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 our guest is Kosha Doshi. Ms. Doshi is currently pursuing her LLM at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in a diverse range of legal domains, with a particular focus on AI and technology law. Her academic achievements extend beyond this, as she has also attended advanced summer programs at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and the London School of Economics.
With an impressive foundation of accomplishments, including 80+ internships, 30+ publications, and 90+ certifications, Ms. Doshi exemplifies excellence and dedication. She completed her undergraduate studies at Symbiosis Law School, where she laid the groundwork for her illustrious career in law.
As a first-generation law student, Ms. Doshi has built an extensive and well-rounded profile, combining her expertise in legal research, public speaking, and leadership. Her professional experience spans work with renowned organizations and a multitude of international legal internships, providing her with invaluable insights into the complexities of legal systems worldwide.
What inspired you to choose law as a career path? What motivated your decision?
Honestly, I didn’t know I wanted to pursue law initially. During my 11th and 12th grades, I was studying science to keep my options open. My decision to choose law was more of a trial-and-error elimination process. I started by figuring out what I didn’t want to do in life—no to engineering, no to food sciences, no to architecture. Gradually, I eliminated everything else, and that’s how I landed on law.
It wasn’t one of those stories where I was passionate about law since childhood or had a clear vision from the start. For me, it was more about figuring out what I didn’t want to do, and, in the process, I found what I actually wanted to pursue. Law turned out to be the right fit for me.
You have an impressive array of achievements during your time in law school, including 80 plus internships, 30 plus publications, 90 plus certifications, and numerous projects. All while maintaining a stellar GPA! How did you manage to achieve so much in just five years?
Honestly, it was more about proving something to myself and figuring things out. As a first-generation law student, I felt the need to explore as much as possible, to try out everything and see what worked for me. I spent a lot of time understanding what I liked and didn’t like, seeking mentors, and learning from different experiences.
I think the circumstances also played a big role. During Covid, for instance, I didn’t have to commute to university, which gave me more time to take on extracurricular activities, virtual opportunities, or even travel. It was a mix of wanting to push myself, the circumstances, and the drive to explore that helped me achieve so much in those five years.
Studying at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, must have provided you with a solid foundation. How has your time there influenced your career interests and aspirations in the legal field?
My time at Symbiosis Law School was quite a mix of experiences. I remember attending college during my first semester and part of the second before everything went virtual. I returned to campus in my third or fourth year, so I got to experience both physical and virtual learning environments. As a scholar, I commuted to college, and it offered me the balance I needed.
In terms of academics, I believe Symbiosis is one of the best institutions for building foundational concepts. I focused heavily on academics and understanding the core principles of law because I didn’t want to step into internships without knowing the basics—like contracts or other fundamental subjects. With some excellent faculty members, I gained a solid grounding in law and learned how to interpret it, which has been incredibly valuable.
Beyond academics, my role as a class representative for three years played a significant part in shaping my career interests. It allowed me to build strong relationships with professors and students, understand different perspectives, and observe the diverse career paths people were considering. This mix of academics, leadership roles, and extracurriculars gave me a well-rounded experience that has had a lasting influence on my legal career aspirations.
Your primary areas of interest include Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Fintech. What attracted you to these specialised and technical fields?
There are two ways to discover your niche: either you know right from the beginning, like a gut feeling guiding you toward what you want to pursue, or you figure it out through exploration. For me, it was definitely the latter. I used the elimination method. During my first and second years, I did internships in various domains like banking, finance, employment law, criminal law, and constitutional law. Through these experiences, I realized that I didn’t enjoy those fields as much.
It was during one internship and a summer school focused on technology law that I found my calling. I realized I loved it and decided to build my profile around technology law, including cybersecurity, AI, and related areas. What excites me most about these fields is how dynamic they are. Technology is constantly evolving, and the law is always trying to catch up, often operating in a gray area. It’s fascinating to figure out how legal principles apply to cutting-edge technology, and it also requires a basic understanding of the technology itself.
