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.
Our guest today is Ms. Priyanka Walter. A recent graduate from Manav Rachna University, where she specialized in criminal law. Her areas of interest include immigration, human rights, and environmental law. Ms. Walter has held numerous leadership positions, both inside and outside of the college, including roles in several international organizations. She further sharpened her skills in international human rights through a summer program at the London School of Economics (LSE).
Could you start by telling us, how did you end up studying law? Was it a matter of chance, or was it a conscious choice?
Law has always been like a bestowed path for me. I had an interest in humanities, but I ended up taking science during my 11th and 12th years. I even gave several medical examinations. Then I thought, if I’m going to pursue five years in medical, why not go for law? I initially started at the Faculty of Law at the University of Banaras, but later moved to Manav Rachna University as it was closer to my home.
My interest has always been towards human rights and social issues, coming from a minority background and being a feminist, I’ve faced many personal and social challenges. Hence, there was always an inclination towards law and legal issues. It felt like creating history as I’m the first in my family to pursue law.
What inspired you to pursue an LLM abroad, and how did you decide that it was the right path for your legal career?
Having already done one year of law, I felt I had an unfair advantage and a lot of insights about the legal field which made me want to gain more exposure internationally. I decided to go for my summer school at the London School of Economics to ensure that I had the caliber and skillset needed to thrive in a completely different legal system. This was a conscious choice to prepare for my master’s. I wanted to ensure that before spending a significant amount on my master’s education, I was well-equipped to integrate into a new community and legal culture.
At what stage in your law school journey did you start working on your application and what did you do to start? How early is too early?
I started preparing for my postgraduate applications during my second year. I believe in doing a lot of research before diving into anything. I talked to many friends and professionals already abroad to gather insights specifically about a few universities and whether summer school was a good choice. I began by shortlisting the country, considering factors like climate, crime rate, and cultural adjustments.
By my third year, I was evaluating my choices and opted for the UK over Germany and the Netherlands due to fewer language barriers and a broader legal perspective. By the end of my fourth year, I was actively seeking recommendations from my professors and started working on the necessary essays and ensuring my references were aligned with the specific course I was aiming for. It was a four-year journey of meticulous preparation and strategic planning.
Considering the competitive nature of law school admissions, especially at prestigious institutions like King’s College London, what do you think made you stand out from thousands of applicants?
That’s something the university might answer best regarding what specifically made me stand out. But personally, my approach was to demonstrate a genuine commitment to my field, a robust academic background, and a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve through my studies. I made sure that every aspect of my application was tailored to reflect my dedication and suitability for the program.
You mentioned earlier about using your personal experiences as a basis for your interest in law. Could you elaborate on how these experiences influenced your decision?
Yes, growing up in a village area as a Christian, I faced a lot of discrimination, which drew me towards law. These personal experiences of social injustices, along with my internships and volunteer work at NGOs, showed me the stark differences between law in theory and practice. This realization pushed me towards wanting to be in a position of authority to effect change or to engage more deeply in advocacy and community volunteering.
It sounds like personal experience played a significant role. How did you incorporate this into your application process for postgraduate studies?
When writing my statement of purpose, the first half was about my background and experiences that led me to law. The second half focused on the specific course I wanted to pursue at King’s College London. Although I had offers from other universities, I chose King’s because of its strong employment opportunities, connections with companies, and an excellent legal aid system, which aligned well with my volunteer work. I also did thorough research on the course, the professors, and what the university had to offer, which helped me craft a well-rounded application.
You received offers from multiple universities. Was there a particular reason you chose your specific course at King’s College London over others?
My choice was largely influenced by the specific course—transnational law, which is a blend of human rights and business law. Given my background in criminal law, I wanted to lean more towards the corporate side of law, which made King’s College the ideal choice for its specific offerings in this area.
Did you manage the application process independently, or did you seek assistance from consultants or other organizations?
Initially, I did consult with a few advisors, but I found that their timelines and basic guidance didn’t match my personal need for a detailed, hands-on approach. I believe in the importance of personal involvement in the application process, so ultimately, I handled everything myself. I sought feedback from my professors and even friends studying abroad to refine my application, ensuring that it was perfectly aligned with my goals and the university’s expectations.
Could you share more about the internships you pursued during your studies and how they influenced your career path?
My internship journey was very much influenced by my interests. My first internship was with an NGO focusing on gender rights and menstrual hygiene, which was aligned with the Bar Council of India’s guidelines. This experience, combined with an earlier online internship with a reporter, solidified my desire for more formal legal experiences. In my second year, I followed advice from seniors to explore various fields through internships to refine my focus, which helped me identify the specific areas of law I wanted to specialize in.
You’ve been very active during your first five years of law school, launching student organizations, winning moot court competitions, and publishing several papers. What motivated you to engage in all these activities and could you walk us through some of these experiences?
My motivation stemmed from a genuine interest in these activities, especially during COVID when I had more time to dedicate to pursuits outside of the classroom. Organizations like Students for Liberty and Climate Guardians attracted me because they aligned with the type of candidates preferred by the master’s programs I was targeting, which favored individuals involved in social causes. I took on roles such as the educational coordinator for Climate Guardians and researched and monitored bees and sustainability. My experiences with these extracurriculars were strategically linked, showing a progression from being a member to becoming an officer in various societies. I found these activities not only fulfilling but also a powerful means of networking with like-minded individuals and professionals.
It sounds like you were able to leverage your extracurricular involvement to build skills and make significant impacts. How did you manage these commitments alongside your academic responsibilities?
