The Interview
LegalAlphabet
Every legal journey has a spark. Was there a specific moment or event in your life that made you decide, 'I want to be in the legal field,' or was it a gradual realization?
Parth Ade
For me, the journey into law wasn’t a sudden cinematic moment. it was a slow, steady realization shaped by where I come from. I’m a first-generation lawyer, born into a middle-class family where stability, responsibility, and hard work are core values. Growing up, I saw how people around me often struggled with basic legal awareness. They had problems, but not the confidence or the knowledge to deal with them. That feeling of helplessness stayed with me.
The spark came when I started interacting more with society through community work, practical exposure, and real conversations with people who had legal issues but no guidance. I realized that law has the power to change someone’s entire situation with just the right advice or the right intervention. That made me feel that this profession is not just about reading cases. it’s about being a voice for someone who doesn’t have one.
At the same time, as I grew academically, I found myself drawn to reasoning, debates, courtroom proceedings, and the sheer intellectual challenge the legal field offers. It was a gradual pull every small experience brought me closer to the realization that this is the field where I belong.
So yes, the spark came from my roots, from being a first-generation lawyer who wanted to step beyond limitations and create a path that didn’t exist in my family. And the realization grew stronger each time I learned how powerful the law can be when used with sincerity and purpose.
That’s when I knew- This is what I want to do. I want to be a lawyer.
The spark came when I started interacting more with society through community work, practical exposure, and real conversations with people who had legal issues but no guidance. I realized that law has the power to change someone’s entire situation with just the right advice or the right intervention. That made me feel that this profession is not just about reading cases. it’s about being a voice for someone who doesn’t have one.
At the same time, as I grew academically, I found myself drawn to reasoning, debates, courtroom proceedings, and the sheer intellectual challenge the legal field offers. It was a gradual pull every small experience brought me closer to the realization that this is the field where I belong.
So yes, the spark came from my roots, from being a first-generation lawyer who wanted to step beyond limitations and create a path that didn’t exist in my family. And the realization grew stronger each time I learned how powerful the law can be when used with sincerity and purpose.
That’s when I knew- This is what I want to do. I want to be a lawyer.
LegalAlphabet
If you could describe your professional personality in three words, what would they be and why?
Parth Ade
1. Fearless-
Because I don’t hesitate to ask questions, take responsibility, or step into challenging work. The legal field demands courage not arrogance, but quiet confidence. Whether it’s standing up for a point, taking on difficult research, or speaking in front of seniors, I’ve learned to be steady and bold. Fearlessness is not about volume; it’s about conviction.
2. Curious-
I have a constant urge to understand the ‘why’ behind everything, a habit essential in law. Instead of accepting information at face value, I dig deeper into judgments, reasoning, and the logic behind legal principles. This curiosity helps me grow faster, think sharper, and understand cases more holistically.
3. Articulate-
I believe clarity is a lawyer’s strongest weapon. Whether I’m drafting, explaining a concept to a peer, or giving submissions during moots, I focus on expressing myself simply, precisely, and effectively. Good communication isn’t about complicated language it’s about making complex things easy to understand.
Because I don’t hesitate to ask questions, take responsibility, or step into challenging work. The legal field demands courage not arrogance, but quiet confidence. Whether it’s standing up for a point, taking on difficult research, or speaking in front of seniors, I’ve learned to be steady and bold. Fearlessness is not about volume; it’s about conviction.
2. Curious-
I have a constant urge to understand the ‘why’ behind everything, a habit essential in law. Instead of accepting information at face value, I dig deeper into judgments, reasoning, and the logic behind legal principles. This curiosity helps me grow faster, think sharper, and understand cases more holistically.
3. Articulate-
I believe clarity is a lawyer’s strongest weapon. Whether I’m drafting, explaining a concept to a peer, or giving submissions during moots, I focus on expressing myself simply, precisely, and effectively. Good communication isn’t about complicated language it’s about making complex things easy to understand.
LegalAlphabet
You study at the historic Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai, often called the 'factory of judges.' How has being physically located right next to the Bombay High Court influenced your view of the profession compared to just reading about it in textbooks?
Parth Ade
Government Law College, Mumbai isn’t just an institution, it’s a legacy. Being India’s oldest law college and often called the ‘factory of judges’, GLC carries a reputation that you can actually feel the moment you step inside the building. The walls, the classrooms, even the corridors have a sense of history, because generations of judges, senior advocates, scholars, and leaders have studied there.