In Silicon Valley, where I currently am, I’ve seen a lot of startups focused on the intersection of technology and law. For example, I spoke to one startup that’s automating the drafting of contracts by using templates and AI to streamline the process. This eliminates a lot of basic, time-consuming tasks at the entry level. Another startup I came across is automating the management of billable hours, a significant part of legal practice in the U.S. This allows lawyers to focus on their actual work rather than the administrative burden of tracking hours.
What I find most rewarding is seeing how technology is transforming the legal field in positive ways, making processes more efficient while opening up exciting opportunities for those working at this intersection.
Your range of internships went beyond the typical ones pursued by law students; you engaged in several non-traditional opportunities. What was your thought process behind this? Did you have a clear direction in mind, or were you exploring different areas of law to find your path?
Honestly, it was more about exploring. Even though I was in the legal field, I didn’t want to limit myself to looking at things from just one perspective. It was also about finding mentors who could guide me and help me form a clearer direction over time.
When it comes to non-traditional internships, I started with something very basic—legal content writing for websites. While it might not seem like a long-term career move, it had clear benefits for me. My goal was to either learn something about the law, gain insights into a particular case, or stay updated on legal developments. Additionally, it improved my writing skills, which was a huge plus.
My approach to non-traditional internships was simple: if I could learn even one valuable thing from the experience, it would benefit me in the long run. Whether it was building a strong network, making an impact in the community, or picking up a new skill like data science, I always focused on how the internship could add to my growth. That mindset drove me to take on diverse opportunities and helped me grow in unexpected ways.
Could you share how you managed to consistently secure so many internship opportunities?
Managing internships alongside law school required a mix of strategies and taking advantage of unique circumstances. The pandemic, for example, provided a lot of virtual opportunities, which made it easier to balance law school and internships. Virtual internships allowed me to explore more opportunities that might have been harder to manage with in-person commitments.
As for securing internships, I used several different approaches. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all route. Some of my internships came through college placement cells, which are a straightforward and structured way to secure opportunities. Networking also played a key role—having informational interviews, attending events, and simply talking to people in the field helped me learn about different practice areas and opened doors. Directly applying through law firm websites or reaching out to HR was another common method I used.
Connecting with alumni from my university was another valuable strategy. Reaching out to seniors or alumni working in places I was interested in often led to insights about opportunities or even direct referrals.
One important thing I’ve learned is not to chase only top-tier law firms or well-known names at the start of your journey. Sometimes, smaller firms or niche practices can provide more meaningful learning experiences, especially if they align with your specific areas of interest. For example, in my case, working in the tech space or TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) law taught me a lot, even when the firms weren’t the biggest names in the industry. It’s about focusing on the learning opportunities rather than the label of the firm.
For first and second-year students, I’d recommend exploring different avenues rather than aiming for top-tier firms immediately. At that stage, you’re still building foundational knowledge, so working with smaller firms or exploring diverse sectors can provide valuable insights. Once you’ve gained some clarity about your interests, you can aim for more specialized or prestigious roles in your later years.
Some of my internships came through informational interviews where I reached out to people, built connections, and, over time, they helped me apply or referred me to their hiring teams. Attending events also helped, as I often learned about lesser-known but excellent firms that matched my interests. Platforms like LinkedIn were incredibly useful for connecting with professionals, discovering opportunities, and networking.
Ultimately, securing internships is about being proactive, open to learning, and willing to explore unconventional paths. Building networks, leveraging alumni connections, and focusing on learning over prestige were key factors that helped me secure consistent opportunities.
About your research assistantships – what motivated you to take up multiple research assistantship roles with various experts? What factors did you consider choosing them and what do you think will major learnings from these internship research internships?
What motivated me was quite simple—I genuinely enjoy research. My interest in research started in my first year during a typical research assistantship at Symbiosis under one of the professors. I found that I was naturally inclined toward academia and research, so it wasn’t something I approached with trial and error or elimination like I did with other areas. I enjoyed it, so I pursued it further.
