June 18, 2018:

Name of Legal Stalwart: Advocate Manish Diwadkar

Practising at: High Court of Bombay

Current Position: Joint- Secretary of Bar Association of Maharashtra and Goa

The Interviewer, Sayali Diwadkar, is a 2nd Year student of Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad. She is currently interning with LatestLaws.comQ1) Tell us something about your early childhood and schooling?

I was born and brought up in Mumbai itself. Since childhood I was always a good student and scored decent marks. My key interests were in law and army training. I took up commerce and went to one of the most reputed colleges in Mumbai. Thereafter, I pursed my 3 year L.L.B course and finally started my practice in the litigation field. It was indeed a struggle and no easy money. But, law was my passion and I had to work very hard to reach this position.

 

Q2) Are you a first- generation lawyer?

Practically no, I’m not. My father was in the corporate field of a well-reputed pharmaceutical company. But I however, wanted to start my career in the field of litigation hence for me it was no ready-made path. I had to work very hard to understand the working of law and reach this position. It is a real challenge when you are the first and have to build a name and establish yourself, but not impossible. Sincerity and hard work can help you immensely in your career.

 

Q3) When did you decide to pursue law as a profession and why?

As mentioned earlier I was very fascinated with the Indian Army and military training. For me, I always wanted to give back and do something for the nation or society. With some legal background already instilled in my roots, I decided that law would be the best way. It also interested me immensely and till date I have been practicing this noble profession.

 

Q4) How was your experience in law school?

Oh at my time there was no fascination of this concept of law schools. I studied in a normal law college after my graduation and did my L.L.B which was a three year course. Indeed, it was not so advanced or specialized as it is now but even then our professors were so exceptional that we really enjoyed learning from them.

Q5) Would you like to share any experience of your first day in the Court/Case?

So I initially joined as a junior advocate as I had to learn all the basic elements of the art of litigation. My Sir was very encouraging and he wanted to make sure that I learnt the correct mannerisms and picked up the confidence required. One fine day, he (my Sir) randomly called me up and said that he wouldn’t be attending court that day but since he had an important matter I was required to be present on his behalf. I froze. Though I was already well-acquainted with the facts and had read the case brief but even then it would be my first time and I wasn’t mentally prepared for this. Finally, I made up my mind took a deep breath and went for the hearing. I pictured how my Sir structured his arguments and did mine smoothly. It went well. I was proud of myself and so was Sir.

Q6) How do you think that Law education has evolved over time?

I see this as a very positive change in education. Back then law education was very general and not so advanced or rather specialized how it is now. We were not exposed to such an atmosphere whereby we could grow and emerge as confident youths as now. There was no mooting culture nor any scope for internship training. I feel that when a student steps into a law school he undergoes a complete transformation and emerges as a very capable, skilled and knowledgeable citizen of this country. Law Schools are molding students from all aspects and that again is very positive. But the present competition is so rife that unfortunately many deserving students lose out on such opportunities.

 

Q7) What according to you are the areas where the legal system needs improvement?

There are many loopholes. Firstly, because of this cut-throat competition, high commercialization and charging of unexpectedly high fees a lot of the deserving strata of the youth lose out on such opportunities. Both, boys and girls shall get an equal voice to express themselves and establish their rights. Law enforcement has also been politicized to a great extent. There are many age old laws that need amendment as per the current trends. Law should be more reformative in practice but at the same time it must make sure that justice is not denied and the guilty is punished rightly.

 

Q8) What is your success mantra for the young law students?

I will just say work for what is right and do not diverge from the path of justice. Law is not just about minting money but it about how you help your nation to progress and fulfill the needs of the society. Work hard and be truthful, success will automatically knock at your door-step.

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