The launch of Companion Handbook for Law Students was not just about presenting the book at the ILS Law College; it was a chance to engage with students, answer their questions, and discuss the real challenges young lawyers face. I’m immensely thankful to students!
One question stood out for its bold honesty: a student shared that he came from a vernacular background and finds it challenging to communicate with confidence. This is a reality many students face—not only those from vernacular backgrounds but also those from tier-2 or tier-3 cities who may feel a lack of confidence in their communication skills.
Here’s what I shared with him: developing strong communication skills is essential for any lawyer. Law is all about understanding, interpreting, and conveying ideas clearly, whether before clients, courts, or colleagues. Mastery over English can be a key tool in this journey, and there are two aspects to it:
Building a Strong Command of English: Start now. If you feel your English could be improved, consider joining a reputable English-speaking class. AND PLEASE DON’T FEEL SHY OR AWKWARD to join! Alongside classes, cultivate a daily reading habit—not just law books but also newspapers, magazines, and periodicals. Reading for at least one hour a day can significantly boost both your vocabulary and comprehension over time.
Communicating with Confidence: Practicing is key. Participate in discussions, moot courts, and study groups. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Try to write daily—whether it’s summaries of cases, thoughts on articles, or even diary entries. Speaking confidently comes with time, practice, and, above all, patience.
In fact, as I often emphasize in my #ConversationswithNitin, I strongly encourage students to learn a foreign language alongside English. Almost all MNCs are here in India to stay, so a good grip on a foreign language—whether German, Japanese, or Korean—could provide a substantial boost to your career prospects.
My Companion Handbook for law students explains the importance of communcation is now available on in all formats on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/0CVzKHR or
Flipkart: https://amzn.in/d/36Swehn