This interview has been conducted by Vishvajeet Rastogi, a Campus Leader at Lawctopus.
Dr. Pooja Srivastava is a Teacher Associate at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, holds a Ph.D. in Law from Chanakya National Law University, Patna. With over 8 years of teaching experience, she specializes in Family Law, Corporate Law, and Competition Law.
Dr. Srivastava has actively contributed to her field through research publications and participation in national and international seminars.
Her academic pursuits also include workshops on Intellectual Property Rights, Media Law, and Public Policy, reflecting her commitment to advancing legal scholarship.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
My journey into law was deeply influenced by my family’s involvement in the legal profession, particularly observing how judges applied family law principles to resolve complex issues. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career where I could contribute to shaping legal outcomes and advocating for justice.
Can you share some memorable experiences from your law school days?
As a diligent student, I often found myself at the forefront of academic activities. One memorable incident was during a university-wide protest over the closure of the fee counter, which escalated into a riot.
It was a challenging but enlightening experience that taught me valuable lessons in leadership, negotiation, and understanding diverse perspectives.
What are some of the key milestones in your career?
Several milestones have defined my career path. Publishing articles in prestigious SCOPUS-indexed journals, achieving recognition in the UGC CARE list for academic publications, and successfully completing my Ph.D. at CNLU were pivotal achievements.
Each milestone reinforced my commitment to scholarly pursuits and contributed to my growth as an educator and researcher.
What major challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing the demands of academia, research, and personal life has been a significant challenge. Overcoming this required meticulous time management, prioritization of tasks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Setting clear boundaries and allocating time for self-care and relaxation have been crucial in sustaining my productivity and well-being.
How do you handle stress and maintain a work-life balance?
Managing stress is integral to maintaining a productive and fulfilling career in academia. I practice effective time management techniques, such as prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and importance.
Regular breaks, physical exercise, and pursuing hobbies outside of work help me recharge and maintain perspective.
What are the current trends in the legal field that law students should be aware of?
The legal landscape is continually evolving, influenced by technological advancements, global regulatory changes, and societal shifts. Law students should stay updated on emerging areas such as digital law, environmental law reforms, and the intersection of technology and law.
Understanding these trends equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate future legal challenges and opportunities.
How do you see the field of law evolving in the next decade?
In the coming decade, the legal profession is poised for transformative changes. Advancements in artificial intelligence, automation of legal processes, and globalization will reshape legal practice.
There will be increased demand for lawyers skilled in emerging fields such as data protection, cybersecurity, and international trade law. Additionally, ethical considerations and the role of law in addressing global challenges like climate change will gain prominence.
What advice would you give to law students who are about to graduate?
As you prepare to graduate, consider pursuing further specialization through advanced studies or professional certifications aligned with your career goals.
Build a strong professional network, seek mentorship from experienced practitioners, and actively engage in continuing legal education to stay abreast of developments in your chosen field. Embrace lifelong learning and maintain a passion for justice and ethical practice.
How do you manage student relationships and ensure their satisfaction?
Building strong relationships with students is essential to fostering a positive learning environment and promoting academic success. I prioritize open communication, approachability, and empathy in my interactions with students.
Understanding their individual needs, providing constructive feedback, and offering support outside of class contribute to their overall satisfaction and growth.
What skills do you believe are essential for success in the legal profession?
Success in the legal profession requires a diverse skill set beyond legal knowledge. Proficiency in legal research and writing, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication are fundamental.
Additionally, cultivating interpersonal skills, empathy, and ethical integrity enhances one’s ability to advocate for clients and navigate complex legal challenges with professionalism and diligence.
Aspiring lawyers should continuously refine these skills through practical experience, mentorship, and ongoing professional development initiatives.
Key Insights
Dr. Pooja Srivastava was inspired to pursue law by her family’s involvement in the legal field, particularly seeing judges’ impact in family law cases. In law school, she excelled academically and gained practical leadership experience during a university protest.
Key milestones in her career include publishing in prestigious journals, achieving recognition for academic excellence, and completing a Ph.D. at CNLU. Balancing academia and personal life posed challenges, which she managed through effective time management and prioritizing self-care.
Maintaining work-life balance is crucial, supported by strategies like time management, breaks, exercise, and hobbies. She advises law students to stay updated on digital law, environmental reforms, and technological advancements in legal practice to prepare for future challenges.
This Interview is a part of our Star Student/Faculty interview series wherein our campus leaders interview the star student/faculty of their college. Stay tuned for more!
Source: Lawctopus
