This Interview was conducted by Chhayanshi Goyal, student of 3rd year, B.A.LLB at Manav Rachna University. She is a campus leader at Lawctopus.
Ms. Yamini Atreya is a distinguished legal scholar and educator, holding a PhD in trade secret laws and a specialization in intellectual property rights (IPR) from National Law University, Jodhpur. With over six years of experience in academia, she has been instrumental in shaping the minds of future legal professionals.
Her academic journey is complemented by her active contribution to Lawctopus, where she formulates and teaches UGC NET courses, enriching the educational landscape for aspiring legal scholars. Currently, she is a proud member of the faculty at Manav Rachna University.
Ms. Yamini, please introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, I am Ms. Yamini, a passionate legal scholar and educator with a PhD in trade secret laws and a specialization in intellectual property rights (IPR) from National Law University. Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and shaping the minds of future legal professionals.
My journey in academia has been incredibly fulfilling, enriched further by my association with Lawctopus, where I contribute to UGC NET courses.
Beyond the classroom, I mentor aspiring candidates for the Gujarat Judicial Services, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their goals. In my quest to create a vibrant legal community, I founded LexZilla, a platform dedicated to facilitating legal events across India, fostering knowledge-sharing and professional growth.
When I’m not immersed in the world of law, I find joy in reading, traveling, and cooking. I cherish designing cozy corners in my home, where I can unwind with a cup of chai. My adventures often lead me to discover the best eateries and cafes, each offering a unique experience.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law? And for you to become a law professor?
From a young age, I’ve always been a talkative person, a trait that found a perfect match in the field of law. My inspiration to pursue a career in law stems significantly from my grandfather, who was a sarpanch deeply involved in politics and legal matters.
His vision for me to read law and make a career out of it was compelling, and as I grew, I realized it was the right path for me too. Interestingly, becoming a law professor wasn’t part of my initial plan.
I aspired to be a judge and even sat for judiciary interviews. During my preparation, I discovered a passion for explaining complex legal concepts in a way that others could easily grasp. This newfound passion led me to start teaching, and the positive feedback from my first batch of students was incredibly encouraging.
Their appreciation and the joy of imparting knowledge made me fall in love with the teaching profession. Now, there’s no turning back—I am dedicated to nurturing the next generation of legal minds and couldn’t be happier with where this journey has taken me.
Professor Yamini, could you share with us your journey through law schools that has led you to your current academic position?
During my judiciary preparation, a friend insisted I sit for the UGC NET examination. On the day the results were announced, I received a call from my college professor. He inquired about my results and invited me for an interview against a vacancy.
That interview turned out to be one of the best experiences of my career, and I secured the job. Following this, I enrolled myself with the State University of Rajasthan for a PhD and have been a visiting professor there as well.
During this time, I founded LexZilla, which kept me in constant touch with leading figures in the academic world. This network opened up opportunities to teach at various esteemed institutions, including Mody University, Amity University, JECRC University, Nirma University, GLS University, and LJ Law School of Ahmedabad. Currently, I am proud to be part of Manav Rachna University.
What courses do you teach, and how do they fit into the broader law curriculum?
I teach a variety of courses that are integral to the broader law curriculum, including Law of Contract, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and Hospitality Laws. If I talk about the Law of Contract course is foundational, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of agreements enforceable by law.
It forms the backbone of legal transactions, preparing students to navigate and draft contracts in various legal fields. And Intellectual Property Rights is another critical area I cover, focusing on the protection of creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.
This course is essential in today’s innovation-driven economy, equipping students with the knowledge to protect and manage intellectual assets. And I teach Hospitality Laws to the students specializing in Hotel Management and it is a specialized course that delves into the legal aspects of the hospitality industry, covering regulations, compliance, and rights and responsibilities within the sector.
This course is particularly relevant for students interested in the growing field of hospitality and tourism law.
Law as a field requires practical skills, so How do you incorporate current legal issues and real-world examples into your teaching?
To close the knowledge gap between theory and practice, I make sure my lessons include both current legal issues and real-world examples. I constantly update my course materials with the most recent case laws, legal advancements, and industry trends.
For example, I frequently address recent high-profile patent fights or copyright challenges in my Intellectual Property Rights class to assist students understand how rules are applied in modern situations.
In order to give students the opportunity to evaluate and present opposing viewpoints, I also strongly encourage engaged conversations and debates on contemporary legal issues.
In addition, I give out practical assignments including contract drafting, moot court simulations, and real-world problem-based legal research projects. These exercises improve students’ comprehension while also giving them the tools they need to succeed in their legal professions. I try to create an environment that is both dynamic and engaging for my students by integrating theoretical learning with real-world applications.
One of the major issues with Law Professionals is having constant stress. How do you cope up with that & maintain a healthy work-life balance?
It’s critical to manage stress and preserve a positive work-life balance, particularly in the legal profession. I make it a priority to take breaks whenever I can, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my work. In the classroom, I emphasize the importance of mental well-being and spirituality, fostering a supportive environment for my students.
For me, cooking is a really therapeutic. I try to cook at least one meal a day because it makes me feel better and allows me to appreciate the small things in life.
I feel more at ease and rational when I listen to “Om Namah Shivaya” in the middle of chaos and I am fortunate to have a positive working environment with colleagues who keep me grounded, often sharing good food and laughter.
Moreover, interacting with my students is always a great mood booster, as their energy and enthusiasm remind me of the impact of our work. By integrating these practices into my daily routine, I manage stress effectively and maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.
For a person who has been associated with teaching law students for several years now, what differences do you find in the students from recent batches? Are these changes in students’ approach and the law school culture destined to bring positive impact in society?