After my first experience, I took up another research assistantship at the London School of Economics during a summer quarter. There, my professor introduced me to the concept of dark matter, which I had never encountered before. It piqued my curiosity, and I wanted to dive deeper into the subject. I asked if I could assist in exploring this domain further, and that’s how that opportunity unfolded.
Currently, I’m working with a professor at Berkeley who specializes in technology law and AI. Being in this field and country exposed me to a completely different legal landscape. With the rapid developments in AI and privacy laws, I saw it as a great way to stay informed and learn about these issues from a unique perspective. My motivation for taking up these roles is that I genuinely enjoy the process of exploring new topics and delving into different aspects of the law.
When choosing research assistantships, I typically consider a few factors:
Time Commitment: I assess whether I can realistically manage the workload alongside my other commitments.
Topic of Research: The subject matter is critical. I’m more inclined to take up topics that are new or unexplored for me, rather than something I’ve already studied in depth.
The Mentor: The professor or faculty member I’d be working with is an important consideration. Their expertise and what I can learn from them weigh heavily on my decision.
Scope of Research: I evaluate whether the research project will challenge me or expose me to new areas.
As for skills and learnings, the most fundamental skill I gained is legal research and writing. Research assistantships taught me to focus deeply on a specific issue and gain comprehensive knowledge about it. These roles also honed my analytical skills, particularly when addressing gray areas of the law and formulating solutions.
Additionally, working on international research opportunities gave me exposure to concepts that were not yet prevalent in India. This helped me stay ahead of the curve. Networking with scholars and understanding their works also broadened my perspective. Overall, research assistantships have been incredibly enriching experiences that helped me grow both academically and professionally.
How did your exposure to international academic environments through summer schools and paper presentations influence (i) your approach to legal studies and (ii) your overall legal perspective?
One major way this exposure helped me was in applying for a master’s program. In terms of my legal perspective, it opened up an international understanding of how different markets operate and how countries approach regulation. For example, I noticed that the EU has a strong consumer-focused legal framework but less emphasis on fostering innovation. On the other hand, the US is highly innovation-driven, but its laws often struggle to keep up with rapid technological advancements. This contrast gave me valuable insights into how certain jurisdictions regulate industries based on different priorities, whether pro-consumer or pro-innovation.
Attending summer schools also helped me stay ahead of global legal developments—particularly on topics that weren’t widely discussed or known in India at the time. It broadened my understanding of the global legal landscape. For instance, being in the UK for a summer school made me appreciate why certain laws exist in their specific forms. While in law school, I often found myself questioning the rationale behind specific laws or legal systems. Experiencing the culture and legal mindset of the UK firsthand helped me understand the reasoning behind their laws and how their historical and cultural contexts shaped their legal systems.
Overall, these experiences enriched both my academic approach and my ability to analyze legal issues from a global perspective, bridging the gap between theory and practice in different jurisdictions.
What motivated you to pursue a foreign LLM?
From the time I entered law school, I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree, though I can’t pinpoint exactly why—it just felt like a natural step. I was also very sure that I wanted to study in Europe. One of the key reasons was that I saw the five-year law degree as offering a broad and diversified understanding of law. While that’s valuable, I’ve always believed in the importance of specialization, not just in law but in any field.
The five-year program provides a generalized approach, even when you choose electives or courses aligned with your interests. It’s like getting the broader, foundational knowledge—the “upper part of the tree.” But I wanted to narrow it down further and build a niche. For me, pursuing an LLM was about focusing on a specific area and deepening my expertise. It’s about moving from a wide, generalized understanding to a more concentrated and specialized one, which I believe is essential for growth in any profession.
When did you begin preparing for your LLM applications? What resources or guidance did you find most helpful?
