“The Mooters” is an Apprentice Lawyer series where we interview those leading the moot court societies of different law schools across the country. In this edition, Campus Ambassador Anusha Jain speaks with Asst. Professor Megha Nagpal, the Head of the Moot Court Society at Symbiosis Law School, Noida.
Megha Nagpal completed her B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) from Amity Law School, New Delhi in 2011 and has pursued a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the Indian Law Institute, New Delhi specializing in Intellectual Property Laws.
You have been the head of the Moot Court Society since 2016. How has your experience been so far?
My journey as the Society’s head has been delightful. Looking back as I answer your question, I believe I have liked all the ups and downs. The interactions with students, alumni, professionals, colleagues, all has been wonderful. In fact, the interactions have given me opportunity to understand students' points of view, their needs and their enthusiasm.
It has broadened my perspective and helped me visualize the right goals. The journey has also been emotional. I have listened to my students pour their hearts out when they fell short of one mark or even less than half mark for one team, and lost the trophy, as well as their happy anecdotes when they won.
I am proud of the achievements of our students. I am equally proud of their struggle and growth. I have personally learnt many things in this journey.
Why do you think the students should indulge into the art of mooting? What is its importance in a law student’s life?
I believe mooting challenges the students to face their fears; the fear of public speaking, the fear of being judged, the fear of not finding the right argument.. it is all part of the process. Participating in moot court competitions helps students develop the skill of persuasion and that is an essential quality in any lawyer.
I think the best part is when preparation for moot court competitions takes students to uncharted subjects and builds their confidence once they grasp previously unfamiliar concepts.
What is your mantra to ace the moot court competitions?
Well, nothing is achieved without the right support – of leadership, of well-wishers, and of infrastructure. I believe in the efforts and hard work put in by our students. At our law school there is particularly good support from Director, Prof. (Dr.) C.J Rawandale, and the staff.
Above the support, the head of the institution has always been encouraging of mooting and that has also played an important role in our achievements. There is good involvement of students and staff when we organize intra and inter-college competitions. I believe in working with teams and remaining level-headed. It also helps if we reflect on what has been achieved and what more could be done.
What are the common mistakes made by students while preparing for the moots?
Students sometimes overlook the gaps in their arguments. It is also common to make an ideal assumption of time needed for preparation. The time needed is plenty more and an overestimation of one’s commitment to preparation for the moot can lead to bubble bursting close to the competition dates or sometimes even after the competition ends.
What are your future plans as the head of the Moot Court Society of Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA?
Well with mooting and allied administration, one can truly plan for only an Academic Year, more so when COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges. But our constant plan is to keep working and keep making efforts to better ourselves.
We have come a long way in last few years, and I believe we still have a lot to look forward to.