Khushi has a compelling journey from exploring various academic paths to discovering her passion for law at NLU Delhi. She understands the challenges of pursuing higher education and is open to discussing scholarships, the benefits of taking a drop year, and the importance of finding a supportive network during this transformative period. Whether you have questions about law school or career choices, she’s eager to share her insights and experiences.
WORK
Role at the company
Lawyer
Working at
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
Location
Mumbai, India
EDUCATION
Studied from
NLU Delhi
Graduated with
B.A.LL.B.(Hons.)
Subjects in 12th
Physics
Maths
Biology
Chemistry
Let’s start with your choice to study PCMB in school. That’s quite an interesting mix. How did that decision work out for you?
I was a bit confused, which is why I chose PCMB. Initially, I thought I wanted to become a doctor, but I soon realized that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Then I considered engineering because my parents thought it was a good option. However, I was still uncertain about my path.
During 11th and 12th, I didn’t really focus on law preparation, but I kept exploring different fields. By the end of 12th grade, I discovered that I really enjoyed preparing for the CLAT exam. It’s somewhat similar to the CAT exam, but it has a stronger emphasis on verbal puzzles rather than logical reasoning, which I found engaging.
I got admission offers from a few universities—some for biotech programs and others for law. My parents wanted me to choose a more conventional path, but by that point, I was sure that law was the right direction for me. So, I took a year off to prepare properly for the CLAT exam and managed to convince my parents to support my decision. Ultimately, I got into NLU-Delhi!
That’s impressive! How did you become so sure about pursuing law as your career?
I had a clear strategy in place. I created a five-stage plan for which colleges I would consider based on my CLAT scores. I also stayed in constant touch with people from law schools through Facebook. They shared a lot about their experiences, and I engaged with them to get a realistic sense of what law school would be like. I essentially did my research to make an informed decision.
How did you convince your parents?
My parents were initially concerned about the idea of taking a drop year. They worried that it might not be the best move for my future. I assured them that I would take just one year off to focus on my preparation and that I was committed to enrolling in a college the following year, regardless of the outcome.
They also had concerns about the viability of a legal career, particularly regarding the financial aspect. I took the time to explain the corporate law side of things, which I was more inclined toward. Once they understood the various career paths within law, they began to realize that pursuing law could be a worthwhile investment for my future.
And once they were onboard they were the sweetest. They cut out news everyday for me to read and bundle it up to help with the preperation. I looked forward to that time fo the day. Also because all my friends were in Universities, it was great having their support
How was the preparation for the CLAT exam?
t wasn't bad at all. I think that as a lawyer, you end up doing a lot of reading—around 90 percent of the job involves it. So, being comfortable with reading is essential, both for the exam and for the profession itself. The key is to be open to learning; you encounter a lot of jargon and complex terminology.
Additionally, making strong arguments is a significant part of both the exam and legal work. I was good at English and math, which definitely helped me during my preparation. Those skills translated well into constructing logical arguments and analyzing different scenarios, which are crucial in law.
How was your experience at NLU Delhi?
Academically, it was great! The course structure is designed to keep you on your toes, and I really loved the curriculum. It can be quite intense, which is true for everyone, but the good thing is that you get multiple chances to retake exams. If you’re in law school, it’s important to understand that failure is a part of the journey, and it’s okay to stumble. I had a semester where my scores weren’t great, but I was given enough time to improve later on.
One thing I didn't particularly like was the competitiveness among students. Also people wern't as liberal as I had expected. It wasn't always easy to find a supportive network. I made an effort to connect with like-minded people, and I was fortunate enough to build a supportive circle. Without that, it can be easy to feel lonely in such a demanding environment.
How did you delve into corporate law?
I interned at a corporate law firm and really enjoyed the work, so I decided to stick with it. I connected with some great people there, which further solidified my interest. Currently, I work in mergers and acquisitions as well as private equity, both of which are very transferable skills in the legal field.
I eventually want the option to go abroad for work or pursue another degree, so I feel that focusing on corporate law was a good choice in that regard.
Thank you for sharing — we'll post your story on our website and if anybody has more questions, they will schedule a call with you.
