Welcome to Brief Encounters: Law School & Beyond, a podcast by Project LLM. The series explores journeys of Indian professionals who have pursued legal education abroad. The goal is to bring out stories, experiences, and practical advice to inspire and guide others considering an overseas legal education.
Today, we’re joined by Mr. Sudipt Parth, an accomplished legal expert working as an Assistant Manager at Deloitte in Dubai, specializing in global trade and customs. Mr. Parth, an alumnus of Georgetown University, has extensive experience across the global trade landscape, including stints in the US and India. He is not only a seasoned professional in indirect taxation and global trade advisory but also a winner of multiple moot court competitions in the Asia Pacific round and a finalist in the world rounds.
How did your stint with law start? Was it certain that you wanted to pursue law from the very beginning?
It’s quite interesting. When I was in my class 12th, many of my peers were heading towards engineering, the usual route of B.Tech then MBA. I wanted a different path. I had a relative who was a judge, still my mentor, who noted my strengths in General Knowledge and my awareness of current affairs from reading a lot of newspapers. He suggested law could be a good fit for me and encouraged me to attempt the CLAT, believing I could crack it and get into a top law school. That’s how I got into law school.
How have the CLAT patterns changed since your time?
Back then, we had 200 questions in two hours, without any negative marking, quite different from today’s 120 questions in the same time with negative marking.
Coming from a small city, securing an admission at an early age is impressive. Could you highlight some challenges you faced while preparing for the CLAT and how you overcame them?
Honestly, there weren’t many challenges because I had access to good resources. I knew someone who had gotten into law school and another acquaintance who was an analyst, which gave me insights into how to prepare. The main difference for me was not having a traditional classroom setting to benchmark my progress against peers, which was the norm in coaching centers.
After law school in India, what motivated you to pursue further law studies abroad?
The idea of studying abroad was always appealing. During my third year at law school in 2015, I participated in a moot court competition that included international travel. I relished the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. It wasn’t about securing a job or settling abroad; I wanted the experience of studying and living in another country, interacting with a diverse group of people. It was more of an exploratory break rather than a career move, but it turned out to be highly beneficial as I learned about different cultures and identified skills I needed to develop.
Why specifically Georgetown University?
Georgetown has an excellent program in trade and customs, closely aligned with my interests in international trade. Many WTO appellate body chairmen and Secretariat members teach there as adjunct professors, making it an obvious choice for me. The John Jackson Moot Court scholarship, which I was fortunate to receive, also played a significant role in my decision due to the financial support and the opportunities it presented.
Was the U.S. your only consideration for further studies?
Yes, I only applied to U.S. law schools because I believed the U.S. education system offered a more practical approach, which was important to me since I wasn’t planning on a career in academia. U.S. law schools typically have adjunct professors who are actively working in their fields, which I found more beneficial compared to the more academically oriented approach of European, particularly UK, law schools.
You also did a short-term course at the World Trade Institute, University of Bonn. How did this influence your decision to specialize further?
Absolutely, that was an eye-opener for me. During the WTO moot court competition where we were regional winners, we got to spend two weeks at WTI. It was an incredible experience, albeit challenging because there were a lot of new things I didn’t fully grasp at the time. But it pushed me to think about studying abroad and deepening my knowledge in this field. The way the courses were taught and the involvement of people were unlike anything I had seen in India, which influenced my decision a lot.
It seems that experiencing the teaching methods abroad really opened your eyes to different educational approaches.
Yes, exactly. One significant difference I noticed was how the Indian education system often dismisses you quickly if your ideas aren’t fully formed, which inhibits students from speaking up. In contrast, in the US, professors encourage you to speak your mind, no matter how unrefined your thoughts are initially. This approach helps you develop your ideas and speaking skills over time, fostering a more interactive and supportive learning environment.
If you had to describe your study abroad experience in just three words, what would they be?
Firstly, it was enriching, absolutely transformative, and definitely challenging. It wasn’t just about the academic learning but also about personal growth and overcoming various challenges.
Could you expand on the challenges you faced while studying abroad?
Sure. Aside from the academic rigor, the real challenges were often outside the classroom. For example, networking in a new country, managing finances, and dealing with the loneliness that comes from being so far from home. You have to be proactive, reaching out to professionals and possibly facing many rejections, or getting no responses at all. Plus, handling day-to-day life like grocery shopping and cooking for yourself, which are quite different from life in India. It’s a complete transformation, and maintaining your mental health becomes crucial.