I’d say my preparation began as early as my first year, though not in the traditional sense. It wasn’t about working directly on applications but rather building my resume strategically. Resume building takes time—it’s about showing growth over a period rather than cramming everything into a single year. From the start, I consciously took up activities and opportunities that I knew would strengthen my profile and add value to my CV when I eventually applied for an LLM
To determine where I wanted to pursue my LLM, I took a slightly unconventional approach. I attended summer schools in both the UK and the US to explore their legal systems, the academic culture, and the opportunities available. This helped me understand which jurisdiction aligned better with my interests and career goals. It also gave me a sense of the legal lifestyle in both regions. During this time, I also visited some universities to get a feel for which ones suited me best.
In terms of application-specific preparation, I began in earnest during the second semester of my fourth year. That’s when I started shortlisting universities, researching their timelines, and understanding their specific requirements. I also spent time talking to alumni to figure out how well each university aligned with my goals. Since application fees can be expensive, I had multiple rounds of shortlisting—starting with about 12 universities and narrowing it down to 7 or 8 to which I eventually applied.
The entire process was methodical. From listing timelines to organizing resources, I made sure I approached each step with clarity and purpose. While the groundwork for my applications started early, the concrete application-related work began closer to my fourth year.
How to build a resume for a foreign LLM
Building a resume for a foreign LLM requires a tailored approach that aligns with your interests and the international focus of the program. If you’re a recent graduate without much work experience, there’s a significant emphasis on research. Engaging in research assistantships is an excellent way to gain exposure, build international connections, and understand global research practices.
Extracurricular activities like publications, attending conferences, and participating in mooting competitions can also add value, depending on your area of interest. For example, if you’re inclined towards litigation or public speaking, activities that enhance those skills, such as public speaking programs, are particularly helpful.
Leadership roles, such as being actively involved in university communities or organizations, can also make your resume stand out. However, it’s essential to balance these responsibilities with your workload. For me, research was my primary focus since it holds significant value internationally. I concentrated on research assistantships, publications, and conferences, while being selective about other commitments like university organizations, as I was already a class representative.
Ultimately, it’s about choosing activities that align with your long-term goals. For instance, if research is important to you, prioritize research-related opportunities. It’s a bit of a “pick and choose” process, but what matters is showcasing growth and dedication in areas relevant to your aspirations.
You also took the TOEFL iBT exam. Could you shed some light on the exam and its importance? Also why did you not consider applying for an English language certification waiver?
The TOEFL iBT exam is divided into four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Personally, I didn’t prepare extensively for it because English has always been my medium of instruction throughout my education. I had confidence in my English skills, partly due to my schooling background, which gave me a strong foundation. However, I did spend some time understanding the structure of the exam by practicing with a few sample tests from previous years. That helped me get familiar with the format, but I didn’t take any formal coaching or classes for it.
As for the waiver, I decided not to apply for one primarily to avoid any uncertainties or delays. The waiver process requires you to apply during your LLM application itself, and if the waiver is denied, you would have to take the TOEFL later—potentially as late as March or April, close to when you’d be preparing for your move. I didn’t want to deal with that hassle or risk any ambiguity. Additionally, some universities can be selective or inconsistent about granting waivers, so I preferred to play it safe and just take the test. It didn’t harm my application process and ensured a smoother experience overall.
That said, the applicability of waivers depends on the university and its policies. Some accept only IELTS or TOEFL, while others might be open to waivers under specific conditions. It’s always a good idea to check with alumni or university representatives to understand how waivers are handled for your desired program. For me, taking the TOEFL was the straightforward and stress-free option.
When applying to multiple U.S. law schools, applicants typically use the LSAC (Law School Admission Council) portal. Did you use the LSAC platform, or did you apply individually to each school?
Yes, I used the LSAC platform, and I found it to be an incredibly streamlined process, which also allowed me to manage my applications independently without needing additional assistance from advisors or education fairs. LSAC serves as a centralized portal for applications to most U.S. law schools, simplifying the process significantly.
