INTERVIEW: Ms. Asmita, Advocate on What it Takes to Be A First-Generation Litigator

Interview conducted by Katyayani singh as a part of her Campus Leaders Program.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

During my undergraduate studies in Political Science, my professors played a pivotal role in shaping my interest in law — they encouraged me to consider it as a serious career path and guided me towards appearing for the entrance exams. The turning point, however, was a seminar I attended by a High Court lawyer from Delhi.

Listening to him speak about his journey, the challenges he faced, and his unwavering commitment to the profession deeply inspired me. It made me realize that law is not just a profession, but a platform to create meaningful impact — and that conviction stayed with me.

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

Law school was a formative and exciting time for me. One of the most memorable parts was participating in moot court competitions — the thrill of building arguments, thinking on my feet, and stepping into the shoes of a litigator made it incredibly fulfilling.

I also found studying forensic science and analyzing real criminal cases particularly fascinating; it gave me a deeper, more practical understanding of how the law interacts with evidence and investigation.

Another highlight was when a guest lecturer — a practicing advocate — visited our campus to interact with students and scout for interns. I still remember how determined I was to make an impression.

It was through sheer dedication and initiative that I secured an internship under him, which became one of my first significant steps into the world of litigation. That experience gave me both confidence and clarity about the kind of legal work I wanted to pursue.

What are some of the key milestones in your career?

One of the most meaningful milestones in my journey was working closely with a Hon’ble Judge of the Patna High Court for almost two years. That experience opened my eyes to how nuanced the law really is. I didn’t just learn how to draft or research — I learned how to read between the lines, to understand what’s not being said in a case, and to approach every matter with empathy and objectivity. Watching cases unfold from the bench gave me a whole new perspective on how justice is interpreted and delivered.

A moment I hold very close to my heart was when I was asked to help prepare a speech for His Lordship to deliver at the Judicial Academy. The topic was Human Organ Transplant and the Laws Surrounding It in Different Countries. What started as a legal research assignment became something much deeper.

I found myself exploring bioethics, real-life cases — like children being born to save their siblings — and complex questions like whether the human body can be considered property, or what consent truly means. It wasn’t easy, but it was deeply enriching.

After the speech, His Lordship turned to me and said, “I will remember you for this research.” That one line meant the world to me. It wasn’t just about being recognised — it was about knowing that I had contributed to something meaningful. That moment still grounds me when things get overwhelming.

What achievements are you most proud of?

One of the cases I’m most proud of was also one of the most difficult ones emotionally. It involved a college student who had been sexually harassed by a High Court lawyer. Although his license had been suspended initially, the disciplinary proceedings were never completed, and he quietly returned to practice.

What made things worse was that he started filing cases in different places just to harass the girl further. She was young, scared, and trying to hold her ground while the system seemed to be working against her.

I was working with an advocate who was part of a pro bono fact-finding committee, and we took the case without charging anything. Even within the legal community, there was a lot of resistance. Many didn’t want to get involved because the lawyer in question was a Brahmin and came with influence.

Most people backed off. But we couldn’t look the other way. We reopened the case, knowing it would be an uphill battle and that we were pretty much standing alone.

It wasn’t an easy fight, but standing by her, helping her feel heard and supported — that mattered more than anything else. It taught me that sometimes the real achievement isn’t just about winning a case, but about showing up when it truly counts.

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is learning how to balance emotions with professionalism. As a litigator, it’s easy to get deeply attached to your cases and the people involved, especially when the issues are so personal and impactful. But I realized early on that while empathy is essential, I also needed to develop the ability to step back, stay focused, and not let emotions cloud my judgment. It’s a delicate balance, and one I’m still learning every day.

Another important lesson has been about relationships within the legal community — especially with juniors and colleagues. I made it a point to welcome everyone with dignity and respect, no matter their level of experience. Building that culture of respect not only strengthens the team but also helps create a healthier, more supportive working environment.

Over time, I’ve also learned to develop a thick skin. Not every situation requires a reaction, and not everything deserves your energy. Sometimes, it’s best to simply observe and let things be. This approach has helped me maintain my peace of mind and focus on what truly matters.

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

One thing I’ve learned early on is the importance of leaving work at work. It’s tempting to carry the stress of cases and client issues home, but I try to keep a clear boundary between my professional and personal life. When I’m off the clock, I focus on myself, my family, and things that bring me peace and joy. That separation helps me recharge and come back to work with a fresh mind and renewed energy.

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

One of the most significant trends right now is the growing use of artificial intelligence in the legal field. AI is increasingly being used to assist with tasks like legal research, document review, and even predicting case outcomes. This technology has the potential to speed up trials and make the justice system more efficient.

However, it also comes with important restrictions and ethical considerations — for example, ensuring that AI doesn’t perpetuate biases or replace the crucial human judgment that law demands. For law students, understanding both the possibilities and the limits of AI is becoming essential.

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

I believe artificial intelligence will give the legal field a whole new dimension. From streamlining research to helping predict case outcomes, AI will make legal processes faster and more accessible. But beyond technology, I also see a cultural shift taking place. People are becoming more aware of nepotism and legacy advantages in the profession.

Talent, hard work, and perseverance are increasingly what will define success—not just whose family you come from. This change is encouraging because it opens the doors wider for first-generation lawyers to prove themselves and thrive on their own merit.

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

It’s okay if you don’t score well in law colleges — great lawyers are not made in classrooms but in courtrooms. What really shapes you is the experience you gain by attending court hearings, observing how cases unfold, and understanding the practical side of law.

One tip I always share is to prepare your case from both sides. When you’re working on a matter, don’t just focus on your client’s position; study the opposing arguments carefully and prepare notes for both perspectives. This approach not only strengthens your arguments but also sharpens your legal thinking and helps you anticipate challenges before they come up in court.

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

To truly make the most of law school, students should aim to publish their research papers. It not only sharpens your understanding but also helps build your profile early on.

Also, don’t limit yourself to just one type of case or practice area. A good lawyer never says no to a case—every experience teaches you something new. Try to gain exposure at every level of the court hierarchy, whether it’s a brief internship or a longer stint. This will help you understand where your strengths and interests lie and guide you in deciding whether to practice at the district court, high court, or even the Supreme Court.

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

I believe legal education needs much more real-world exposure. For example, I was really interested in forensic science during law school, but unfortunately, the subject was removed from the curriculum due to a lack of qualified faculty. This isn’t an isolated case — many law schools face similar challenges that limit students’ learning opportunities.

Colleges should encourage more guest lecturers who bring practical insights from the field. Most importantly, internships should be made compulsory across all three tiers of courts — district, high court, and Supreme Court. This would give students a firsthand understanding of how the judicial hierarchy works and helps them make more informed decisions about their careers.

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

My goal is to build my own legal team — a group of dedicated professionals who share my commitment to justice and excellence. Ultimately, I aspire to argue a landmark case, one that captures public attention and makes a real difference. That’s the kind of impact I want to have in my career.

How has Lawctopus supported you in your career journey?

No, but I have heard many of my colleagues referring it.

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!