For me, studying at GLC has been much more than just attending lectures. It feels like being part of a tradition where the expectations are high, but so is the inspiration. When you know that some of the finest legal minds from Justice Hidayatullah to Soli Sorabjee, once sat in the same classrooms, it automatically pushes you to take the profession more seriously.
GLC's culture is very unique students are constantly encouraged to be independent, to learn from courts, and to build their own pathways. And because the Bombay High Court is literally across the road, the learning never stays limited to textbooks. You see real arguments, real courtroom dynamics, and real challenges every single day. That exposure shapes you in a way no academic setting alone can.
Being part of such a historic institution gives you a sense of belonging and responsibility. You’re not just studying law; you’re stepping into a legacy and preparing to carry it forward.
For me, studying at GLC has been much more than just attending lectures. It feels like being part of a tradition where the expectations are high, but so is the inspiration. When you know that some of the finest legal minds from Justice Hidayatullah to Soli Sorabjee, once sat in the same classrooms, it automatically pushes you to take the profession more seriously.
GLC's culture is very unique students are constantly encouraged to be independent, to learn from courts, and to build their own pathways. And because the Bombay High Court is literally across the road, the learning never stays limited to textbooks. You see real arguments, real courtroom dynamics, and real challenges every single day. That exposure shapes you in a way no academic setting alone can.
Being part of such a historic institution gives you a sense of belonging and responsibility. You’re not just studying law; you’re stepping into a legacy and preparing to carry it forward.
LegalAlphabet
There is a common saying in Mumbai legal circles: 'The law is learned in the corridors of the court, not just the classroom.' How do you personally balance the pressure of university exams with the practical demand to intern constantly?
Parth Ade
That saying is absolutely true, especially in Mumbai. The real law is learned by observing advocates argue, watching judges’ reason, and understanding how cases actually move. But at the same time, university exams are unavoidable, and you need a strong academic foundation.
For me, the balance came from accepting one simple truth:
Both are important, but at different times, one takes the lead.
During internships, I give my full energy to drafting, research, client interaction, and court observation because that exposure can’t be replicated in any textbook. And when exams approach, I shift gears and focus on disciplined study, usually early mornings or late nights, because strong concepts make you a better intern and future lawyer.
It does get overwhelming, especially when you’re working, interning, and studying together. But I’ve learned to manage it by planning ahead, staying consistent, and reminding myself why I chose this field.
At the end of the day, courtroom corridors teach you the practical soul of the law, while the classroom gives you the theoretical backbone. One without the other makes you incomplete. So instead of choosing between them, I try to grow through both. one step in college, one step in court.
For me, the balance came from accepting one simple truth:
Both are important, but at different times, one takes the lead.
During internships, I give my full energy to drafting, research, client interaction, and court observation because that exposure can’t be replicated in any textbook. And when exams approach, I shift gears and focus on disciplined study, usually early mornings or late nights, because strong concepts make you a better intern and future lawyer.
It does get overwhelming, especially when you’re working, interning, and studying together. But I’ve learned to manage it by planning ahead, staying consistent, and reminding myself why I chose this field.
At the end of the day, courtroom corridors teach you the practical soul of the law, while the classroom gives you the theoretical backbone. One without the other makes you incomplete. So instead of choosing between them, I try to grow through both. one step in college, one step in court.
LegalAlphabet
From your perspective, what is the one subject in the Indian LLB curriculum (e.g., Contracts, Evidence, IPC) that you found most fascinating? Why do you think every Indian citizen should know the basics of this specific subject?
Parth Ade
As a law student, the two subjects that truly fascinated me the most are Constitutional Law and Criminal Law, mainly because they’re the closest to real life. These are the subjects you don’t just study for exams; you actually see them working in society every single day.
1. Constitutional Law- the subject that teaches you your rights
What I love about Constitutional Law is that it makes you feel aware and powerful as a citizen. Once you understand your Fundamental Rights like freedom of speech, right to equality, right to life, privacy. you automatically approach life more confidently.
For us students, especially first-generation lawyers, knowing the Constitution gives a sense of direction. It teaches us why law matters and how it protects ordinary people in real situations, whether it’s police action, arrests, or everyday government decisions.
