Dr. Roshni Srivastava, Assistant Dean at United University, Prayagraj on Value of Practical Experience!

Interview conducted by Aditi Singh as a part of her Campus Leaders Program.

Was there a pivotal moment or someone who inspired you to pursue this remarkable career?

My journey into law was significantly influenced by my father. Witnessing his unwavering commitment to justice and his passion for helping others instilled in me a strong desire to make a meaningful impact. His guidance and values played a pivotal role in shaping my career path.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve remained driven by the principles he taught me – fairness, equality, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. I’m grateful for the foundation he laid, and I strive to uphold these values in my work as a law educator.

Take us back to your law school days! What are some memorable experiences that still make you smile?

Ah, law school was an incredible journey! One experience that stands out was our moot court competition. Our team would often get into heated debates, arguing from different perspectives. It was hilarious to see classmates going head-to-head, never quite reaching a conclusion without our faculty stepping in to mediate!

Despite the chaos, we learned so much from each other and developed strong bonds. Those moments of intense discussion and friendly rivalry not only honed our advocacy skills but also created lifelong memories. It’s amazing how those experiences have shaped me into the educator I am today.

Dr. Srivastava, you’ve had a remarkable career. What are some key milestones that stand out to you?

Honoured to be invited by the Bar Council of Chhattisgarh to address the session on Women Empowerment and Human Rights. It’s a privilege to speak on issues that shape the core of an equitable society.

Empowering women is not just about ensuring equal rights — it’s about creating systems where every woman feels safe, heard, and valued. Upholding human rights means standing up for dignity, justice, and equality for all — regardless of gender, background, or belief.

Grateful to the Bar Council for the felicitation, and more so, for fostering dialogue on these critical issues in the legal and public space.

Dr. Srivastava, what achievements are you most proud of in your career?

One achievement that stands out is my research work on abortion laws in India, particularly my thesis on the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) framework. I proposed reforms to expand access to safe and legal abortions, and it was incredible to see one of my key recommendations reflected in the MTP Amendment Act of 2021.

Knowing that my work may have contributed, even in a small way, to a law that impacts women’s rights and health in India is deeply fulfilling. It reinforces my belief in the power of rigorous legal research and policy advocacy. Moments like these remind me of the real-world impact we can have as legal scholars.

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

One of the major challenges I faced in my career was during the early stages of my research journey, when repeated attempts to publish my work were unsuccessful. Despite putting in significant effort, my papers were often rejected due to a lack of clarity, insufficient data, or misalignment with journal scopes. This was a discouraging period, but it pushed me to reflect critically on my approach.

To overcome this, I sought feedback from mentors and colleagues, attended academic writing workshops, and thoroughly studied successful publications in my field. I also improved my data analysis methods and ensured my work was more aligned with current research trends. Over time, my writing and research design improved, leading to successful publications. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and collaboration in academic research.

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

For me, stress handling is all about finding joy in the little things. Spending playful time with my children is my go-to stress reliever – their energy and laughter always lift my spirits! When it comes to balancing work and life, I’m a firm believer in the power of time management.

By prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals, I’m able to stay focused and productive. This allows me to carve out quality time for my family and personal pursuits, ensuring a healthy balance between my professional and personal life. It’s all about finding harmony and making time for what truly matters.

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

Current trends in the legal field that law students should be aware of include the growing intersection of law with technology and sustainability. Climate finance is gaining prominence as governments and corporations face increasing regulatory pressure to meet environmental goals. Lawyers are needed to navigate carbon markets, ESG compliance, and sustainable investment frameworks.

Blockchain is reshaping areas like contract law, property rights, and financial regulation through smart contracts and decentralized systems. Legal professionals must understand how blockchain operates and the implications of digital assets and tokenization.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming legal research, contract review, and even litigation strategy. While it enhances efficiency, it also raises ethical and regulatory concerns around data privacy, bias, and accountability.

Law students should also track developments in cybersecurity law, digital privacy (such as GDPR and global data protection laws), and the rise of remote dispute resolution. Being tech-savvy and adaptable will be key in the evolving legal landscape.

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

The field of law will continue to evolve significantly over the next decade, driven by technology, globalization, and shifting societal values. Artificial intelligence and legal tech will streamline research, document review, and case management, allowing lawyers to focus more on strategy and advocacy.

However, despite these advancements, the legal profession remains irreplaceable. No other field can ensure justice, uphold rights, or interpret the complexities of human behaviour through the lens of the law.

Global challenges like climate change, data privacy, and international conflict will demand new legal frameworks and cross-border cooperation, placing lawyers at the forefront of shaping the future.

Ethics, human rights, and equity will also become more prominent in legal discussions. Law will not only persist—it will grow in importance as society becomes more complex. It will always be a pillar of civilization and a respected profession.

