A Day in the Life of Kritika Khanna, Senior Associate at Desai & Diwanji!

This post is part of our ‘A Day in the Life’ segment, where we showcase the lives of legal professionals. The segment aims to help you make inspired and informed career decisions.

Can you describe your specific responsibilities in this role?

My role primarily involves drafting, legal research, and court appearances across various forums. I handle case management and procedural strategy, ensuring timely filings.

Regular coordination or briefings with senior advocates or local counsel, as well as briefings for complex matters, is key. I also assist in client advisory related to ongoing and potential litigation.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned since starting in this role?

Litigation taught me precision in words, timing and instinct.
The quietest prep wins the loudest fights.
Emotions can’t replace execution.
And yes, the courtroom is a stage, own it.

Quick thinking in the courtroom only works when the groundwork is solid. Every detail matters, from drafting to delivery.

What’s the one thing that surprised you about the job when you started?

What surprised me most was how unglamorous the work can be at the start. From chasing filing clerks to waiting hours for a two-minute mention, it’s a hustle. I didn’t expect how much it depends on the goodwill of the court staff and the judge’s specific preferences. It’s a mix of law, logistics, and learning to remain calm when things don’t go as planned.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

Typical day? Court prep, courtroom hopping, and long existential pauses in the hallway. I spend more time outside courtrooms than inside, perfecting the art of standing by.

Most of it is spent waiting for matters to be called, for judges to assemble, for seniors to arrive. You learn to carry everything, files, patience and backup snacks. Litigation teaches you law, but also how to survive on chai and low expectations.

Some days I argue. Most days, I just argue with the registry.

What are the Pros and Cons of your work?

Pros: The work is intellectually engaging and constantly evolving. It builds strong analytical, communication, and advocacy skills. No two matters are ever the same; each day brings new challenges. There’s a genuine sense of purpose in representing and helping clients.

Cons: The hours are unpredictable, with frequent delays and long waiting periods. As a junior, the workload can be intense with little autonomy. Systemic inefficiencies and procedural hurdles can slow progress. It can be emotionally draining when outcomes don’t reflect your effort.

How did you land this role? What qualifications or experiences helped the most?

I built my foundation early on through participation in moot court, which sharpened my research and argument skills from the outset. Instead of relying only on applications, I physically showed up at senior advocates’ offices with a hard copy of my resume. Those conversations often led to internships, and that hands-on exposure helped me learn the ropes. More than anything, initiative and persistence opened doors.

What top tips would you give aspiring professionals in this field?

Start before you feel qualified; no one knows everything in this field anyway. Lawyers keep learning throughout their lives. Be bold enough to walk into chambers with your resume and humble enough to take whatever work comes your way. Let your work speak louder than your name.

Some days you’ll feel invisible; others, invincible. Take both in your stride. Sharpen your mind, but don’t lose your sense of humour; it’s what keeps you human. Because in the end, no brief is worth burning out. Laugh at the madness, and keep it moving. “Be sharp where it matters, and soft where it counts — that’s the real win.”

Disclaimer: Interviews published on Lawctopus are not thoroughly edited to retain the voice of the interviewee.