Not all lawyers own private jets!

Have you been watching Suits lately? The American TV drama features a dynamic Harvey Specter who is also ‘the best closer in New York City.’ But it would be nice to step out of that on-screen bubble into the real world, where unfortunately, things may not be as easy-peasy.

Prerika Arora, a legal professional based in Georgia, United States, shares a reality check for law aspirants. In the following interview, she discusses how most lawyers may not be fine dining or living the best of everything. Read on, edited excerpts.

Please tell us about your educational background.

I spent 14 years at Apeejay School, Saket after which I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi in India. At the same time, I pursued a Company Secretary (CS) course from The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. After this, I entered the job market and worked for Parsvnath Developers Limited. Then I quit my job and pursued a degree in law from the University of Delhi. I started working soon after and it has been 12 years since.

Why did you choose the legal profession? When did you become certain that this was your calling?

I felt that I should explore the field of law. It was a personal choice as I thrive on constant change, challenges and pressure. I was inclined to Business and Corporate Law which eventually became my expertise. With this, my CS training came handy to equip me further for the trials of the role.

You moved from India to the United States pursuing your passion. Any upskilling needed?

I moved to be with my family in the United States. It has only been a few months since. Foreign lawyers are not certified to practice in the States as per the rules, so I am currently studying to give the Bar exam again. Unlike India, the States have different Council rules and regulations for each of the states. I am planning to appear later this year to attain my qualification.

For those planning to practice in the States, your advice?

It is difficult. It can be easier if someone is planning to pursue a Master’s degree here and then appear for the Bar exam. Most Councils prefer foreign lawyers with a States qualification. Like I mentioned, as each State has a different Council, so someone practising in Georgia will not be able to practice in New York or California. The only exception to the rule is the state of California which still allows foreign-qualified lawyers with experience to be able to give the Bar. But then they evaluate them on a case-to-case basis. It is a long process and can take about a year.

So, for anyone who is planning to be here, I suggest that they should plan it well.

Since you worked in Europe, United Kingdom and more, does it benefit to be on the corporate side of law for aspirants? Is it more lucrative?

Well, each country has its own set of laws both Criminal and Civil. Criminal law penalties can differ on a very large extent in multiple countries. But corporate law concepts are broadly the same globally. Of course, there are intricacies and complexities in each country. For instance, I have worked in Dubai, Europe, and the United Kingdom, etc., and I realised that the crux of everything is the same but the approach is very different. The way businesses are run, records are maintained, transactions are carried is dissimilar. Nonetheless, the shift is easier and the core terms can be familiar.

Criminal Law is not like that. An act that is criminal in nature may not come under the same laws as in India and Dubai. So, yes, it becomes difficult for a lawyer to switch and re-qualify. Overall, I would say that both the fields are lucrative. On the corporate side, aspirants will start off well and eventually, litigation can pay them well too.  

Your message for aspirants?

Legal is a highly-paid profession. But what is required of you is a lot. Certainly, it is not a regular 9-5 job. It needs consistent efforts, dedication and knowledge-gathering. So, keep at it and don’t compare yourself with your peers. Lastly, never stop learning!  

Tell us more about your years at Apeejay School.

I attribute a lot of who I am and what I have become to my school. All my teachers were the driving force for my progress and development. I had a great time at Apeejay! Not only did the school educate me but also taught me several life lessons such as to not give up and be steady when faced with challenges. Like any other student, I too had more red comments on my exam papers than the blue content, but I recall one of my teachers going above and beyond her call of duty to make me learn. All this helped me improve and score well in academics.

I recall our Principal at that time, Ms Anita Paul, who was also extremely supportive. Once she sat me down and told me that scores are not the end-goal. As a 17-year-old, it was a big thing for me. Her words gave me hope despite not scoring too well in school. So, Apeejay took me as raw clay turned me into a beautiful sculpture, that’s how I would describe my journey.