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Jun 12, 2022
Corporate Law vs Litigation

Law students are often confused between joining litigation or corporate law after their graduation. In this post, we examine the pros and cons of both these options. The students, fully informed of the various perks and shortcomings that they may face in a certain career option would be better equipped to make a decision and reach successful heights in their careers.   Litigation as a career option: Pros Autonomy and Functional Independence One of the most important privileges that are served in the profession of litigation vis-a-vis that of a corporate law is autonomy and independence. In case one chooses to practice as an independent counsel, there is great control that he/she can exercise of the matters one wants to appear for, the number of cases to take up, the practice area that one wants to focus on etc.  The option of elevation to the apex courts While working in litigation, there is a great opportunity of being elevated to the High Court, after 10 years of practice. In fact, the majority of High Court and Supreme Court judges at present in India, have been successful litigators in the past. Working with a firm does not leave that option open for future elevation to the bench. Lucrative career Litigation can be financially a very bright career option. Though, for freshers with no legal background, it might take a lot of hustle and hard work to establish one’s reputation, but once that is done, that litigation can be extremely rewarding in monetary terms.  Personal Satisfaction As litigation has a self-propelled, autonomous mechanism for functioning, it allows one to take up cases on a pro-bono basis. A lot of successful lawyers at the Supreme Court regularly engage in pro-bono work to voice the needs of the vulnerable. Social Connect In case of litigation, the clients vary from individuals to businesses. By interacting with clients from different backgrounds and engaging with them personally on a one-to-one basis, one develops a close connection with the social reality and the ground-level existence of life.  Immense scope for growth in small towns As opposed to corporate law firms which are situated mostly only in big metro cities, litigation can be practiced in small towns. This is an added advantage and enables a person to smoothly manage his/her profession along with some important familial obligations. There is no strict need in case of litigation to move to Delhi or other metro cities. In fact, there are greater chances of gaining a reputation as an efficient lawyer in a short time, if one practice in small cities. Mentally stimulating and adventurous  Working in the legal field can be mentally engaging as well. This is the type of career for you if you appreciate the problem-solving and critical analysis. Furthermore, you'll be engaging with people on a regular basis as you interact with clients – if you enjoy socialising and working in a group, this could be the career for you.   Litigation as a career option: Cons  Initial Struggle and Hard Work In the initial phase as a litigation lawyer, it may be extremely challenging and difficult to establish one’s repute and goodwill. It requires a lot of hard work to understand the practical functioning of the courts in all its depth, to attract clients, etc. Constant Hustle There is a lot of physical energy and activity involved in litigation since one may be racing around courts and finding it frustrating to wait for hours for judges to hear your case. It's possible that you'll have to wait for the case to be heard, which may take the entire day. No fixed salary  In case one chooses to get into independent practice, then the income you earn would vary from time to time, upon the clientele available. It is one profession where one cannot afford to work with a relaxed approach and have to constantly work hard, lest the overwhelming competition would overtake him in this highly crowded profession.  Extremely competitive The profession of litigation is extremely competitive. There are very experienced lawyers in India, who have been practicing for several years and know the art of litigation. To compete with them might be a very challenging task.  Personal Accountability and Responsibility towards the client In case of litigation, there is direct accountability of the lawyer towards the client. As opposed to this, in corporate the accountability of the associate is only towards the firm. The issue of personal accountability toward the client may sometimes lead to overwhelming stress for the lawyer.  Self-management  In litigation, unlike corporate law firms, the professional is not always provided with the cushioning of several services which make dispensation of service easy, for eg. travel services, and a designated office place to work at. All these services are required to be self-arranged and provided for, which might be a financial burden in the beginning.    Corporate Law Firm Job: Pros Highly rewarding financially  Because corporate law is the highest-paying field of law, one may expect to earn significantly more than litigation lawyers with comparable expertise, in the initial phase.  No physical hustle  As opposed to the profession of a litigation lawyer who has to run around courts to argue, wait for the proceedings, etc, one does not have to travel around much in corporate law practise, and one can get things done while sitting in the office. High Growth Possibility  As a corporate lawyer, one can expect to have swift promotions in their journey, if they commit time, energy, and dedication to their work. Tier 1 and Tier 2 law firms in India have a very robust policy of bonus payments and have in the past promoted associates to the positions of partners in a span of fewer than 10 years.  Opportunity to interact with Experts  Top Corporate law firms in India, are the hub of legal expertise in our country. Lawyers with the best knowledge in niche areas of law serve as partners at higher positions in these firms. Getting an opportunity to interact with and work with these bright legal minds closely on legal issues, greatly assists the process of learning and professional development.  Fixed Salary As opposed to litigation, where your income varies from phase to phase, here, a fixed salary is ensured and that brings a sense of financial stability, security, and balance to life.   Corporate Law Firm Job: Cons Long Hours of Work The job in a corporate law firm requires long hours of hard work. There are short deadlines, and the official working hours are often exceeded by the firms. In the initial phase, one may not find any time for socializing or any other personal obligation. Lack of Independence and Autonomy As opposed to the profession of a litigation lawyer, there is no independence to choose the work or the client that an associate in a corporate law firm wants to engage with. One is strictly bound by the work regimen of the firm and the requirements of the seniors in the firm. Desk Job The job of a corporate lawyer is a complete desk job, which may lead to a monotonous work style and a lack of a general sense of adventure, and challenge in work. The sense of professional thrill and adventure is observed to be rarely felt among young professionals in this field.  Mechanical Work In the initial phase of joining a corporate law firm, freshers are often not always given core legal assignments i.e. to frame legal arguments, rather they might at times be asked to make spreadsheets, excel files, or do some due diligence work. This might be draining and uninteresting.  Strict hierarchy As opposed to a litigation lawyer, who works as his own boss, in the case of corporate law firms, there is a long hierarchy of professionals. For students who are averse to this sort of structure, it might be a huge problem.  Limited to metro cities Big law firms in India have their branches only in metro cities, subject to some rare exceptions. This requires one to mandatorily move out of his/her hometown [if that is not a metro-city], and settle there. This may be quite problematic for students from non-metro cities, who might have certain routine familial obligations to take care of.     Conclusion It can be seen that both career options have certain pros and cons. However, none of these are fully applicable to every law student, in their entirety. It is for the law students to meticulously examine and introspect about their core interests, their aptitude and then make the decision of choosing a career path that is suitable for them and their growth.  We sincerely hope that all the students reading this found this analysis helpful and are able to figure out what suits you the best.  

