Dr. Mitashree Tripathy, Assistant Professor at Birla Global University on the Role of Public Speaking in Interdisciplinary Education

Interview conducted by Padmakshee pani as a part of her Campus Leaders Program.

Can you please share a brief introduction about yourself?

I am Dr. Mitashree Tripathy, a committed and dedicated professional with over 13 years of experience in teaching, training, and research. My passion lies in nurturing minds and shaping individuals through Business Communication, Soft Skills, and Personality Development. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching students across diverse disciplines—Engineering, Management, Commerce, Journalism and Mass Communication, Law, Osteopathy, and Data Analytics.

As an educator, I strive to create a positive and energetic learning environment where students are encouraged to learn with joy and curiosity. I strongly believe in the power of fun learning and have consistently guided and mentored students to perform at their best.

I am a certified soft-skills trainer from The Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD), New Delhi, and the Indian Leadership Academy, Bangalore. My work extends beyond classrooms—I collaborate with various industries to develop soft skills among executives and professionals, while also training graduate and postgraduate students for better employability and career preparedness.

Research is an integral part of my academic journey. With a Ph.D. in Soft Skills, I have authored and published over 45 research papers, many of which are indexed in SCOPUS, Web of Science, EBSCO, Phil Papers, and other prestigious global databases. My areas of research interest include Management Development, Leadership Development, Job Crafting, Meaningful Work, and Spirituality. I currently have an H-index of 9 and an i10-index of 9 on Google Scholar.

Above all, I am a resolute individual with an unwavering determination to never give up. My journey is guided by purpose, passion, and a steadfast commitment to contributing meaningfully to the academic and professional worlds.

At what point did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in legal academia, particularly as an English professor in a law school?

I always had a flair for ideas and innovation, which are out of the box and which demanded analytical thinking. This realization, coupled with my passion for teaching and mentoring, led me to pursue a career where I could integrate these disciplines to enrich the education of law students.

From your perspective as a legal academic, how do you anticipate the field of law evolving over the next decade?

Over the next decade, the field of law is likely to see significant transformations driven by advancements in technology, shifts in global economic dynamics, and evolving societal norms. Legal academia must adapt by integrating interdisciplinary approaches, emphasizing ethical considerations in legal practice, and preparing students to navigate complex legal landscapes with agility, truthfulness and empathy.

Can you share the best piece of guidance you’ve been given in your career, and how it impacted your journey?

One of the most impactful pieces of guidance I received was to continuously seek opportunities for professional growth and to embrace lifelong learning. This advice encouraged me to stay current with academic developments, pursue research that contributes to both theory and practice, and mentor students in a way that fosters their intellectual curiosity and professional resilience.

What are your future aspirations and goals as an academic in the field of legal education?

My primary aspiration is to continue advancing the pedagogical approaches that integrate language studies with legal education. I aim to contribute to scholarly discourse through publications that bridge literary theory with legal analysis, while also mentoring a new generation of legal scholars who are equipped to tackle emerging challenges in law and society.

In your experience as an English professor at a law school, what difficulties have you overcome, and what successes stand out to you?

One challenge has been overcoming initial scepticism about the relevance of English and literature in legal education. Successfully demonstrating how these disciplines enhance legal reasoning and communication skills has been immensely rewarding. Additionally, seeing students develop into articulate advocates and effective communicators stands out as a significant success.

According to you, how significant is paper publication for law students in advancing their careers?

Publication in reputable journals is crucial for law students aspiring to pursue academia or specialized legal practice. It not only demonstrates depth of knowledge and research skills but also enhances credibility and visibility within the legal community. It Enhances one’s ability to think clearly, build strong arguments, and apply legal reasoning with accuracy—skills that are essential in any area of legal practice. Moreover, it fosters critical thinking and the ability to engage with legal discourse beyond the classroom.

What guidance would you offer to law students who are on the verge of graduating?

I would advise graduating law students to cultivate a diverse skill set that includes strong research abilities, effective communication skills, and a commitment to ethical practice. Networking within the legal community and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can also provide valuable insights and opportunities as they embark on their legal careers.

What are some defining or cherished moments you recall from your time as a student at Ravenshaw University?

During my time at Ravenshaw University, I cherish the moments spent engaging deeply with literary texts and debating their implications. These experiences laid the foundation for my academic journey and instilled a passion for interdisciplinary scholarship that continues to inform my teaching and research today.

What emerging trends in the legal profession do you believe today’s law students should stay informed about? Additionally, what strategies would you recommend to help students enhance their public speaking and communication skills?

Today’s law students should stay informed about trends such as digital transformation in legal services, increasing globalization of legal practice, and the growing importance of environmental and human rights law. To enhance public speaking and communication skills, students should participate in moot court competitions, join debating societies, and seek opportunities for public speaking engagements that simulate real-world legal advocacy.

What changes do you foresee in the legal sector over the coming decade, and what competencies will future legal practitioners need to succeed?

In the coming decade, the legal sector is likely to see increased automation of routine tasks, greater emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, and heightened demand for lawyers who can navigate ethical and technological complexities. Future legal practitioners will need competencies in data analysis, cross-cultural communication, and adaptive problem-solving to thrive in this evolving landscape.

What role do you think platforms like Lawctopus can play in enriching the educational experience and opportunities available to law students today?

Platforms like Lawctopus serve as invaluable resources for law students by providing access to legal news, career opportunities, and scholarly publications. They facilitate networking among students, academics, and legal professionals, thereby enriching educational experiences and offering insights into diverse legal perspectives and career paths.

Could you suggest a few essential readings that, in your view, every law student should explore to enhance their academic and professional English?

Essential readings for enhancing academic and professional English in law include works that explore legal writing and rhetoric, such as Bryan Garner’s “Legal Writing in Plain English” and Joseph Kimble’s “Lifting the Fog of Legalese.” Additionally, engaging with seminal texts in legal philosophy and critical theory can deepen students’ understanding of legal language and argumentation.

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!