INTERVIEW SPECIAL #3#WithSoumyaSinghChauhan

1. Hey Soumya, you are finally into the University of Washington! What was the procedure to reach this prestigious institution?

The procedure is a little long, but if handled efficiently, it is not difficult to get through it. Preliminary work includes giving the Toefl or the IELTS exams. For other US Universities one would need to create an LSAC Account via which the applications are submitted. However, UW applications were submitted through its website. The application process requires submission of the TOEFL/IELTS Scores and the Official Degree Transcripts to be sent to UW. This is something that should be done as soon as possible as it tends to take time. Other than that what really counts is the Statement of Purpose and the CV. The procedure at the students' end is not really much, but the selection process and standards are tough.

2. How is the legal education in Young U.S. different from that of India?

Legal Education as such is not very different if we talk about what entails getting the degree. In the U.S., students complete their Undergraduate degrees (4 years) and then take admissions into JD (3 years) which is the bachelor of laws. The system of teaching and the course selection method is very different from what we are used to. What is followed here is the credit system and it depends on how vast the syllabus is and how many classes are needed to complete it. The teaching methods are also different. We are assigned readings and regular assignments that have weightage in the final scores. The exams are usually open book. So, yeah its quite different. Initially, it was little overwhelming and one needs some time getting used to it after coming from a completely different system.

 

3. Tell us something about your course ? Where do you see yourself after its completion?

I am doing LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Policy Law and its a one year course. I have always been interested in the fields of Trademarks and Copyrights, probably because of my love for arts and music. But I have grown passionate about this field over the past few years and would like to practice in these fields. Speaking very honestly, I would not let go of the chance to explore the options here if the right opportunity presents itself, and I do not mind coming back to India with a U.S. LL.M. Degree. But there is no way of being certain about it at this point. I do see myself practising IP Law, and the hard work is certain in that direction. Its really up to which country welcomes me with open arms after that :)

4. Are Americans aware of the concept of mass bunk? Do they also submit medicals to complete their attendance?

Haha! I do not think so! I have not seen something like that happening and especially in the LL.M. course. I don't think anyone wants to miss a class when you are paying hundreds of dollars per credit. I am not going to do that, and my classmates would agree that its completely in character :D

5. Do you miss StuC there? 

I do miss Stu-C so much!! I have always loved the aura of student centre, and nothing screams Panjab University as loud as Stu-C does. It is the heart of all action, and after that is UILS. I do miss Panjab University, UILS and Stu-C a lot. And all the people thinking right now that they won't, are so wrong and off mark. You tend to get attached to a place when you spend 5 years in it, while growing up. Wow! I am gonna think of Stu-C for a few days now!

ABOUT THE RESPONDENT:

Soumya Singh Chauhan is an alumna of University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University who is currently pursuing her LL.M. degree in the University of Washington. She is a young girl with vivid personality who has demonstrated leadership qualities and proved her caliber at various times. Having a creative inclination, she has a keen interest in poetry, music and sketching.