Anuradha Padhy, Assistant Professor at Vijaybhoomi University on Challenges, Current Trends, Handling Stress and Work-life Balance

Interview conducted by Tripti Mishra as a part of her Campus Leaders Program.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

I was drawn to law because of its power to shape society and ensure justice. Growing up, I witnessed instances where the voiceless needed representation, and I saw the legal system as a medium through which meaningful change could occur.

It fascinated me how legal reasoning could transform abstract principles into concrete action, influencing real lives. That realization inspired me to pursue law not just as a profession, but as a lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and education.

Can you share some memorable experiences from your law school days?

Law school was both intellectually stimulating and humbling. One particularly memorable experience was participating in my first moot court. Despite being extremely nervous, the exhilaration of arguing a case before a panel shaped my love for courtroom dynamics.

I also vividly remember late-night study groups and debates in the library—we challenged each other’s views, which sharpened our critical thinking. Those years weren’t just about academics—they shaped my resilience, adaptability, and commitment to lifelong learning.

What are some of the key milestones in your career?

Several milestones come to mind:

• Arguing my first case before the High Court was a pivotal moment—it tested both my knowledge and composure.
• My transition into academia was equally significant; being invited to teach at a leading law school and later taking up administrative responsibilities as Head of Department marked a new chapter.
• Publishing my first book and a series of peer-reviewed articles helped establish my academic voice.
• More recently, contributing to curriculum reforms and participating in national policy discussions on legal education have been particularly rewarding.

What achievements are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the success of my students. Seeing them excel in litigation, judiciary, academia, and public policy fills me with immense pride. Beyond that, co-developing a legal aid clinic that now serves hundreds of marginalized citizens each year stands as a personal and professional achievement.

On the academic front, being awarded for excellence in teaching and having my research cited in judicial pronouncements have been particularly gratifying.

What major challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Balancing academic responsibilities with legal practice was challenging in the early stages. Time management and prioritization were critical in handling both. Another challenge was institutional inertia when trying to introduce innovative teaching methods or curriculum changes.

I overcame this by building coalitions, presenting evidence-based proposals, and involving students in pilot initiatives to showcase the benefits.

How do you handle stress and maintain a work-life balance?

I believe in discipline and boundaries. I allocate specific hours for academic work, student mentoring, and administrative tasks, ensuring I make time for family and personal growth. Reading non-legal literature, gardening, and yoga have been great stress relievers. Most importantly, I’ve learned to delegate and trust my team—it’s essential to avoid burnout.

What are the current trends in the legal field that law students should be aware of?

The legal field is undergoing rapid transformation. Key trends include:

• Tech-law convergence: Data protection, cybercrime, and AI ethics are growing areas.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Arbitration and mediation are becoming preferred mechanisms.
• Environmental and human rights law: With global awareness, these fields are expanding.
• Legal entrepreneurship: Startups are redefining legal services.
• Public interest lawyering: There’s a renewed interest in rights-based approaches and impact litigation.

How do you see the field of law evolving in the next decade?

The next decade will be defined by technological integration—AI will assist with research, predictive analytics will influence case strategies, and virtual courts will become more common. Interdisciplinary learning will be crucial as law intersects with economics, policy, psychology, and technology.

Additionally, globalization will demand that lawyers understand transnational legal systems. Legal education must evolve to produce not just practitioners, but policy thinkers and problem-solvers.

What advice would you give to law students who are about to graduate?

Graduation is a new beginning. My advice:

• Stay curious and keep learning—law evolves daily.
• Be ethical—integrity is your greatest asset.
• Choose mentorship over monetary gain in the initial years.
• Don’t be afraid to explore—corporate law, litigation, policy, academia, all have value.
• Most importantly, be kind—to your clients, colleagues, and yourself.

How can students make the most of their time in law school?

Participate actively. Don’t restrict yourself to textbooks—join moot courts, legal aid clinics, and research projects. Network with professors and peers. Write and publish—develop your voice.

Intern strategically across sectors to find your calling. And remember, it’s okay to not have all the answers. Law school is not just a place to prepare for a career, but a space to discover yourself.

What changes would you like to see in the legal education system?

We need to shift from rote learning to experiential learning. Law schools must emphasize clinical legal education, real-world exposure, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Evaluation systems should focus on analytical skills, not just memory. Faculty training and curriculum modernization are crucial. Lastly, law should be taught as a tool for justice, not just for employment—ethics and empathy must be core to our teaching.

What are your future plans and goals in the legal field?

My goals include continuing research on law and technology, contributing to national education policy, and mentoring the next generation of legal scholars. I also plan to expand the legal aid clinic into a permanent, student-led center for community justice. Eventually, I hope to establish a foundation supporting underrepresented students in legal education.

How has Lawctopus supported you in your career journey?

Lawctopus has been a valuable platform—not just for students but also for professors. It offers visibility to research, hosts engaging webinars, and creates networking opportunities.

I’ve had the chance to mentor through their platforms, contribute articles, and stay informed about internships, competitions, and student-led innovations. It bridges the gap between legal academia and practical learning beautifully.

Recommended Books

Based on my area of expertise in Constitutional Law, Legal Philosophy, and Access to Justice, here are my recommendations:

• “Constitution of India” by P.M. Bakshi – for a clear understanding of constitutional provisions.
• “Indian Constitutional Law” by M.P. Jain – comprehensive and critical.
• “Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?” by Michael Sandel – excellent for understanding moral reasoning.
• “Law and Society in Modern India” by Marc Galanter – for socio-legal perspectives.
• “The Idea of Justice” by Amartya Sen – profound and interdisciplinary.

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

This interview is a part of our Star Interview series, conducted by the Campus Leaders at Lawctopus. Stay tuned for more!