This interview has been conducted by Khushboo Bansal, a Campus Leader at Lawctopus.
“One important case I remember was when I refused to get the bail for an offender due to which his relative put a revolver on my forehead. I was very frightened but didn’t show my apprehension and my reflexes were into motion.“
Dr. Aarti Tayde is a distinguished academic with a robust educational background, including a Bachelor’s in Laws (LL.B.), a Master’s in Law (LL.M) in Criminology, and a Master’s in English Literature from Amravati University.
She also holds a PhD in Child Victimization from Savitribai Phule University, Pune and has cleared the UGC-NET exam, and completed a Certificate course in Legislative Drafting.
With more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Tayde has established herself in academia, having initially worked as an Advocate.
She has served as a full-time faculty member at Balaji Law College, and as an Assistant Professor at MITWPU School of Law and ILS Law College in Pune, and has delivered lectures on diverse legal subjects like including Law of Crimes, Evidence, Code of Criminal Procedure, Administrative Law, Family Law, Contract Law, Interpretation of Statutes, Research Methodology, and Legal History.
Her prolific publication record in National and International Journals underscores her commitment to legal education and expertise in the field.
Before moving to other questions, can you please introduce yourself, like your childhood, education, interests and career?
Introducing oneself is a complicated task. We need to have unbiased self – reflections. But I’ll try to be as fair and transparent as I can throughout the interview. I am Aarti Anand Tayde and I hail from Amravati. I did my schooling form Holy Cross English Convent School, Amravati.
I was a moderate student all through my school. I then pursued Arts and did my B.A and M.A from Vidarbha Mahavidhyala. Since childhood, I was more into creative works and artistic sort of things and was rewarded a scholarship to pursue the same.
Also, I was a national level hockey player and was offered a chance to go international level hockey tournament in the USA.
But since my father was in a very highly reputed government post, he asked me to enter the legal field. And because of his wish, I landed into the legal career never knowing it will change my life and destiny. After completing my education, I joined the legal aid cell at District Court, Amravati.
I was into litigation for a couple of years and then I cleared UGC-NET and since then I am into academia and today it’s been more than 16 years.
What were the key milestones in your legal career?
There are various ups and downs which I encountered since the very beginning of career. First and foremost. Although I had bare interest before pursuing law as a career, I started dealing hard-core criminal cases like rape, murder, etc within just 2 years of my education.
The cases I was dealing with were very complicated and influential. One important case I remember was when I refused to get the bail for an offender due to which his relative put a revolver on my forehead. I was very frightened but didn’t show my apprehension and my reflexes were into motion.
I immediately got hold of the revolver and turned it around I refused him the chair and made him sit on the floor. This is one of the milestones of my life since it boosted my confidence and passion for law.
However, after some time I met with a Serious accident and I was critically injured I fell into depression and lost all my confidence. I was bed ridden for various several months but at the same time got did something great to me, I cleared my UGC- NET even before completing my L.L.M and got into teaching.
This was the first time that my father allowed me to go out of the city for my career since he was very protective for his children this made me realise that I should not be let down by an accident. Rather I should be grateful to what I have achieved and look upon my future.
Ma’am, can you share some memorable experiences from your life which you are really proud of?
Every person in his or her career has some of the other memorable experiences which are to be cherished life-long. One such moment for me was when I completed my P.hD.
My son was very young at that time and I wasn’t able to spend much time with him but since he wanted me to complete my study and never become a hurdle in my career, he pushed me to complete my P.hD.
When I got my degree the smile which I saw on his face is a moment which I always cherish now I’m able to spend more time with him as well as step ahead in the career. Although I’m not proud of it but it was a moment which will always be close to my heart.
With over two decades in litigation and academia, how do you think has technology influenced legal field, and what advice would you give law students and aspiring lawyers navigating these changes?
Over the last twenty years, technology has changed how we do law in big ways. Things like online databases for legal research, tools that help find and manage documents, and even virtual court hearings have made it faster to get things done.
But now it is taking the turn to negative effects like losing creativity and originality along with lack of interpretation skills due to short-cut methods of learning. For law students and new lawyers, it’s important to learn how to use these tech tools well.
Knowing how to navigate legal software, understanding privacy and security online, and being comfortable with virtual meetings and courtrooms are all key skills now.
But it’s not just about tech skills. We should always keep in mind that ‘Machines are to aid us, not to head us.’ Lawyers also need to balance these new tools with traditional legal knowledge and ethics.
It’s about using technology to make things more efficient and effective while also avoiding complete dependency and following the rules and ethics of the legal profession.
So, for students and new lawyers, it’s smart to stay updated on tech changes in law, learn how to use them effectively, and always keep ethics and professional standards in mind. That way, they can succeed in a legal world that’s both high-tech and true to its core values.
I think there is a time to come when we’ll have lower employments because of all work done by AI and humans bearing losses due to that.
Besides technical legal skills, what soft skills do you believe are crucial for success in law?
Soft skills are crucial in the legal profession as they enhance a lawyer’s effectiveness beyond their technical knowledge of the law. One particularly significant soft skill is courtroom manners. Courtroom manners encompass a lawyer’s demeanour, etiquette, and behavior during legal proceedings.
These manners are not merely about politeness; they directly influence how lawyers are perceived by judges, juries, clients, and opposing counsel. Maintaining respectful and professional conduct in court demonstrates a lawyer’s commitment to upholding the integrity of legal proceedings and respecting the judicial process.
Furthermore, courtroom manners can impact case outcomes. Judges and juries are more likely to view a lawyer favourably if they exhibit courtroom manners such as clarity in speech, patience in listening, and courtesy towards all parties involved.