2. Criminal Law- the reality of society in one subject
Criminal Law fascinated me because it shows the practical side of how the justice system really works. how crimes are defined, how evidence is collected, how the police investigate, and how courts decide guilt or innocence.
As students, we often think BNS or BNSS is just sections and procedures, but once you see real cases in court, you understand how important these principles are. They decide people’s futures. They protect innocent people from wrongful accusations. They ensure fairness.
Honestly, even if someone never studies law, knowing the basics of the Constitution and Criminal Law can protect them from a lot of problems.
Because: The Constitution tells you your rights.
Criminal Law tells you how to protect them.
Both subjects make you more aware, more confident, and more responsible not just as a law student, but as a citizen.
1. Constitutional Law- the subject that teaches you your rights
What I love about Constitutional Law is that it makes you feel aware and powerful as a citizen. Once you understand your Fundamental Rights like freedom of speech, right to equality, right to life, privacy. you automatically approach life more confidently.
For us students, especially first-generation lawyers, knowing the Constitution gives a sense of direction. It teaches us why law matters and how it protects ordinary people in real situations, whether it’s police action, arrests, or everyday government decisions.
2. Criminal Law- the reality of society in one subject
Criminal Law fascinated me because it shows the practical side of how the justice system really works. how crimes are defined, how evidence is collected, how the police investigate, and how courts decide guilt or innocence.
As students, we often think BNS or BNSS is just sections and procedures, but once you see real cases in court, you understand how important these principles are. They decide people’s futures. They protect innocent people from wrongful accusations. They ensure fairness.
Honestly, even if someone never studies law, knowing the basics of the Constitution and Criminal Law can protect them from a lot of problems.
Because: The Constitution tells you your rights.
Criminal Law tells you how to protect them.
Both subjects make you more aware, more confident, and more responsible not just as a law student, but as a citizen.
LegalAlphabet
Moot Courts are often glorified in movies. In reality, how much do they actually help a student prepare for real litigation? Is the 'drama' we see on screen real, or is it more about research?
Parth Ade
Moot Courts are definitely portrayed with a lot more drama in movies—intense objections, fiery speeches, sudden breakthroughs. But in real litigation, the courtroom is much more structured, calm, and focused on precision rather than theatrics.
What Moot Courts actually teach you is not drama, but discipline.
They help you understand how to:
1. research law thoroughly,
2. break down a problem,
3. formulate issues,
4. draft arguments, and
5. present them clearly and respectfully.
These are the exact skills that real litigation demands. When I started interning in courts, I realised something important: the real strength of any lawyer lies in preparation, not performance. Judges aren’t looking for dramatic speeches they’re looking for clarity, logic, and well-cited arguments.
So yes, Moot Courts help a lot, but not in the filmi way.
They help by making you think like a lawyer before you actually become one. They push you to read more, speak better, work in teams, and build confidence. And those skills are extremely valuable once you step into the courtroom.
In short, the drama is for the movies.
The real power of mooting lies in research, reasoning, and the ability to defend your point calmly and confidently.
What Moot Courts actually teach you is not drama, but discipline.
They help you understand how to:
1. research law thoroughly,
2. break down a problem,
3. formulate issues,
4. draft arguments, and
5. present them clearly and respectfully.
These are the exact skills that real litigation demands. When I started interning in courts, I realised something important: the real strength of any lawyer lies in preparation, not performance. Judges aren’t looking for dramatic speeches they’re looking for clarity, logic, and well-cited arguments.
So yes, Moot Courts help a lot, but not in the filmi way.
They help by making you think like a lawyer before you actually become one. They push you to read more, speak better, work in teams, and build confidence. And those skills are extremely valuable once you step into the courtroom.
In short, the drama is for the movies.
The real power of mooting lies in research, reasoning, and the ability to defend your point calmly and confidently.
LegalAlphabet
Let's talk about the 'Internship Rat Race.' In India, securing a good internship can sometimes feel harder than the exams themselves. What has been your approach to finding opportunities—cold emails, networking, or college placements?
Parth Ade
It’s true sometimes getting an internship in India feels more competitive than clearing an exam. Everyone is applying to the same chambers, the same law firms, and the same senior advocates. In my case, I realized early on that waiting for opportunities doesn’t work you have to actively create them.
My approach has been a mix of cold emails, consistent networking, and proving myself through every internship I get.
