Rishi Raj Mukherjee from NUSRL on winning moots
Name of the Student
Rishi Raj Mukherjee
Full name of the college
NUSRL, Ranchi
Year of Study
5th year
Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Rishi Raj Mukherjee, final year BA LLB student from NUSRL, Ranchi. While I am from Kolkata, I have done my schooling from various schools across the country.
What motivated you to pursue law?
I realized that I wanted to study law because I’ve always been passionate about justice and advocating for what’s right. Additionally, I enjoy critical thinking, problem-solving, and debating, which are essential skills in the legal field. These interests and abilities led me to pursue a career in law and become a law student.
You study at National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, one of the best law schools in India. How is life at NUSRL?
Life at NUSRL, Ranchi is both academically enriching and personally fulfilling. The rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and diverse student body create a vibrant learning environment. We have opportunities for mooting, debating, and legal research, which enhance our practical skills. The campus and its surroundings are serene, providing a conducive atmosphere for study. Overall, my experience at NUSRL has been challenging but rewarding, and I’ve grown as both a student and an individual during my time here.
Tell us a bit about your plans for your future.
My interest areas are in International Commercial Arbitration and International Trade and I look forward to build a career around these practice areas. While I am looking forward to join a law firm in my initial days, I look forward for International Positions in the future – mostly in the WTO.
Can you tell us what were the things that helped you become a better law student?
Looking back, several factors have contributed to my growth as a law student. Staying committed to my studies and actively participating in class discussions, asking questions, and seeking clarification on doubts. Furthermore, developing strong research skills to support my arguments and assignments while participating in various international and national moot court and debating competitions to improve my advocacy and public speaking skills. I cant ignore the importance of building a network with professors, peers, and legal professionals while gaining practical experience through internships at law firms or with legal practitioners. Lastly, staying open to new ideas and evolving with changes in the legal field and technology has also been crucial.
These factors have collectively shaped me into a better law student and prepared me for the challenges of the legal profession.
You have secured prestigious internships at places like Singularity legal, Skywards law, Sarvada legal etc. Please share your experience working with them.
I work mostly in the International Commercial Arbitration Teams. The teams at these different law firms exposed me to different cultures of working and bonding. While each one had its pros and cons, it was a learning experience throughout.
According to you, what helped you secure those internships? What can law students do to land internships at such firms?
I mostly got my initial internships due to my mooting accolades. Later, internships were secured through my experience in the fields of arbitration and trade law. Further, I constantly followed up with the HRs and maintained good relations with the team even after my internships.
You have an excellent mooting record. Tell us a bit about your mooting experience.
Thank you for the kind words! My mooting experience has been incredibly rewarding. To become a successful moot court speaker and represent NUSRL effectively, I thoroughly research the case, understand and distinguish legal precedents and craft persuasive arguments is key.
Seeking feedback from mentors, coaches, and peers has been invaluable in improving my skills. Further, believing in the strength of my arguments and delivering them confidently has made a significant difference.
Also, I have to stress the importance of working closely with my moot court team to ensure we’re all well-prepared and coordinated is crucial for success. Mooting can be intense, but maintaining composure under pressure is essential.
Representing NUSRL in moot court competitions is a matter of immense pride. It’s an opportunity to showcase the excellent legal education we receive and compete with some of the best legal minds in the country.
The sense of responsibility to uphold our institution’s reputation is both motivating and humbling. Overall, my mooting journey has been a challenging but incredibly fulfilling experience, and I’m grateful for the support of my university and mentors.
What do you like most about International Arbitration?
What I appreciate most about International Arbitration is its flexibility and neutrality. It allows parties from different jurisdictions to resolve disputes without necessarily going through complex and potentially biased court systems. The ability to choose arbitrators, tailor procedures, and maintain confidentiality often leads to efficient and effective dispute resolution, making it a preferred choice for many international parties.
Can you elaborate a bit on the research techniques that you employ?
In the context of legal research, there are various types and methods to consider depending on your specific needs. Here are some suggestions to distinguish between primary sources (laws, regulations, court decisions) and secondary sources (books, articles, commentaries). Start with primary sources to understand the law’s text and then delve into secondary sources for deeper insights and interpretations. Utilize online legal databases like Westlaw, LexisNexis, SCC Online or public resources like Google Scholar and legal websites for access to a vast repository of legal materials.
When researching specific legal cases, review both the primary case law and any secondary commentary or analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding. If your research involves international law, consult relevant international treaties and agreements, as well as organizations like the United Nations.
Sometimes, legal blogs and online forums can provide practical insights and discussions on contemporary legal issues. Remember to critically evaluate the reliability and relevance of your sources, cite them properly, and keep thorough notes throughout your research process. Legal research can be time-consuming, but effective research is crucial for building a strong legal argument or understanding complex legal issues.
If not a lawyer, what could you have been?
I was a professional chess player till I was 16. I would have definitely pursued a career in chess.