The first step involves sending your academic documents, such as transcripts and degrees, from your university in India to LSAC. Once LSAC receives these, they verify and process the documents, generating an academic report that is sent to all the universities you select. It’s crucial to start early—around July in my case—because LSAC’s processing can take time, especially during peak application periods in October and November.
Through the LSAC portal, you can select the universities you wish to apply to, much like adding items to a shopping cart. Once selected, you complete individual applications for each university within the portal. This method eliminates the need to send documents separately to each institution, which saves significant time and costs, especially for international students.
Another advantage of LSAC is the streamlined process for Letters of Recommendation (LORs). Instead of uploading them yourself, you provide the recommender’s email address, and LSAC contacts them directly for submission. You also have the option to choose whether you can view the recommendation or keep it confidential, which many universities prefer for added authenticity.
The LSAC portal also accommodates specific requirements for different universities. While some universities might have unique essay questions or forms to fill out, the portal consolidates much of the standard information—such as your resume, academic records, and extracurricular activities—into one system.
That said, some universities, like Harvard, may require additional applications outside LSAC, though they still accept certain LSAC-provided documents like transcripts. The flexibility to assign specific Letters of Recommendation to particular programs within LSAC is another feature I found extremely useful, especially when applying to both general and specialized programs.
Overall, LSAC simplifies the application process while ensuring everything is handled in an organized and centralized manner. It’s a resource I would highly recommend to anyone applying to multiple U.S. law schools.
Please share more about the SOP writing process? How long did it take you? Did you seek any help?
I didn’t seek formal help as such, but I did have two of my friends review my SOP after I had written it. Luckily, I had prior experience writing similar pieces during my summer school, so I didn’t have to start from scratch, which can often be a daunting task. This prior insight into the process allowed me to start a month or two later than the typical timeline and still manage well. However, it’s important to note that writing a strong SOP takes time and cannot be completed effectively in just a week—it needs to evolve.
The way I structured my SOP was quite methodical. I began with something catchy to grab the reader’s attention, often tying it to a personal or childhood experience that connected to my background and aspirations. This helped set the tone and introduced who I am as a person.
Next, I delved into my journey—what made me interested in a specific area of law or a particular specialization. I briefly touched upon my experiences, including internships, summer schools, and publications, showcasing the relevance of my background to my chosen field.
I then addressed current developments in the specific domain I was pursuing, demonstrating that I was knowledgeable and up-to-date with the industry trends. This transitioned into why I was drawn to the specific program—highlighting aspects such as courses, faculty, and the unique learning opportunities it offers. Following that, I explained my choice of the university, citing reasons like rankings, location, alumni network, infrastructure, and extracurricular achievements.
Finally, I concluded by outlining my future plans, both in the short term and long term, and how completing the program would help me achieve them. This structured approach ensured my SOP was comprehensive, engaging, and well-aligned with the program’s expectations.
You received offers from prestigious institutions like New York University, Georgetown, and UC Berkeley, all known for their strengths in technology law. What key factors did you consider when making your final choice?
It was an incredibly tough choice. Even after accepting Berkeley, I found myself contemplating whether to pay the deposit for another university just to give myself more time to decide. Honestly, I thought the application process would be the hardest part, but the decision-making process turned out to be even more challenging—it was insane!
Some key reasons that led me to choose Berkeley were faculty profiles, cohort size, course flexibility, and location. Faculty played a significant role in my decision. While I appreciate academics, I noticed that some programs, like the one at NYU, leaned more toward academicians, whereas Berkeley had a strong mix of practitioners. Having practitioners as faculty meant gaining real-world insights about current practices rather than just theoretical frameworks from the past.
The size of the cohort was also important for me—I wanted a smaller group where I could engage more deeply. Specialization options were another consideration. For instance, NYU required a super-specialization in areas like antitrust or IP, but I wasn’t ready to narrow down that much, especially since I didn’t have extensive work experience at this stage.