Cold emailing actually helped me a lot. I used to spend time researching the advocate’s work, recent judgments, or the kind of matters they handle, and then write a very simple, honest email explaining why I want to learn under them. Not a templated email something personal and relevant. Many seniors appreciate sincerity.
Networking also played a huge role. Attending court daily, interacting with interns, clerks, and even court staff helps you understand who is taking interns and what skills they look for. Sometimes one internship leads to another because a senior notices your discipline or drafting skills.
College placements help to an extent, but in the legal field, your initiative matters more than any placement cell.
So rather than running behind big names, I focused on consistency, wherever I intern, I give my 100%. And that reputation slowly opens more doors than any cold email can.
In the end, it’s not just a rat race it’s about showing genuine willingness to learn and proving that someone can trust you with legal work.
My approach has been a mix of cold emails, consistent networking, and proving myself through every internship I get.
Cold emailing actually helped me a lot. I used to spend time researching the advocate’s work, recent judgments, or the kind of matters they handle, and then write a very simple, honest email explaining why I want to learn under them. Not a templated email something personal and relevant. Many seniors appreciate sincerity.
Networking also played a huge role. Attending court daily, interacting with interns, clerks, and even court staff helps you understand who is taking interns and what skills they look for. Sometimes one internship leads to another because a senior notices your discipline or drafting skills.
College placements help to an extent, but in the legal field, your initiative matters more than any placement cell.
So rather than running behind big names, I focused on consistency, wherever I intern, I give my 100%. And that reputation slowly opens more doors than any cold email can.
In the end, it’s not just a rat race it’s about showing genuine willingness to learn and proving that someone can trust you with legal work.
LegalAlphabet
Transitioning from academic theory to practical application is often jarring. What was the biggest 'culture shock' you faced during your first legal internship?
Parth Ade
The biggest culture shock for me was realizing how unstructured and fast-paced real litigation actually is, compared to the neatly organized world of academic theory. In the classroom, we study judgments that are already polished and perfectly reasoned. But during my first internship, I learned that what happens before a judgment is passed is far more chaotic and demanding.
One shock was how much responsibility interns are trusted with, right from day one. Whether it was drafting, finding a specific precedent within minutes, or preparing a file just before a matter was called out. there was no “student buffer.” Seniors expect you to understand instructions quickly and work with precision, because even a small mistake can affect a case.
Another big shift was understanding that most of litigation is paperwork, procedure, and preparation, not dramatic arguments. The real “battle” often happens in the chamber the night before, not in open court. Watching lawyers prepare, strategize, and anticipate the judge’s questions taught me that litigation is more about clarity and discipline than theatrics.
And finally, I realized that clients don’t speak in legal language. They speak in emotions, expectations, and fear. Translating that into legally relevant facts was something college never prepares you for.
So the culture shock wasn’t a single moment. it was the realization that the profession demands maturity, patience, quick thinking, and a level of practical understanding that textbooks can’t provide.
One shock was how much responsibility interns are trusted with, right from day one. Whether it was drafting, finding a specific precedent within minutes, or preparing a file just before a matter was called out. there was no “student buffer.” Seniors expect you to understand instructions quickly and work with precision, because even a small mistake can affect a case.
Another big shift was understanding that most of litigation is paperwork, procedure, and preparation, not dramatic arguments. The real “battle” often happens in the chamber the night before, not in open court. Watching lawyers prepare, strategize, and anticipate the judge’s questions taught me that litigation is more about clarity and discipline than theatrics.
And finally, I realized that clients don’t speak in legal language. They speak in emotions, expectations, and fear. Translating that into legally relevant facts was something college never prepares you for.
So the culture shock wasn’t a single moment. it was the realization that the profession demands maturity, patience, quick thinking, and a level of practical understanding that textbooks can’t provide.
LegalAlphabet
Networking is a buzzword we hear all the time. As a student, how do you approach building professional relationships with seniors without coming across as pushy?
Parth Ade
For me, networking has never been about collecting contacts. it’s about building genuine professional relationships. And as a student, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that seniors appreciate sincerity, not forcefulness.
My approach is very simple:
1. I don’t start with ‘networking’, I start with learning. -
If I approach a senior, it is always with a meaningful purpose: asking a specific question about a case, seeking feedback on drafting, or appreciating something valuable they shared in court. Seniors can immediately sense the difference between a student who wants to learn and someone who just wants a connection.
