I am currently in my second year of law school. I started pursuing litigation internships from my first year, but I come from a non-legal family and do not have any family background or established network in the profession. Because of this, I am concerned about whether I will be able to build a sustainable career in litigation, particularly in the initial years when having guidance and professional connections can be important.
I have therefore started exploring corporate law as an alternative career path. I recently interned at the NCLAT and found work relating to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) particularly interesting, which has made me consider pursuing this area more seriously.
Since I still have several years before graduation, I want to use this time to build a strong foundation in corporate law and IBC and choose internships that will help me develop a relevant profile. My long-term goal would be to secure a position at a good Tier-2 or Tier-3 law firm after graduation.
What should I read or study to build a strong foundation in corporate law and IBC, and what kind of internships should I target from now onwards to build the right experience and improve my chances of securing a good corporate law job after graduation?
Greetings!!
Transitioning between different practice areas can be a challenging task for lawyers. However, professionals continually find effective ways to navigate this shift. The early stages of your career are the best time to explore and determine the practice area you want to pursue for the rest of your life.
To build a strong foundation in corporate law and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), I recommend focusing on the following:
– Reading and Study: Start by thoroughly reviewing the core provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, alongside the Companies Act, 2013. Reading recent, landmark judgments from the NCLT, NCLAT, and the Supreme Court will provide critical practical context. Additionally, following reputable legal blogs, corporate law journals, and updates from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is highly beneficial.
– Internship Strategy: Target specialized internships with Tier-2 or Tier-3 law firms that have dedicated corporate and restructuring practices, or boutique firms solely focusing on IBC matters. You may also look for opportunities to intern under Insolvency Professionals or within the legal departments of corporate debtors and financial institutions to gain a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of the practice.
I hope this guidance helps you navigate your career path effectively.