Having taught law students for several years, I’ve observed some notable differences in recent batches. It’s disheartening to see that some students lack curiosity about learning new things and sometimes show disrespect towards others. This shift in attitude is concerning as it undermines the core values of education and professional growth.
However, I am also glad to witness another group of students who are remarkably advanced, quick, and smart. They are eager to learn, adapt swiftly to new concepts, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their studies. This blend of attitudes reflects a mixture of both worlds within the current student population.
Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful that these changes can bring positive impacts to society. The potential for positive change is significant, but it will require concerted efforts from mentors, parents, and society at large.
Professor, could you share your advice for law students who are striving for success in today’s climate, especially with regards to rising competition.
To succeed in today’s cutthroat legal environment, I would advise law students to never stop studying new things and to stay up to date on the most recent advancements in the industry.
Continue to be inquisitive and aggressive in your pursuit of information outside of the classroom, and keep a look out for chances to advance your knowledge and expertise. Don’t start by thinking about money.
Prioritize acquiring experience and laying a solid basis early in your career. As you establish yourself and your knowledge, the money will come. Accept every chance to learn, continue to be committed, and show flexibility in response to the changing legal environment.
In the end, a prosperous and satisfying career will be made possible by your perseverance and enthusiasm for the law. And keep exploring the new domains, do not rush towards the traditional jobs.
How can students make the most of their time in law school?
Focus on being the best in whatever you do, rather than just aiming for high scores. Build strong friendships, spend time in the library to broaden your knowledge, and enjoy moments in the canteen to unwind and connect with peers.
Participate actively in various activities, whether it’s moot courts, debates, or other extracurriculars. Representing your college in different forums will enhance your skills and broaden your perspective.
Each experience, whether academic or social, contributes to your growth and prepares you for a well-rounded legal career. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. This is the only time when they will be excused, and each mistake is a valuable learning experience that will help you grow and improve.
What opportunities are there for students to work closely with faculty (research assistantships, independent studies, etc.)?
Students can take leadership roles or form groups to manage newsletters, journals, or blog pages, allowing them to showcase their research and writing skills. They can assist professors in publishing academic papers, book chapters, or entire books, gaining valuable insights into the publication process. And they can explore their passion for human rights by drafting scripts on challenging issues and submitting them to various platforms.
They can engage in creative activities like recording podcasts, which provide a platform for discussing legal topics in an accessible format.
Why did you choose IPR as your Specialisation? What drove you towards IPR?
I have always been enthralled with trademarks, either it through journal articles, recipe discoveries, or learning about “dadi anani ke nuskhe” that my family has been using since I was a young child. I was exposed to the value of preserving cultural history and the wealth of traditional wisdom while growing up in a joint family.
When it was time for me to select a specialisation Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) seemed like the best option. It provided me avenue to express my enthusiasm for protecting and conserving intellectual property, be it cutting-edge brands in the contemporary market or custom cures handed down through the centuries.
IPR enables me to investigate the nexus of innovation, culture, and law a field in which I may make a significant and meaningful contribution.
Describe, in your opinion the scope in IPR as a field & it’s importance in Law students’ life.
In my opinion, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) offers a vast scope and holds immense importance in a law student’s life. Personally, I believe IPR is not just a legal field but a gateway to safeguarding creativity, innovation, and cultural heritage.
It spans various areas such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, each playing a crucial role in protecting valuable intangible assets.
For law students, studying IPR opens doors to diverse career opportunities, from advising tech startups on patent strategies to representing artists in copyright disputes. Understanding IPR equips students with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of global trade, digital innovation, and cultural exchange in today’s interconnected world.
I find IPR to be personally influential on society and intellectually engaging. It’s a fulfilling field for anyone who is interested about using legal principles to shape the future of innovation and creativity because it gives me the opportunity to work on problems that cross the boundaries of law, technology, and culture.
How has Lawctopus supported you in your career journey? Can You Please share your experience of working with Lawctopus.
I have been fortunate to be associated with Lawctopus, where Jatin Garg, then COO, showed faith in me and provided me with the opportunity to formulate courses on UGC NET and conduct classes. Working with Lawctopus has been a tremendously enriching experience and a morale booster for me.
The organization’s support has allowed me to expand my teaching horizons and reach a broader audience of aspiring legal professionals. Collaborating closely with Lawctopus has been instrumental in enhancing my career journey, providing valuable insights and opportunities in the field of legal education.
Could You Please share some resources/books from your expertise to our fellow readers.
Here are some reads that I recommend based on my experience and rest I know you professors can introduce you to much more resource and text books
- “The Idea of Justice” by Amartya Sen
- “Cases That Shaped India” by Zia Mody
- “The Cases That India Forgot” by Chintan Chandrachud
- “The Argumentative Indian” by Amartya Sen”
- India After Gandhi: The History of the World’s Largest Democracy” by Ramachandra Guha”
- Courting Politics” by Mrinal Satish”
- The Oxford Handbook of Intellectual Property Law” edited by Rochelle Dreyfuss and Justine Pila
Documentaries you should watch:
- Ek Ruka Hua Faisla
- “Court” (2014)
- “India’s Daughter” (2015)
- “Inside Job”
- “The Corporation”
Key quotes and insights from the interviewee “My calling has been teaching, and law has been my passion. Teaching information is important, but so is encouraging a thorough comprehension of how the law affects society. The path taken by each student is evidence of the transformational power of learning and mentoring in influencing the legal system.”
This interview is part of our Star Student/Faculty interview series, in which our campus leaders interview their college’s star student/faculty. Stay tuned for more!
Source: Lawctopus