2. I respect their time. -
Instead of long messages, I keep it concise and clear. Busy lawyers appreciate students who communicate professionally and don’t demand unnecessary attention.
3. I let the relationship grow naturally. -
If I meet a senior in court, I don’t try to impress them, I try to observe them. If we speak, it’s usually about the matter happening in court, not about “Sir, please give me an internship.” Opportunities open up automatically when a senior sees your curiosity and consistency.
4. I stay connected through small but genuine follow-ups. -
A thank-you message after learning something from them, or sharing an interesting judgment related to their field. these small gestures keep the relationship warm without being intrusive.
5. Most importantly, I show my work. -
Good networking in law isn’t done through words it’s done through work. Seniors remember the student who delivers tasks on time, who drafts carefully, who shows initiative. That’s how real mentorship begins.
So my philosophy is simple:
Be sincere, be respectful, be patient and let your work speak louder than your networking.
My approach is very simple:
1. I don’t start with ‘networking’, I start with learning. -
If I approach a senior, it is always with a meaningful purpose: asking a specific question about a case, seeking feedback on drafting, or appreciating something valuable they shared in court. Seniors can immediately sense the difference between a student who wants to learn and someone who just wants a connection.
2. I respect their time. -
Instead of long messages, I keep it concise and clear. Busy lawyers appreciate students who communicate professionally and don’t demand unnecessary attention.
3. I let the relationship grow naturally. -
If I meet a senior in court, I don’t try to impress them, I try to observe them. If we speak, it’s usually about the matter happening in court, not about “Sir, please give me an internship.” Opportunities open up automatically when a senior sees your curiosity and consistency.
4. I stay connected through small but genuine follow-ups. -
A thank-you message after learning something from them, or sharing an interesting judgment related to their field. these small gestures keep the relationship warm without being intrusive.
5. Most importantly, I show my work. -
Good networking in law isn’t done through words it’s done through work. Seniors remember the student who delivers tasks on time, who drafts carefully, who shows initiative. That’s how real mentorship begins.
So my philosophy is simple:
Be sincere, be respectful, be patient and let your work speak louder than your networking.
LegalAlphabet
As someone entering the legal field in the era of AI and Legal Tech, do you view tools like ChatGPT as a threat to junior lawyers, or as a tool that will simply eliminate the boring drafting work?
Parth Ade
I don’t see AI tools like ChatGPT/Google Gemini as a threat to junior lawyers at all. In fact, I see them as powerful assistants that can handle the repetitive, mechanical parts of legal work so that young lawyers can focus on what actually matters-analysis, strategy, and courtroom skills.
AI can draft formats, summarize long documents, or help with initial research. But it still cannot replace the human elements of litigation: understanding client emotions, identifying the real issues hidden in facts, anticipating a judge’s approach, or crafting arguments based on experience and intuition.
If anything, AI is going to raise the standard for junior lawyers. The ones who rely only on routine drafting will struggle. But those who develop strong fundamentals, reasoning, interpretation, persuasive skills will do better than ever because the simple workload will be handled by technology.
So I look at AI as a tool that frees us from the boring, repetitive work and allows us to become better thinkers. The future doesn’t belong to lawyers who fear AI; it belongs to those who know how to combine human judgment with technological efficiency.
In short:
AI won’t replace lawyers but lawyers who use AI will replace lawyers who don’t.
AI can draft formats, summarize long documents, or help with initial research. But it still cannot replace the human elements of litigation: understanding client emotions, identifying the real issues hidden in facts, anticipating a judge’s approach, or crafting arguments based on experience and intuition.
If anything, AI is going to raise the standard for junior lawyers. The ones who rely only on routine drafting will struggle. But those who develop strong fundamentals, reasoning, interpretation, persuasive skills will do better than ever because the simple workload will be handled by technology.
So I look at AI as a tool that frees us from the boring, repetitive work and allows us to become better thinkers. The future doesn’t belong to lawyers who fear AI; it belongs to those who know how to combine human judgment with technological efficiency.
In short:
AI won’t replace lawyers but lawyers who use AI will replace lawyers who don’t.
LegalAlphabet
If you could pick one area of law (e.g., IPR, Corporate, Litigation, ADR) that you think is going to 'boom' in India over the next 5 years, which one would it be and why?
