In Conversation with Ms Anu Sura, Senior Associate, PSL Advocates & Solicitors

Ms Sura, would you please tell us where did your journey in law begin and at what age did you decide to study law. Please walk us through the early years of your education and the decision of moving to practice from teaching.  

Well, my tryst with legal profession happened somewhat by accident. I was a science student in school. The four years spent in engineering college taught me that I didn’t wish to pursue it as a career. The dream then was to study International Relations at JNU, and I started preparing for the same in my final semester of B.Tech. I took the law entrance exam at Delhi University just as a Plan B. JNU didn’t happen, but I got through Faculty of Law, Delhi University. One week into law school, I knew I had found my calling.   

Three years at Law Faculty, flew by mooting and exploring all that the north campus had to offer. Faculty of Law instilled in me the ambition to be a practising lawyer. I pursued my LL.M in public law from NLU Delhi. I believe that your post-graduation experience should be transformative in some sense, which was definitely the case here. One year at NLU-D opened up my mind to an inter-disciplinary approach to law. Most importantly, that one year made me realise how law has been used both, as a tool of social reform and a tool of oppression around the world.  

My LL.B and LL.M experience has been extremely rewarding and most credit goes to the wonderful teachers that came my way. There is so much “unlearning” that goes on in a classroom, and I wanted to be a part of that experience. I went on to teaching full time for a year after my post-graduation before making a shift to full-time practice. I am really passionate about practising law, but one year spent taking classes at law faculty taught me that teaching is my one true love.  

What to your mind has helped you get to where you are and what advice would you have for others who want to set off in a similar direction? 

Well, I’d begin by saying that it’s never too late to switch professions. Do not stick with a career choice if you know that your aptitude lies somewhere else. Take that leap. To young learners of law, I’d say that enjoy every experience that comes your way in law school. It is such a versatile discipline and has so much to offer. Pay equal attention to the lessons outside your classrooms. Try your hand at different kind of internships (including academic) to figure out what you really wish to pursue. If you are the first-generation lawyer like me, do not get bogged down if 10 of your internship applications go unnoticed, 11th one won’t. If you have that fire in the belly, people will pay attention. Also, there’s nothing wrong in using your contacts and references, but make sure that you live up to that trust. Once you are a part of the hustle, your acumen, hard work and confidence is what will matter the most.  

Who have been your guiding North Stars and the biggest inspiration in this journey? 

Growing up, I’ve always looked up to my uncle, Mr Rajesh Jakhar, who leaves no opportunity to help those in need of legal aid and works tirelessly towards causes he believes in. My guiding North Star in my litigation and arbitration practice is Mr Sameer Jain. I look up to him for not only his passion for practice, but also in how respectfully he treats his juniors and seniors alike.   

Is the legal education in India with its current curricula and syllabi relevant in view of the new trend in the world order—to meet the ever-grooving challenges. Is the standard of our Bar Examinations up to par?  

Well, I wouldn’t be able to comment on the relevance of current curricular for lack of knowledge. I do, however, strongly believe that it’s high time that we move away from the current form of bar exam, which is nothing more than an empty formality. Bar examination should be aimed at testing the aptitude for practising law. A good level bar exam will not merely ensure quality control, but also help young law graduates to be more prepared before entering active practice.    

What in your opinion has been the biggest change or challenge looming over the legal landscape of India amid COVID-19?  

The ripples of the effect COVID-19 has had on the economy are surely being felt in every industry, including legal. However, the disputes haven’t ceased. After a brief hiatus, the legal community has adapted to this “new normal” in a short span of time.  

Covid-19 has forced the shift to a paperless mode of working in various courts and tribunals. In my experience, while the High Courts and courts in metro cities have the infrastructure for e-filing and virtual hearings, the situation is far from normal for district courts in small cities and remote areas. This is bound to increase the pendency with an already overburdened judiciary. The challenge, if the situation persists, will be to overcome this “digital divide” and make the system more inclusive.  

Other than work, what else keeps you busy? Would you please share your other interests and hobbies with our readers. 

I am mostly catching up with friends on whatever weekends I can spare. Other than that, I enjoy reading or spending time doing some outdoorsy activity.  

Ms Sura, what would be your message to our legal minds of the future, any golden piece of advice from the treasure trove of your experiences in the industry? 

I feel that as a lawyer, you always remain a student of law. The learning never ceases. So, firstly, you need to constantly keep yourself abreast with the latest developments. Secondly, a lawyer’s job is not merely knowing the law, but also proposing a legal strategy that best suits your client’s interest. It’s important to consciously train yourself in that direction in the formative years of your career. Lastly, a lawyer must never forget that “the devil is in detail”. I learned this early on during my moot court days that you must know the facts and details of your case like the back of your hand. 

 As a final note, would you please recommend to our readers your favourite book or movie/series that left a lasting impression on you. 

 “The Courtroom Genius” left quite an impact on me: a must-read for any practising lawyer.