In this entry of Conversations with Nitin Potdar — Mentorship Diary, I spoke with a young law student whose journey reflects the silent struggles many go through.
A Story of Collapse, Restart, and Confusion
Here’s his background in brief:
“I graduated in 2017 and restarted my late father’s manufacturing unit from scratch. With no experience, I pushed forward and things slowly improved — until COVID hit.
By 2022, the business collapsed. I lost everything.
I then turned to civil services preparation, gave three attempts, but didn’t succeed. In the middle of all this, I was enrolled in law school but barely attended classes.
Today, I feel lost. I’ve read the law deeply, but I don’t understand the real-world side of it. I want to rebuild my career — but I don’t know where I fit.”
Many young people feel this way — especially after setbacks. But career growth is never a straight line. You try, adjust, fall, rise again, and only then begin to move with clarity.
The Action Plan We Created Together
1. You’re not alone
Many before you have experienced the same rise, fall, and rebuild — you’re not the first, and you won’t be the last.
2. UPSC preparation is never wasted
The discipline, knowledge, and analytical ability will help you immensely as a lawyer.
3. Explore before you decide
Over the next two weeks, he will approach mid-size law firms to gain exposure across litigation, corporate, and allied practice areas.
4. Strengthen practical skills
Drafting, contracts, procedures — real-world training will help convert theoretical knowledge into confidence.
5. Consider teaching
It improves communication skills and provides financial stability during the rebuilding phase.
6. Understand the reality of legal practice
Becoming a lawyer is easy — but practicing law well takes patience, grit, and time.
7. Law grows with you
It’s not something you master instantly. It matures as you do.
Friends: You Are More Than Your Circumstances
This conversation reminded me that your past doesn’t define who you become — your actions do.
It takes courage to start again.
To release guilt.
To accept failure as part of growth.
This young lawyer has something invaluable — humility, determination, and willingness to learn.
A Message to Every Young Lawyer and Law Student
Keep showing up.
Keep learning.
Keep asking questions.
Your journey is just beginning — and it is yours to shape.
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m here to listen. I’m here to help.