Parth Ade
If I had to choose one area that is set to boom in India over the next five years, it would be Cyber Law and the broader Tech-Law ecosystem.
With the rise of AI, data-driven platforms, digital payments, OTT content, fintech, and cross-border digital services, India is witnessing legal challenges we’ve never seen before. Every company whether a startup or a multinational is now dealing with issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, digital contracts, online fraud, intermediary liability, IP protection in digital spaces, and AI governance.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is just the beginning.
In the coming years, we will see:
1. massive demand for lawyers who understand technology,
2. disputes over data breaches,
3. AI regulation and compliance work,
4. digital evidence litigation,
5. cybercrime investigations,
6. fintech and crypto-related cases,
7. and IPR protection in virtual/digital environments.
The legal system is evolving to match technological growth, and that gap creates huge opportunities for young lawyers.
And the best part? Cyber Law sits at the intersection of litigation, corporate compliance, and IPR, making it an ideal field for someone who enjoys both courtroom advocacy and technology-driven legal work.
So yes, if there is one field that is going to explode in India, it’s Cyber & Tech Law, because every digital action today has a legal consequence and the demand for lawyers who can navigate that world is only going to rise.
With the rise of AI, data-driven platforms, digital payments, OTT content, fintech, and cross-border digital services, India is witnessing legal challenges we’ve never seen before. Every company whether a startup or a multinational is now dealing with issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, digital contracts, online fraud, intermediary liability, IP protection in digital spaces, and AI governance.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is just the beginning.
In the coming years, we will see:
1. massive demand for lawyers who understand technology,
2. disputes over data breaches,
3. AI regulation and compliance work,
4. digital evidence litigation,
5. cybercrime investigations,
6. fintech and crypto-related cases,
7. and IPR protection in virtual/digital environments.
The legal system is evolving to match technological growth, and that gap creates huge opportunities for young lawyers.
And the best part? Cyber Law sits at the intersection of litigation, corporate compliance, and IPR, making it an ideal field for someone who enjoys both courtroom advocacy and technology-driven legal work.
So yes, if there is one field that is going to explode in India, it’s Cyber & Tech Law, because every digital action today has a legal consequence and the demand for lawyers who can navigate that world is only going to rise.
LegalAlphabet
Many law students in India face 'burnout' by their 2nd or 3rd year. What is your personal escape? What keeps you grounded when the case readings pile up?
Parth Ade
Burnout is very real in law school, especially when you’re juggling internships, college, and long case readings. For me, the best escape is going back to the things that remind me that there is life beyond law.
My biggest grounding force is playing cricket. Even one hour on the ground resets my mind completely. Playing cricket with Priyanshu, having funny talks with Abhikalp, general discussions with Tushar, and diving into law-related topics with Tushar and S. Rohit Kumar. all of this makes the stress feel lighter and the day feel brighter. It’s the only time I’m not thinking about deadlines, drafting, or exam dates.
Apart from that, I love reading and writing. not necessarily legal material, but anything that stimulates my mind differently. Sometimes I read judgments just for the beauty of the reasoning, not for study pressure. And writing helps me process my thoughts and calm down.
But honestly, what grounds me the most is court observation. It sounds unusual, but sitting in a courtroom even when I’m exhausted reminds me why I chose this profession. Watching real arguments instantly replaces burnout with motivation. It puts all the stress into perspective.
So my escape is a mix of cricket, reading, writing, and reconnecting with the purpose behind my legal journey. That balance keeps me moving forward even when the case readings pile up.
My biggest grounding force is playing cricket. Even one hour on the ground resets my mind completely. Playing cricket with Priyanshu, having funny talks with Abhikalp, general discussions with Tushar, and diving into law-related topics with Tushar and S. Rohit Kumar. all of this makes the stress feel lighter and the day feel brighter. It’s the only time I’m not thinking about deadlines, drafting, or exam dates.
Apart from that, I love reading and writing. not necessarily legal material, but anything that stimulates my mind differently. Sometimes I read judgments just for the beauty of the reasoning, not for study pressure. And writing helps me process my thoughts and calm down.
But honestly, what grounds me the most is court observation. It sounds unusual, but sitting in a courtroom even when I’m exhausted reminds me why I chose this profession. Watching real arguments instantly replaces burnout with motivation. It puts all the stress into perspective.
So my escape is a mix of cricket, reading, writing, and reconnecting with the purpose behind my legal journey. That balance keeps me moving forward even when the case readings pile up.
