INTERVIEW: Prof. Dr. Anita Ladha, Professor at the Faculty of Law, Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal on What’s One Thing Every Law Student Should do Outside the Classroom

Interview conducted by Aagya dubey as a part of her Campus Leaders Program.

Tell me about yourself ma’am, your journey and legal education?

I have done my LLB and LLM in Criminal Law from Vikram University, Ujjain. Having completed my Ph.D. from Barkatullah University. I soon realized my passion lies in academia—shaping future legal minds. Over the years, I’ve taught courses like Contract law, Criminal law, Criminology in various institutions and presently I am teaching clinical papers including Drafting and Pleading, Legislative Drafting and Parliamentary Procedure etc .

More than 20 plus papers published in peer-reviewed journals, and mentored students in their academics and research. I believe in a participatory and analytical approach to teaching law.

What challenges did you face in your life and the ways how you cope up with them?

In life, everybody faces challenges. Time and energy management are constant challenges. There are days when mentorship demands immediate emotional labor, and research deadlines clash with teaching prep. I faced challenges during my early academic life where I learnt a number of things including teaching ideology, bridging theory with practice.

The other is the fast pace of legal change, which I try to tackle by reading new materials and studying recent case laws.

What achievements have most shaped your journey, especially those that came after significant setbacks?

My Ph.D. completion where I learnt a number of things about my topic ‘Custodial Torture: Laws and Policies (with special reference to women victims) which gives me an understanding of not only the criminal laws but also about the societal aspect specifically related to women and how it happens when it comes to the torture in the custody.

Looking at your achievements there’s a question in mind that how you manage work life balance?

That’s a very pertinent question, and I think many professionals, especially in academia and law, constantly grapple with work life balance. Given the demanding nature of legal scholarship, teaching, and administrative responsibilities, maintaining balance is indeed crucial. My primary strategy revolves around rigorous prioritization This involves clear goal-setting at the start of each semester or project.

I ‘m a firm believer in strategic scheduling. This means setting aside dedicated blocks of time for deep work—whether it’s writing, preparing lectures, or grading—and equally important, scheduling time for my personal life, including family commitments or personal interests. I’ve found that maintaining this balance actually enhances my effectiveness as a professor.

Stepping away allows for fresh perspectives and prevents burnout, which in turn fuels my creativity in research and my energy in the classroom.

Over your two-decade career in legal education, how has your approach to teaching law evolved?

My teaching philosophy is centered around critical thinking and contextual understanding. Law isn’t just about memorizing statutes—it’s about understanding societal implications and the evolution of legal thought. I encourage Socratic dialogue, case-based learning, and real-world application through simulations like moot courts or client counseling.

My specialization lies in Criminal Law. I stay updated by subscribing to academic journals, attending conferences, and being part of professional legal associations. I also try to inculcate recent judgments and legislative developments into the classroom regularly.

Looking back, what were the moments in law school that set you on the path to academia?

One of the earliest sparks came during a class lecture when my professor always use to ask questions which is seconded by “why” after every response of ours. It transformed my understanding of law from a mere set of rules into a vibrant field of intellectual inquiry, and I realized then that I wanted to spend my career asking and answering those deeper questions.

I remember countless hours in study groups, where I found myself drawn to explaining difficult concepts to my peers. The process of clarifying a convoluted case or simplifying a complex statutory scheme was surprisingly rewarding, and it hinted at a latent passion for pedagogy.

These combined experiences pointed me towards a path where I could continuously engage with the law on an academic level, shaping minds and contributing to scholarship.

Promoted recently—what does being a full Professor at JLU mean to you personally and professionally?

Personally, it’s a moment of quiet pride and deep gratitude. Professionally, it’s a renewed responsibility. Being a full Professor isn’t just about research output or seniority; it’s about oversight as well—mentoring younger faculty, shaping curriculum, and advancing the larger mission of legal education.

At JLU, where innovation and inclusion are valued, I see this role as both a platform and a promise—to contribute meaningfully to our evolving legal ecosystem.

What’s one thing every law student should do outside the classroom to become a better lawyer?

A law student has to explore the world. They should volunteer or intern with an NGO or legal aid clinic at least once. Nothing builds empathy and practical skills faster than dealing with real people’s problems. Law is a service profession—grounding yourself in that reality early on will shape your ethics and career path.

How has Lawctopus contributed to your journey?

Platforms like Lawctopus are invaluable—especially for first-generation law students. They can go beyond internships and blogs. The information stimulates the participants to engage themselves not only in learning but also to contribute in legal field.

What are your views on the current trends in the legal field?

In present scenario, Legal education and legal tech are also evolving, with increased focus on interdisciplinary studies and online dispute resolution. At the same time, public interest litigation continues to serve as a tool for social change. Overall, the legal field is becoming more dynamic and socially responsive, but it must address foundational issues to ensure justice is timely, inclusive, and transparent.

Which book would you recommend to students for a better understanding of Criminal Law?

In law, there is absolutely no limit to material and the books available to gain legal knowledge, but given the paucity of time in the current scenarios, authors who have comprehensively summed up the entire laws and also inculcated important judgements regarding the same should be preferred.

Some authors which I would personally recommend having read their books myself are Dr. N.V. Paranjape is a highly regarded author in the field of law, particularly known for his comprehensive work on Criminology and Penology in India. His book, usually titled “Criminology and Penology (including Victimology)”, is a standard textbook for law students and practitioners in India.

R.V. Kelkar’s “Lectures on Criminal Procedure” is a highly influential and widely used textbook in Indian legal education. It’s renowned for its clear, lucid, and conceptual approach to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

What message would you share with students choosing between practice, academia, research, or public policy, keeping in mind the changes going on in the legal education system?

I would say that a student shouldn’t aim for perfection—aim for consistency. Use time blocks, stick to completion instead of leaving it incomplete. Most importantly, ask for help; law school is competitive, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. Students should choose the field which intrigues them. Entering a field which is not of one’s interest will be the misuse of the students’ talent, time and effort. Therefore, they should pursue what they are passionate about.

Key Quotes and Insights from the Interviewee

• “Law is a service profession—grounding yourself in that reality early on will shape your ethics and career path.”
• “Don’t aim for perfection—aim for consistency.”
• “Academia is not just about research output but about oversight, mentorship, and shaping the future of legal education.”
• “Students should choose the field which intrigues them, not what others expect of them.”
• “Law isn’t just about memorizing statutes—it’s about understanding societal implications and the evolution of legal thought.”

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!