‘Knowledge of current affairs comes in handy for law aspirants’

Poonam Sharma is a final year student pursuing BA LLB from  School of Legal Studies, Apeejay Stya University (ASU). Understanding in-depth the present circumstances of how Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) is becoming a popular substitute for the litigation process in India, the Faridabad-based girl worked on a research paper themed ‘Constitutional Journey of ADR in India’ that has been published in the White Black Legal Law Journal, an international, open access, peer-reviewed and refereed journal. In an interview, Poonam talks about her research paper and more. Edited excerpts:

Tell us briefly about the research paper you worked on?

This research paper is based on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR ). When there is a conflict between two parties, one of the common ways to resolve it is via a civil suit. But besides court proceedings, one can also opt for ADR. This process typically helps parties to settle disputes with the help of a third party outside a courtroom. Now Alternative Dispute Resolution also has different types like Arbitration, Mediation, Conciliation and Negotiation. Both the parties opt for a type as per mutual agreement in the presence of the third party. Suppose the parties opt for Arbitration then the dispute is submitted to a neutral third party, the Arbitrator, who tries to resolve the dispute and makes a decision which is binding on both the parties to the dispute. This is what I have focused on in my research paper.

Why did you choose this topic?

ADR was a part of our syllabus in one of the semesters. Aditya Mishra Sir has taught us this subject and his teaching methods are just incredible. When the subject was taught in class, I grew a lot of interest and hence decided to conduct in-depth research. While we were studying this subject, we were also given an assignment and that further grew my keenness to know more and work on this subject. I started working on this paper in December 2021. I spent around 45 days doing the research and this got published in March 2022. Besides ADR, I also have a keen interest in subjects including the Indian Penal Code (IPC) – one of key subjects for a law student, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) as well as Code of Civil Procedure (CPC). These are my favourites.    

What interests you about the law field?

My father is very passionate about this profession. He isn’t into this profession but he has a lot of knowledge on different subjects related to this field. He encouraged me to pursue law as a career. 

What has been your learning from the internships and research work that you have done?

I am currently interning with a Delhi-based law firm, Corpsutra LLP. In this internship, it’s helping me to stay updated with the latest developments in the legal field. Certainly, knowledge of current affairs comes in handy for law aspirants. Moreover, internships help inculcate the spirit of team-work, make you more patient and help learn time-management. It’s one of the best ways for law students to get practical legal experience, and get a sense of their areas of interest thereby making them ready for future success in this field. I have also interned with Tis Hazari Court, Karkardooma Court and Faridabad Court. And when I was interning with these courts, I had attended hearing sessions, went through legal files and learnt how to draft a legal notice.  

What is your next plan after completing your graduation?

I want to give the judiciary exam – that’s my priority. I am already preparing for the exam. In case I don’t clear the exam, I will take up corporate law.