LegalAlphabet
If a 1st-year law student walked up to you today and asked for just one piece of advice to survive law school in India, what would you tell them?
Parth Ade
If I had to give just one piece of advice, I would say this:
Don’t run behind everything, build a strong foundation first.
Recently, two first-year students from Dr. Ambedkar Law College, Nagpur, and Yashawant Mahavidyalaya, Wardha - personally asked me the same question: how to survive law college, how to study, and how to start their journey. And I told them exactly this: in your first year, don’t get overwhelmed by what others are doing.
In 1st year, everything feels new like legal language, case laws, Latin maxims, seniors doing internships and it's easy to feel lost. But your real strength later, whether in litigation or corporate, will come from having a steady, clear understanding of the basics.
Focus on:
1. reading textbooks slowly,
2. understanding concepts deeply,
3. observing courts whenever possible, and
4. building the habit of consistency.
Law school is not a race. It’s a long journey.
If your foundation is strong, every internship, every moot, every exam becomes easier.
If it’s weak, even the best opportunities won’t help you grow.
So my advice is simple:
Learn with patience, grow with discipline, and trust your journey. Everything else will come at the right time.
Don’t run behind everything, build a strong foundation first.
Recently, two first-year students from Dr. Ambedkar Law College, Nagpur, and Yashawant Mahavidyalaya, Wardha - personally asked me the same question: how to survive law college, how to study, and how to start their journey. And I told them exactly this: in your first year, don’t get overwhelmed by what others are doing.
In 1st year, everything feels new like legal language, case laws, Latin maxims, seniors doing internships and it's easy to feel lost. But your real strength later, whether in litigation or corporate, will come from having a steady, clear understanding of the basics.
Focus on:
1. reading textbooks slowly,
2. understanding concepts deeply,
3. observing courts whenever possible, and
4. building the habit of consistency.
Law school is not a race. It’s a long journey.
If your foundation is strong, every internship, every moot, every exam becomes easier.
If it’s weak, even the best opportunities won’t help you grow.
So my advice is simple:
Learn with patience, grow with discipline, and trust your journey. Everything else will come at the right time.
LegalAlphabet
Finally, what is the one book (legal or non-legal) that you think every law student must read at least once?
Parth Ade
If I had to recommend just one book that every law student should read, I would choose “Courtroom Genius” by Soli Sorabjee & Abhinav Chandrachud.
This is a book often suggested by seniors, including advocates like Pawan Relay Sir and respected seniors like Sr. Adv. Pradeep Rai. And the reason is simple: it doesn’t just teach you law. it teaches you the mindset of a lawyer.
The book beautifully captures the courtroom craft of legendary advocate Nani Palkhivala, his advocacy style, clarity of thought, humility, preparation habits, and the sheer power of simple, precise arguments. It’s the closest thing a student can get to sitting in a senior’s chamber and understanding how real advocacy is built.
Unlike textbooks, this book shows you:
1. how great lawyers think,
2. how they prepare,
3. how they present arguments,
4. how they stay calm under pressure, and
5. how much discipline and integrity the profession demands.
Reading “Courtroom Genius” gives you a sense of direction — it inspires you, grounds you, and reminds you why the legal profession is so meaningful.
So, for me, this is one book every law student must read at least once, not for exams, but for perspective, purpose, and the passion to become a better lawyer.
This is a book often suggested by seniors, including advocates like Pawan Relay Sir and respected seniors like Sr. Adv. Pradeep Rai. And the reason is simple: it doesn’t just teach you law. it teaches you the mindset of a lawyer.
The book beautifully captures the courtroom craft of legendary advocate Nani Palkhivala, his advocacy style, clarity of thought, humility, preparation habits, and the sheer power of simple, precise arguments. It’s the closest thing a student can get to sitting in a senior’s chamber and understanding how real advocacy is built.
Unlike textbooks, this book shows you:
1. how great lawyers think,
2. how they prepare,
3. how they present arguments,
4. how they stay calm under pressure, and
5. how much discipline and integrity the profession demands.
Reading “Courtroom Genius” gives you a sense of direction — it inspires you, grounds you, and reminds you why the legal profession is so meaningful.
So, for me, this is one book every law student must read at least once, not for exams, but for perspective, purpose, and the passion to become a better lawyer.
