Internship Experience @ Chambers of Nagendra Benipal

Name

Ayussh Gupta

Name of the College

Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, AU Block, Outer Ring Rd, Pitampura, New Delhi – 110034, Delhi, India.

Name of the Organisation

Nagendra Benipal, 460 Lawyers’ Chamber, Delhi High Court, Sher Shah Road, New Delhi – 110003, Delhi, India.

Duration of Internship

July 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023

How did you apply?

I applied through LinkedIn.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

On the first day of my law internship, I completed the basic formalities, such as reporting to the lawyer’s chamber, submitting the necessary documents, and adhering to a strict formal dress code, typically a white shirt, black trousers, and a black coat.

The court’s infrastructure was vast and imposing, with multiple courtrooms bustling with activity, a well-equipped bar library, and administrative sections. The atmosphere was professional and fast-paced, with advocates, judges, and clerks moving purposefully through the halls.

Interns usually begin by observing courtroom proceedings and learning the dynamics of case filings, client interactions, and legal research. The first impression can be quite overwhelming due to the court’s grandeur and the seriousness of legal work.

Main Tasks

During my internship, I had the opportunity to prepare case briefs for pending matters and assist in drafting applications for ongoing cases.

Work Environment

During my law internship, the work environment was both challenging and rewarding. From the moment I stepped into the lawyer’s chamber, I could feel the fast-paced, professional atmosphere.

My day typically began with research assignments, where I delved into case laws and statutes to support ongoing cases. I was often tasked with drafting legal documents such as petitions and case briefs, which helped me understand the intricacies of legal writing.

When I was not working at my desk, I would accompany my mentor to the Delhi High Court to observe proceedings. Watching how lawyers presented arguments and how judges interacted with them was fascinating and gave me a deeper understanding of courtroom dynamics.

The environment demanded attention to detail and quick thinking, especially when deadlines were tight or a case was listed for hearing. The associates and fellow interns were always approachable, creating a collaborative and supportive space to discuss legal strategies and clarify doubts.

Although the workload could be intense, the hands-on experience and exposure to real-life legal situations made it an enriching learning experience. Every day felt like a new challenge, pushing me to think critically and refine my skills.

Good Things about the Internship

There were several positive aspects of my law internship that made it a truly valuable experience. First and foremost, the practical exposure was exceptional.

Being able to observe real cases in court and understand the application of legal theories studied in law school was eye-opening. I gained firsthand experience with courtroom procedures, filing processes, and how lawyers structure their arguments, which was immensely insightful.

Another positive aspect was the mentorship I received from senior advocates and associates. They were not only approachable but also eager to explain the nuances of each case, offering constructive feedback on my research and drafting skills.

This personalized guidance helped me build confidence in my work.

Bad Things about the Internship

While my law internship was a valuable learning experience, there were a few challenges I encountered. One of the main downsides was the long working hours.

The workdays often extended well beyond regular office hours, especially when deadlines for case filings or hearings were approaching. This sometimes made it difficult to maintain a balance between work and personal time.

Another challenge was the monotony of certain tasks. A significant amount of time was spent on repetitive work such as extensive legal research and document formatting, which could feel tedious at times.

While these tasks were important for building foundational skills, they were not always as engaging as other aspects of the internship.

Monthly Stipend

It was an unpaid internship.

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