In Conversation With Mishika Bajpai, Advocate, Supreme Court of India| BW Legal World 30 Under 30

Many  Congratulations on winning the BW Legal World 30 under 30. How has been your initial reaction after joining the elite club of BW Legal World 30 Under 30 Lawyers and Legal Influencers? How was your experience interacting with the Jury and of the event?  

MB: Thank you again to the eminent members of the jury and the BW Legal World team. It feels quite ecstatic to be a part of the young guns club. Winning this award has been a great honour; there's a sense of joy receiving this recognition for my hard work, passion and accomplishments. It is equally humbling and a constant reminder to stay grounded, keep learning, and continue striving for excellence. 

I have had the benefit of interacting with some of the jury members in different spheres of my professional career, some as colleagues working on complex commercial matters and some as mentors helping me chart my professional journey. The insightful questions and feedback from all the jury members, during the interview, were truly enlightening. Moreover, engaging in conversations with fellow award recipients and industry leaders was quite inspiring. 

Please walk us through your journey in this field of law? When did you first realize that law was your life’s calling? 

MB:My journey so far has been quite fruitful. During my undergraduate course at Symbiosis Law School (SUI, Pune) I had the opportunity to explore various areas of law through coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities. Apart from excelling at academics, I had twice won the Best Researcher’s Award and participated in several moot court competitions. Before I graduated, I had a cumulative internship experience of 17 months, which bolstered my performance even more at my workplace. I have read in the chambers of Senior Counsel Parag P. Tripathi (Former Additional Solicitor General of India). I am also grateful to be a Member at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom. 

Growing up in a family of lawyers, I was exposed to the legal profession from a young age. I witnessed the dedication, passion, and impact that my family members had in their respective legal careers. At dinner tables I found myself gravitating towards discussions related to justice, ethics, and societal issues. This exposure laid the foundation for my interest in law and sparked my curiosity about the field. My passion for law was cemented when I interned at various law chambers, and experienced the day-to-day workings of the legal profession, witnessing the complexities of cases, and observing the ways in which lawyers could advocate for their clients' rights and bring about positive change. As a third-generation lawyer, I am grateful for the path that has led me here and excited to embark on this lifelong journey in law. 

Who according to you has been your guide and mentor when you started working as a lawyer and what did you imbibe from him as a junior? 

MB:I would like to name not one but three mentors whose presence have played a pivotal role in shaping my early years as a legal professional, namely my father, Mr. Manjul Bajpai, my senior, Mr. Parag Tripathi and my brother, Dr. Shashwat Bajpai. Amongst the numerous lessons, all three have always emphasized the importance of attention to detail and have instilled in me the value of thoroughly researching and analyzing legal issues, leaving no stone unturned. I am immensely grateful for their mentorship and continue to carry forward the wisdom and lessons I imbibed from them as I progress in my legal career. 

 How did you decide on your practice area when you started looking for a job? How much do you think internships helped in carving out a pathway for young lawyers who intend to get in the profession? 

I have always been more inclined towards civil and commercial law and thus, chose the appropriate chambers.  

MB:As stated earlier, internships are invaluable in paving the way for aspiring young lawyers and setting them on a trajectory towards a successful legal career. Firstly, the hands-on experience allows interns to apply the knowledge gained in law school to the real-world scenarios and develop a practical understanding of legal principles. Secondly, they offer wide range of skills essential for the legal profession, including legal research and writing, critical thinking, oral advocacy, negotiation, and client communication.  

Do you think higher degrees like LL.M. can enhance the skill set for a lawyer? If so, according to you which is the right time to pursue the same for a lawyer who has just entered the profession? 

MB:Of course, the specialized knowledge, networking opportunities, and critical thinking skills acquired during an LL.M. program can undoubtedly enhance the skill set of a lawyer and open up new avenues for professional growth and success. I myself, immensely benefitted from the LL.M. (P) course at National Law University, New Delhi where I specialised in Insolvency Bankruptcy law, Securities & Investment Law, and Banking Law. Thereafter, I have represented both secured creditors and homebuyers in disputes arising out of recovery of dues as well as facilitation of construction of homes in financially distressed projects, etc. I have also assisted my senior in successfully obtaining release orders from the court against the arrest of a court appointed Resolution Professional and challenging recoveries made by the Government authorities for statutory dues after approval of the resolution plan.  

However, one must remember the timing for opting higher studies is always a personal decision. Its value and impact vary depending on individual circumstances, such as career goals, practice areas, and jurisdictional requirements.  

Do you believe that AI and Technology will supersede the lawyering skills in the coming times, especially with the recent hype around ChatGPT and other AI softwares? 

MB:AI definitely has the potential to streamline legal research, automate document review, and enhance efficiency in certain tasks. This technology will surely come in handy and should be used to our advantage. However, this augmentation and support is unlikely to completely supersede the need for human lawyers. Our legal profession often involves working closely with clients, understanding their needs, and providing them with guidance and support. Our nuanced approach, persuasive argumentation, interpersonal skills, and ethical considerations are crucial in making informed legal decisions which AI cannot provide to our clients. 

What are you doing if not lawyering? What are your hobbies in general? 

MB:Playing the piano is one of my favourite hobbies. Exploring new pieces and creating music brings joy and a sense of tranquillity.  

As a parting note, would you please recommend a favourite book that left a lasting impression on you? What has been your most recent read? 

MB:"From the Trenches” authored by Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi is an enlightening and thought-provoking read that offers valuable insights into the legal profession and its impact on society. Whether you have a specific interest in law or are simply curious about the dynamics of the legal world, this book will undoubtedly leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexities of the profession.