Beyond manners, communication skills are crucial for articulating legal arguments clearly to judges and juries, while empathy helps lawyers understand clients’ needs and concerns.
Negotiation skills are vital for achieving favourable outcomes, and effective teamwork ensures seamless collaboration within legal teams. Problem-solving abilities enable lawyers to navigate complex legal issues, while time management ensures deadlines are met without compromising quality.
Adaptability helps lawyers adjust to changing legal landscapes, and leadership skills are essential for guiding teams and mentoring junior associates. Ethical decision-making underpins all these skills, ensuring lawyers uphold professional standards while advocating for their clients.
Collectively, these soft skills enable lawyers to navigate diverse challenges and excel in their legal careers.
How important do you think it is for lawyers to have knowledge in fields outside of law, such as technology, business, or medicine?
An interdisciplinary approach in law involves integrating knowledge and perspectives from various fields outside traditional legal studies. This approach recognizes that legal issues often intersect with other disciplines such as technology, business, medicine, and social sciences.
By incorporating insights from these fields, lawyers can provide more comprehensive and effective solutions to complex legal problems. This approach is also endorsed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which allows integration of insights from various fields like technology, business, and social sciences with legal studies.
This approach is increasingly valuable in today’s world because it enables lawyers to tackle complex issues that transcend traditional legal boundaries.
For instance, understanding technological advancements allows lawyers to navigate issues like data privacy or intellectual property rights in the digital age. Knowledge of business principles aids in negotiating contracts or advising on corporate governance.
Insights from social sciences can inform strategies for addressing issues of social justice or discrimination in legal practice.
Moreover, an interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation and creativity in legal practice. It encourages lawyers to think beyond legal statutes and precedents, exploring diverse perspectives to develop innovative strategies and solutions for clients.
In a nutshell, embracing an interdisciplinary approach equips lawyers with a broader toolkit to tackle multifaceted legal issues, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve clients effectively in today’s interconnected and complex world.
What are the future trends that you are expecting in the next few decades?
Looking ahead, the future of law is poised to evolve significantly with several key trends anticipated in the coming decades. One notable shift will be the expansion of legal classifications beyond traditional civil and criminal distinctions.
This broader approach aims to encompass emerging areas such as digital rights, environmental law, and international disputes, reflecting a growing awareness of diverse legal issues and societal values.
Moreover, there is likely to be a continued emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods like mediation and arbitration. These approaches prioritize amicable resolutions and aim to deliver satisfactory outcomes while alleviating the burden on traditional court systems.
Efforts to reduce case pendency through technological innovations, streamlined processes, and enhanced judicial efficiency will also remain pivotal.
As technology continues to shape the legal landscape, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are expected to play a crucial role in legal research, case management, and decision-making processes.
This integration of technology promises to enhance the speed and accuracy of legal services while improving access to justice for individuals and businesses globally.
In essence, the future trends in law point towards a more inclusive, efficient, and responsive legal framework that adapts to the complexities of a rapidly changing world, ultimately striving for fairer and more effective legal outcomes.
What is one advice which you would want to give to upcoming students aspiring to pursue law as career?
One piece of advice I would give to students aspiring to choose law is to inculcate strong reading habits. Legal studies demand a deep understanding of complex texts, statutes, cases, and legal interpretations.
Developing a habit of reading widely and critically not only enhances your comprehension skills but also builds a solid foundation of legal knowledge. Regular reading of legal texts, journals, and relevant literature helps in staying updated with legal developments and fosters analytical thinking essential for effective legal practice.
Moreover, reading outside the prescribed curriculum exposes you to diverse perspectives, enriching your understanding of societal issues and legal principles.
Inculcating reading habits early on in your journey towards law will not only support academic success but also prepare you for the rigorous intellectual challenges of the legal profession.
What strategies do you employ to ensure longevity and continued passion in your legal career?
Longevity and passion in the legal profession are crucial despite the challenges of a hectic schedule, occasional frustration, and encountering negativity or setbacks. It’s common for aspiring lawyers to face moments of doubt or failure, especially given the demanding nature of legal studies that can span 5-7 years.
Maintaining passion involves identifying the causes of frustration and actively working to address them. For instance, recognizing that the duration of study is long allows individuals to prepare mentally and emotionally for the journey.
Finding ways to stay motivated, such as setting achievable goals, seeking support from mentors or peers, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can sustain passion throughout the process.
Moreover, the dynamic nature of legal practice, where lawyers are always on their toes—soliciting new clients, striving for high levels of client satisfaction, and navigating uncertainties such as case outcomes—requires resilience and adaptability.
Ultimately, passion in law stems from a genuine interest in justice, advocacy, and making a positive impact. By focusing on these motivations and continuously refining one’s approach to managing challenges, aspiring lawyers can nurture their passion and sustain a fulfilling career in the legal field.
How has Lawctopus supported you in your career journey?
Lawctopus has been a cornerstone in supporting law students by providing a wide array of resources since its inception in 2010. It has grown into a trusted platform with a substantial readership, offering valuable opportunities such as call for papers, essay competitions, seminars, and internships across various sectors.
The platform also hosts a comprehensive database of internship experiences, helping students make informed decisions about their career paths.
Additionally, Lawctopus fosters creativity through personal blogs and art contributions from law students, aiming to enrich their educational experience beyond traditional curriculum constraints.
Its repository of career advice articles covers topics ranging from internships and mooting to crafting effective resumes, catering to the professional development needs of aspiring legal professionals.
Furthermore, Lawctopus stays relevant with updates on law school news and strategic partnerships like the one with LexisNexis, enhancing its credibility as a go-to resource for law students seeking academic, career, and networking opportunities in India.
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