Location was a big factor as well. Since my program focuses on technology law, being in Silicon Valley provided unique opportunities that I wouldn’t find in a financial hub like New York or a policy-centric hub like Georgetown. The flexibility in Berkeley’s course offerings was also a plus—it allows me to tailor my studies to my interests while meeting program requirements.
Long-term goals were another guiding factor. Berkeley’s alumni network, collaborative culture, and focus on innovation aligned well with what I was looking for. Ultimately, these factors together made Berkeley the right choice for me, even though it wasn’t an easy decision to make.
How has your experience at Berkeley been so far? What has been the most surprising or challenging aspect?
Berkeley Law has been absolutely amazing. The amount of exposure and opportunities here is incredible. One thing I realized very quickly is that the challenge isn’t finding events or activities to participate in—it’s choosing between them! There are days when there are three different events happening at the same time, and all of them are so interesting that deciding what to attend becomes the hardest part.
The opportunities go far beyond just classes. I’m involved in pro bono work, leadership boards, journals, and even starting our own legal tech community. Setting up a new committee has been a fascinating experience—it’s something I never got to do in India. Learning the procedures for starting an organization, drafting a constitution, recruiting members, securing funding, and getting sponsorships has been such a unique and rewarding challenge.
One of the highlights has been the alumni network—it’s truly world-class. The faculty is phenomenal too. Many of them are not just teaching—they’ve literally written the textbooks we study. It’s humbling to learn directly from experts who are shaping the legal field.
The international cohort has been another highlight. It’s incredibly diverse, with students from all over the world, including professionals with 20+ years of experience. The insights they bring to the table are unmatched. For example, we even have an IPS officer from India in our batch, which has been fascinating.
Another standout aspect is the flexibility in course selection. At Berkeley, you’re not restricted to just law classes—you can take courses from other departments like business, public policy, computer science, or even psychology. For example, some of my classmates are taking a tech commercialization course from the business school. This interdisciplinary approach opens up new perspectives and enriches the overall learning experience.
And then there’s the “Berkeley lifestyle”—one of my favorite parts is the daily lunch sessions. From 1 to 2 PM, there are no classes, just events with amazing networking opportunities and, yes, free food! It’s a fun, social way to engage with peers and professionals.
Honestly, the only downside is that the program feels too short. There’s just so much to do and experience that I often find myself wishing it lasted longer. It’s been an unforgettable journey so far, and I’m grateful for every moment.
You’ve been selected for Berkeley’s AI Safety Student Initiative’s AI Policy Fellowship. Could you tell us more about what this fellowship involves and how you became a part of it?
The fellowship is a unique opportunity for individuals interested in areas like technology, data protection, privacy, and how they intersect with AI. It’s a cohort-based program with about 15 to 20 participants. We meet weekly to discuss various aspects of AI, such as recent developments, key concerns, and potential solutions. These sessions are brainstorming-oriented, often involving pre-readings to ensure everyone is on the same page before diving into discussions.
The program runs for about 8 to 12 weeks, during which we focus on understanding the broader landscape of AI policy and safety. Once the discussion phase concludes, we are assigned mentors and projects tailored to our specific areas of interest, developed from the insights gained during the initial weeks.
What makes this fellowship exceptional is its impact and exposure. For instance, last year, the group lobbied at Congress in support of the California Age-Appropriate Design Code, showcasing how even students can influence significant legislative efforts. It’s empowering to see how our voices can contribute to broader policymaking and advocacy initiatives.
This year, we are likely focusing on some of the recent bills and discussions in the U.S., like the 1047 bill, while also addressing broader issues around AI governance and best practices.
Another standout feature of the fellowship is its interdisciplinary nature. Participants come from diverse fields such as computer science, public policy, neuroscience, psychology, engineering, and law. This diversity enriches our discussions by bringing in multiple perspectives. For example, as a law student, I might suggest a broad regulatory framework, but someone from a computer science background might highlight the practical challenges of building systems under such regulations or propose alternative approaches.