Managing these commitments was challenging but rewarding. I was lucky to be in the third batch at my private law school, which provided more accessible resources than older, more established institutions. This environment enabled me to initiate changes and leave a mark. For example, I pushed for the establishment of a journal at our school, which involved coordinating with professors and managing an external board of editors. Despite the stress and mental strain, these experiences taught me valuable managerial skills, such as team leadership and effective communication with administrative bodies.
You also mentioned your involvement with the Volship Fellowship. Can you tell us more about what the fellowship entails and your role within it?
The Volship Fellowship is part of the Volunteer for India initiative, supported by entities like Homi and Yuva of UNICEF India. This 12-week fellowship is designed to empower individuals with the tools necessary for effective volunteering. As a fellow, I was part of a cohort that learned how to manage projects, identify social causes, and engage with communities on a volunteer basis. My project, Project Seek, focused on gender sensitization and creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ community. This role was intensely fulfilling as it aligned with my personal identity and passion for advocating for gender equality and inclusion.
You’ve emphasized the significance of gender sensitization in your projects. How did this focus emerge and what were the outcomes of these efforts in Delhi?
The focus on gender sensitization emerged from observing ongoing violence and discrimination in Delhi against various groups, including women, children, and the LGBTQ community. This led us to believe that desensitization was a significant issue, particularly due to the overwhelming presence of such themes in social media. Our project, Project Seek, aimed to sensitize young individuals aged 12 to 25, starting from when they begin puberty. We believed that instilling sensitivity at a young age could prevent bullying and foster more empathetic interpersonal interactions. The project collaborated with 11 organizations and reached 384 individuals, which was a significant achievement for us.
Given your extensive engagement in extracurricular activities, what are your thoughts on the balance between these activities and academic responsibilities?
Balancing extracurricular activities with academics is certainly challenging but crucial. Extracurriculars provide a break from continuous studying, which is important because law demands awareness of societal and political issues, not just theoretical knowledge. These activities help you see what the law misses in practice and give you a broader perspective on your environment, which is essential for a law student. Although it can get overwhelming, remembering why you started can help maintain this balance and make the experience enriching.
Can you share your experience at the summer school at LSE? What did you learn from that intense educational environment?
My summer school experience at LSE was incredibly intense but equally rewarding. I took a course on Human Rights, which condensed six months of coursework into three weeks. This involved daily three-hour lectures, workshops, library sessions, a midterm exam, an essay, and a final exam. It was a drastic shift from the educational system in India, focusing more on cognitive learning and objective thinking, which was challenging but very enriching. The diverse international community at LSE made the experience even more valuable.
You’ve talked about seeking recommendations for your applications. How did you choose your recommenders, and what factors did you consider important in this process?
Choosing recommenders was a strategic decision. For universities like King’s, which focused mainly on the statement of purpose and CV, recommendations weren’t necessary. However, for other programs, particularly those requiring a human rights focus, I chose recommenders who were intimately familiar with my academic and personal strengths. It was important to select professors who had directly taught me or with whom I had a significant professional relationship, so they could provide detailed, authentic insights into my capabilities and character.
During your application process, did you have to take any English proficiency tests, and what was your experience with them?
Yes, I took the IELTS exam twice; once for my summer school and then again for general university admissions. My first score was sufficient for my needs at the time, and since IELTS scores are valid for two years, I used my initial results for subsequent applications. However, I took the exam again before moving for my studies. Some universities do not require an English proficiency test if your previous education was in English, but it’s always beneficial to include it in your application to demonstrate your language proficiency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Have you ever felt at a disadvantage during your law school journey or applications due to not coming from a traditional legal background or an elite institution?
Absolutely, I felt disadvantaged initially as a first-generation lawyer without a traditional law background or mentorship. Starting from scratch meant I had to navigate my way through the legal education system and career path independently. This challenge was particularly pronounced during my time at Banaras University, where the focus was not solely on the professors but on individual effort and taking initiative. Despite these challenges, I believe that personal commitment and effective use of available resources are crucial for success, regardless of one’s background or the prestige of their institution.
Congratulations on receiving the prestigious £10,000 scholarship from the Vice Chancellor. Could you share how you secured this scholarship and what the application process was like?
The scholarship was not specifically for law students and was highly competitive, awarded across various departments including business and medical schools. Initially, I was skeptical about my chances because law students are typically not the primary recipients. However, the application required answering three crucial questions that determined eligibility.
I dedicated a whole month to researching and succinctly answering these questions, focusing on why I deserved the scholarship, what King’s College offered that was essential for my education, and how I intended to give back to the community with the skills I acquired. My extensive background in human rights and advocacy was instrumental in strengthening my application. Writing the application was stressful and intense but ultimately rewarding when I secured the scholarship.
Have you thought about your post-graduation plans? What do you envision for your future after earning your master’s degree from King’s College?
I have many plans and aspirations for the future, but at this moment, I prefer not to share them publicly. I believe it’s important to focus on my current studies and opportunities before making detailed plans public.
What advice would you give to our listeners who are considering studying abroad but are unsure if it’s the right choice for them?
It’s crucial to have a realistic understanding of what studying abroad entails. Don’t be swayed by the idealized versions of life abroad often portrayed on social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube, where everything looks perfect and easy. The reality involves hard work and discipline. Studying abroad requires a significant increase in effort and commitment compared to studying in India. If your main goal is academic and career advancement, you must be prepared to dedicate yourself fully to your studies and not get distracted by the social aspects, which are also part of the experience but should not overshadow your primary objectives.
(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.)