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

Law school gives you the foundation, but real-world practice is where the learning deepens. Whether through internships, clerkships, legal aid, or junior associate roles, prioritize hands-on experience. Learn how law actually works in courts, firms, and with clients.

Never Stop Learning. Keep yourself updated on new judgments, legislative amendments, and regulatory changes in your field. Read case law, legal commentaries, and subscribe to legal journals.

Refine Your Legal Writing and Communication Skills. Relationships matter in the legal profession. Connect with mentors, peers, alumni, and professionals in your area of interest. Networking can open doors, provide guidance, and build your reputation.

Explore different areas of law and find what truly interests you. But remain adaptable—opportunities often come from unexpected directions.

Maintain Integrity and Professional Ethics. Your reputation is your currency in the legal profession. Uphold honesty, diligence, and ethical practice in every matter you handle.

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

Focus on understanding the law, not just memorizing it. 

Start outlining early and practice past exams.

Improve legal writing and research skills.

Participate in internships, moot courts, and clinics for real-world experience.

Network with professors, alumni, and peers.

Explore different legal fields to discover interests.

Use career services for guidance and job prep.

Manage time well and maintain mental and physical health.

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

I believe the legal education system should evolve to encourage critical thinking, active student participation, and real-world engagement. First and foremost, students must be given liberty of thought—to question, debate, and interpret laws freely, rather than passively memorizing them.

The curriculum should shift from being lecture-heavy and theoretical to more interactive and discussion-based, allowing students to explore diverse viewpoints.

Student involvement in academics should go beyond the classroom. They should have opportunities to co-create content, engage in legal research projects, and participate in policymaking simulations or moot court activities. Interdisciplinary learning—combining law with subjects like technology, economics, and sociology—should also be encouraged, reflecting the realities of modern legal practice. 

Additionally, the system should promote practical learning through internships, legal aid work, and clinics, ensuring students graduate with hands-on experience.

Lastly, mental health support, inclusive teaching practices, and assessment reforms are essential to create a holistic and just learning environment.

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

My primary goal is to spread legal awareness to every citizen of India. I believe that knowledge of one’s rights and responsibilities is essential for empowering individuals and strengthening democracy. In the future, I plan to actively contribute to legal literacy programs, organize awareness campaigns, and utilize both online and offline platforms to make legal knowledge more accessible, especially in rural and underprivileged areas.

I also aim to pursue further studies and practical experience that will enable me to create meaningful impact through legal advocacy and public education.

Dr. Srivastava, what books would you recommend in your area of expertise?

For Constitutional Law, I highly recommend M.P. Jain’s ‘Indian Constitutional Law’ – it’s authoritative and comprehensive. Granville Austin’s ‘The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation’ provides a great historical and analytical perspective. Durga Das Basu’s ‘Introduction to the Constitution of India’ is another excellent resource.

For Criminal Law, I suggest R.V. Kelkar’s ‘Criminal Law’, K.D. Gaur’s ‘Criminal Law’, and Pillai’s ‘Criminal Law’.

For Evidence Law, C.K. Takwani’s ‘The Law of Evidence’ is very comprehensive. Ratanlal & Dhirajlal’s commentary on the Indian Evidence Act is authoritative, and Sarathi’s ‘The Law of Evidence’ is also a valuable resource. These texts are essential for both students and practitioners in the field of law.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

As a law educator, I’d like to emphasize the importance of social responsibility. I encourage every law student to get involved in the upliftment of weaker sections of society. By using their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact, they can contribute to creating a more just and equitable society.

It’s essential to remember that law is not just about academics or practice, but also about serving the greater good.

Dr. Roshni Srivastava’s Insights

Key Quotes

• “Empowering women is not just about ensuring equal rights — it’s about creating systems where every woman feels safe, heard, and valued.”
• “Upholding human rights means standing up for dignity, justice, and equality for all — regardless of gender, background, or belief.”
• “Law is not just about academics or practice, but also about serving the greater good.”
• “Resilience, continuous learning, and collaboration are essential in academic research.”

Key Insights

• Importance of Social Responsibility: Dr. Srivastava emphasizes the need for law students to get involved in the upliftment of weaker sections of society.
• Value of Practical Experience: She highlights the importance of hands-on experience through internships and legal aid work.
• Need for Continuous Learning: Dr. Srivastava stresses the importance of staying updated on new judgments and legislative amendments.
• Role of Law in Society: She believes law plays a crucial role in shaping the future of society.
• Empowerment through Legal Awareness: Dr. Srivastava aims to spread legal awareness to empower individuals and strengthen democracy.

Inspirational Takeaways

• Pursue Your Passion: Dr. Srivastava’s journey into law was inspired by her father’s commitment to justice.
• Learn from Challenges: She overcame challenges by seeking feedback and improving her skills.
• Balance Work and Life: Dr. Srivastava emphasizes the importance of time management and finding joy in personal life.

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!