Networking and mentorship seem crucial in your journey. What advice would you give to someone who feels anxious about these opportunities?
Having had great mentors myself, my advice is to be open about needing help. Don’t be afraid to ask for it. Building relationships through networking doesn’t happen overnight. Start by discussing small issues or questions you have; this can gradually lead to deeper interactions and guidance. It’s important to learn from others’ experiences and mistakes, which can significantly shape your own path.
You had worked for four years before pursuing your master’s. Was this a deliberate choice? What are the advantages or disadvantages of gaining experience before further studies?
It was a deliberate choice. I believe it’s beneficial to have some practical experience before pursuing a master’s to gain clarity on what you want to specialize in. This experience can provide insights into whether you really enjoy your field or if you want to pivot to something else. This isn’t just about building a resume; it’s about confirming your career path. Having that professional background also enriches your academic experience, especially in a field like international law where real-world applications of theory are crucial.
Could you walk us through the application process for U.S. universities?
For most U.S. law schools, you need to go through the Law School Admission Council. You upload your statement of purpose, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, which your referees will add via a link provided to them. Coordination with your college is essential to send your transcripts directly to LSAC. Each university might have slightly different requirements, but generally, this centralized system makes the application process smoother. Harvard, however, uses a separate system where each element might need to be uploaded individually.
Speaking of letters of recommendation, how do you choose the right referees?
Having worked for four years, I approached a professor who knew me well from multiple courses and a senior attorney who was also a mentor. It’s crucial to choose referees who know you well rather than those who might have a prestigious title but less personal connection. They should ideally be able to speak about your growth and potential in detail, which adds authenticity and impact to your application.
The statement of purpose is a significant part of the application. Any advice on crafting a compelling one?
The statement of purpose should tell your unique story. It’s not just about listing achievements; it’s about presenting your journey, challenges, and aspirations. In the U.S., there’s an emphasis on individuality and showcasing personal success, which can be a shift for students from cultures that value modesty. It’s vital to be honest and reflective of your true experiences and goals.
How long did it take you to write your statement of purpose, considering all the drafts and feedback?
It took me about six months, from April to October of 2020. I didn’t work on it every day; it was mostly weekends since I was working full-time. I started earlier than many others who might begin in the middle of the year, which gave me ample time to refine my drafts without feeling rushed.
Do you think the master’s application process is different for a working professional compared to a recent graduate?
Absolutely. As a working professional, I had to dig into my work experiences for my statement of purpose, which are substantially different from academic achievements. Real-world professional challenges add depth to your application. For recent graduates, their experiences might be more academic or extracurricular-focused, which is also valuable but different. Having work experience can provide a richer, more nuanced perspective to share in your application.
Could you describe some specific challenges you faced due to your full-time job during the application process?
Starting early helped me avoid last-minute pressures, but the main challenge was continuously revisiting and revising my statement of purpose. There’s always the temptation to keep tweaking it, to add something new or change a part you think could be better. Deciding when it’s finally ‘done’ can be tough, especially when you have the time to keep making adjustments.
Turning to your experience at Georgetown’s international business program, how did the location and interdisciplinary focus impact your studies?
Georgetown is ideally situated in Washington, D.C., which is a hub for political and international legal activities. The proximity to major institutions like the World Bank and various government bodies enriched our studies with real-world applications. The faculty at Georgetown includes many who are actively involved in significant international roles, which brought practical, up-to-date insights into our classes.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned from your time abroad, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I learned the importance of resilience. You face many rejections, and it’s vital to not take these personally and to persevere. Professionally, I learned the crucial role of networking, which is often viewed differently in the U.S. compared to India. It’s about letting people know who you are and what you can do, and it’s a respected part of professional growth. My time at Georgetown really highlighted the value of building a broad network and learning from diverse international perspectives.
You’ve spoken about the importance of mooting in law school. Can you share more about your mooting journey and its impact on your career?
Mooting was a game changer for me. It was during my third year of law school, a time when my academic performance wasn’t at its best, that I got involved in mooting. It was a trade law moot, which aligned perfectly with my interest in customs and trade law. The process of mooting, from the intensive research to the real-world application of laws, was incredibly enriching. It was this experience that solidified my decision to specialize in trade and customs law.
