any Law Student’s School-Life, What Would Those Be?

First activity, must be the mooting as it polishes all the skills for a good lawyer. Secondly, drafting skills must be focused on. Thirdly, researching and taking a break from the text book based study. This must be well inculcated in a law student to be successful in the long run. Fourthly, the participation in the extracurricular activities as a student gets to learn to present oneself in front of the world. Last but not the least is developing a habit of reading even if it is beyond law books. As, reading broadens the perspective, which is vital.

7. What Do You Like Best About Teaching? What Is the Best Thing About Being A Professor and What’s the Worst?

The best thing is coming in close contact with budding minds on everyday basis. Knowing the and realizing their needs, sometimes beyond studies. Inculcating values in students and being appreciated for the same. I don’t think there is a bad part of being a teacher. I have always wanted to be a teacher and it feels great to live one’s dream. Although, because of the corona pandemic, I miss taking lectures in packed classrooms but nonetheless imparting education can’t be halted.

8. Any Important Things Which Law School Didn’t Teach You But ‘Teaching’ Did?

Although we had the best teachers when I did law and the basis of the legal profession was laid down there. But one endeavor that the National law schools and also other good law schools must be appreciated for highlighting the corporate sector a career for the law student. The possibilities of a career in the corporate sector are what I realized as a teacher at UILS, PU. Otherwise, there were only two options for law graduate, judiciary or practicing.

9. Where Do You See Yourself Five Years from Now?

I see myself as doing more research and coming up with my book on social media and law.

10. The Best Experience and Success Habit You Would Like to Share with Law Students to Encourage Them.

Reading is one good habit that a law student must adopt to be successful. By reading I don’t mean that they must keep on reading their text books always, but they must read books on various topics to give them a perspective about various things in life, which is significant to be an achiever.

11. Lastly, What Would Be Your Message to People Who Want to Take Up A Career in Teaching?

To be a teacher, along with the command on the subject, one must be able to connect to a student. Sometimes students come up with problems beyond studies, and being approachable becomes important. A teacher in that role actually becomes a counselor and this is important because of drastic change in lifestyles and consequent increase in mental issues in students.

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