These interdisciplinary interactions ensure that our discussions are holistic. They encourage us to consider not just regulatory or legal aspects but also the technical and business implications of AI policies. It’s been an incredibly insightful experience that has broadened my understanding of AI and its challenges from multiple angles.
Networking is a crucial aspect of building a successful legal career during international education. How have you approached networking during your LLM journey, and what strategies or opportunities have been most effective for you so far?
Networking is a huge part of the culture here in the U.S., much more emphasized than in India. Everyone talks about it constantly—whether it’s someone you meet at an event or even in an elevator. But for me, the term “networking” can feel a bit overwhelming. If you label it as “networking,” I might struggle to do it. Instead, I prefer to think of it as having natural, meaningful conversations.
I see networking as a way to genuinely connect with people—learning about their experiences, their journeys, and their perspectives—not as a direct means to get a job or internship. It’s about finding common ground and building a connection. For me, listening is key. At events, I focus on understanding what others are saying, analyzing their insights, and only then contributing to the conversation with thoughtful questions. I avoid superficial conversations just for the sake of talking because I believe networking should feel authentic and meaningful.
I don’t approach these interactions with specific motives like securing opportunities. Instead, I aim to learn at least one new thing—whether it’s about U.S. culture, interesting events, sports, TV shows, or anything else. That’s my takeaway from every conversation.
While there are structured models of networking that many people recommend, I’ve found that simply being myself and focusing on learning works best for me. I also make it a point to attend random events, even those that aren’t directly related to the legal field, because there’s always something new to learn. For me, networking is less about a strategy and more about engaging openly, learning, and building genuine connections.
You are right now in Berkeley but what are your post LLM career objectives? How do you see this Berkeley degree playing a role in achieving your long term professional goals?
Long-term, I definitely want to stay in the tech and data space. My main focus is on finding opportunities in areas that I’m passionate about, rather than being confined to specific roles. I’m open to exploring a variety of options, whether that’s fellowships, in-house positions, or working in the policy domain. For me, it’s more about the content and subject matter of the work than the exact nature of the role.
Today, there’s a lot of overlap between different fields—law firms handle policy, litigation, and transactional work simultaneously. So, as long as I’m working in the tech space, I’ll feel aligned with my goals, and Berkeley is definitely helping me achieve that.
I’m also open to academia. I recently attended an event about Ph.D. programs, and it made me consider the possibility of pursuing a research-intensive career, provided I find a strong research proposal and a good supervisor. Honestly, I’m exploring everything right now and keeping my options open. It’s about casting a wide net and seeing where my interests and opportunities align.
You’ve just started your master’s, but you are already highly accomplished, with your contributions even being recognized by the Indian government. However, this success came with hard work and late nights. What advice would you give to other law students aspiring to succeed, whether they choose to pursue a foreign LLM or not?
I’d say, first and foremost, keep your goals in mind. Even if you’re unsure of the exact path you want to take, stay true to who you are as a person. Don’t lose your individual self in the process.
Exploration is key—explore as much as you can while you’re still studying. It’s much easier to experiment with different domains during your academic years than it is after you’ve started working. Once you’re in practice for a few years, shifting to a different sector becomes much harder. For example, there are areas I realized I don’t particularly enjoy, like labor courts or ADR. But even then, I tried a mock trial here just for the sake of learning something new. So, my advice is to explore, even in areas you think you may not like, because you’ll always gain something valuable.
Be true to yourself, maintain your personality, and stay dedicated and consistent in whatever you do. Consistency is incredibly important. You can’t just give your best effort to one internship or one opportunity and then lose interest. Treat every internship or task as equally important.
I’ve done some internships that weren’t great and others that were incredible, but I made sure that, regardless of the circumstance, I gave 100% to the work I was doing. That dedication and consistency have made all the difference for me, and I think it’s a mindset that can really help others as well.
(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 refer to the podcast episode.)