Being a regional winner and a world finalist must have been remarkable. How significant do you think mooting and other co-curricular activities are in law school?
They’re crucial. Mooting, in particular, not only improves your research and legal writing skills but also gives you a practical framework for understanding complex legal issues. For me, it was also a networking platform; I met many influential people in the field during competitions, which helped pave my career path. Co-curricular activities like mooting, debates, and even editorial work provide a comprehensive skill set that’s invaluable in the legal profession.
Aside from academics and mooting, were you involved in sports or other recreational activities during college?
Yes, I played cricket. Sports were vital for relaxation and building team spirit and camaraderie among peers. In a demanding field like law, having a balance through sports or other group activities is essential. It helps not only in staying physically active but also in fostering a sense of community and support among students.
Turning our discussion towards the job market, particularly in the US, how do you perceive the opportunities there for international law graduates?
The US job market is quite challenging, especially for international graduates due to visa restrictions. Networking and proactive job searching are crucial. Unlike in India, where campus placements are common, in the US, securing a job requires reaching out to potential employers through emails and meetings. It’s about creating opportunities through persistent effort and building connections. Working for an international organization or a multinational company can sometimes ease the visa issues, as they might handle the sponsorship and legalities of employment.
Any advice for current law students or recent graduates looking to carve out a similar path in international law?
Be proactive and get involved in as many relevant activities as possible, whether they’re academic, co-curricular, or social. Build a robust network early on and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and opportunities. Also, maintain resilience—rejections are part of the journey, but each no brings you closer to a yes. Most importantly, enjoy the process of learning and growing, both personally and professionally.
You’ve emphasized the importance of networking. Can you share your top tips for building professional networks, especially while studying abroad?
Absolutely. First, don’t hesitate to write a lot of emails. It’s about establishing a presence, not always expecting immediate results. Secondly, don’t be disheartened by non-responses; persistence is key. Lastly, engage actively with your peers. Networking isn’t just about reaching upwards; it’s also about building lateral connections. You never know how a peer might facilitate a future opportunity.
How did you secure your position at Deloitte, and what was it like transitioning from their New York office to Dubai?
The role at Deloitte came through networking. I connected with a former colleague who was working there, and she recommended me for a position. This was supplemented by my proactive approach—sending an email to the senior manager detailing my relevant experience. This combination of a recommendation and direct application helped me secure the role. Transitioning from New York to Dubai was challenging but rewarding, as each location offers unique professional dynamics and learning opportunities.
From your experience, what other challenges do people usually encounter when living or working abroad?
One of the biggest shocks can be the cultural adjustment, especially in the US where the societal issues may be different from the media portrayal. Also, the necessity to manage all aspects of daily life can be a jolt for those used to more support at home. It teaches independence and resilience.
Thinking about your long-term goals, has your international experience influenced them?
Definitely. My experience abroad has not only boosted my confidence but also broadened my perspective on what’s possible career-wise. It solidified my desire to eventually start my own business, leveraging everything I’ve learned internationally.
Considering your global exposure, do you see yourself returning to India to continue your career?
Yes, returning to India is always a possibility. The familiarity with the cultural context, language, and professional network can be very advantageous. Plus, being closer to family is increasingly appealing as I consider my long-term personal and professional life.
What advice would you give to those considering studying abroad? Is there something you wish you had known beforehand that could have improved your application or overall experience?
Studying abroad is incredibly valuable. I was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me to pursue it, despite its cost. It’s not just an expense; it’s an investment in yourself. You’ll learn not only about your field of study but also about different cultures and systems, which is invaluable, especially in fields like international trade where understanding various global perspectives is crucial. Also, embracing this opportunity can significantly enhance your confidence and help you break preconceived notions about the world.
It sounds like the experience was transformative for you in many ways.
Absolutely. It reshaped how I view my career and life. The exposure to different cultures and professional environments opened up new pathways I hadn’t considered before. If anyone is contemplating an international education, I’d strongly advise them to go for it. The benefits, both professional and personal, are immense.
(This transcript is based on the original interview’s audio. It is a refined version and may contain minor errors, omissions, or variations from the verbatim recording. For the guest’s exact inputs and sentiments, please listen to the podcast episode.)