  • Gaurav
Jun 10, 2022
Prerana Vidyalaya Teaching Fellowship 2022

Prerana Vidyalaya in Chattisgarh is inviting applications from talented and passionate youth for a teaching & learning experience at Prerana Vidyalaya for Teaching Fellowship 2022, spanning for 2-months.   About Prerana Vidyalaya Prerana Vidyalaya, located on a 44-acre scenic and peaceful campus in Village Kathiya (Chhattisgarh), began in March 2017 by people inspired by the co-existential philosophy of Madhyasth Darshan (Propounded by Late Shri A Nagraj Ji). This school is an initiative toward the humanization of education. Gandhi Vidya Mandir, Sardarshahar, Churu, Rajasthan has played a pioneering role in helping transform this initiative into reality This school is a Higher Secondary English Medium School affiliated with the Chhattisgarh Board. The primary responsibility for the functioning of Prerana Vidyalaya is shouldered by the families of Manav Teerth – a center for the study and practice of Madhyasth Darshan. The school focuses on the holistic development of its children and aims for excellence in all fields. Our team has qualified, competent and highly motivated individuals. The school endeavors to shape its teaching to impart values and academic excellence.   About Manav Teerth Manav Teerth is located 3.5 kms from the school in Village Kiritpur. It is nearly a 100-acre campus, with 7 families and 20 graduate/post-graduate students, and 40 school hostel students living on campus. This campus runs a 3-year residential program for youth studying and practicing Madhyasth Darshan. The Vidyalaya’s hostel is also located in and run by Manav Teerth residents.   About the Fellowship Prerana Teaching Fellowship is a minimum 2-month fellowship to assist Prerana Vidyalaya in all its activities. One of the main aims would be to help students speak in English and also build a strong online presence of the Vidyalaya.     Duration 2 months (minimum) One can join anytime starting June 2022   Nature of Work & Responsibilities In-School – help with all the school-related activities (scholastic and non-scholastic) especially teaching the English language. Also, help with strengthening the school’s social media presence. At Manav Teerth – participate in its daily activities such as shram (physical work in the gaushala/vegetable farming/kitchen, etc.), exercise, and maintaining the campus culture.   Benefit to the Fellows Experience living a self-regulated routine amid nature with like-minded young individuals and families. Learn to live with a diverse group of people, multi-task, become physically fit, build a broad vision of education, and learn simple yet effective learning techniques.   Eligibility Fluency in English Good with technical skills and social media Open-minded, self-motivated, and willing to learn   Boarding, Lodging, Stipend Fellows will reside at Manav Teerth. Their boarding and lodging will be taken care of by the Vidyalaya. The fellow will also be offered a monthly stipend.   Mentors Families at Manav Teerth and the Teaching Faculty of Prerana Vidyalaya will guide the fellows through their tenure here. Manav Teerth residents are from across India with expertise in education, filmmaking, farming, dairy farming, Ayurved and health, tailoring, cooking, etc.   Selection Process Step 1: Fill up the form Step 2: Telephonic Interview 1: Shortlisted applicants will be given a call within 7 days Step 3: Interview 2: Further shortlisted candidates will have a final interview call with members of Prerana Vidyalaya and Manav Teerth   Last Date to Apply 1 or 2 volunteers to join us as soon as possible (starting June 2022).   Contact Information For more information, contact: 9131752661, 9811050116   For more information and to apply online, click here.  

  • Gaurav
Jun 09, 2022
Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program 2023-24 [Post-Doctoral Fellowships]

Applications are now open for the Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program (Post-Doctoral Fellowship) 2023-24, for those who have obtained a PhD in the last 2 years.   About the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship The Radcliffe Institute is based at Harvard University. The Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program (Post-Doctoral Fellowship) 2023-24 is a uniquely interdisciplinary and creative community. This fellowship at Radcliffe is an opportunity to step away from usual routines and dive deeply into a project. With access to Harvard’s unparalleled resources, Radcliffe fellows develop new tools and methods, challenge artistic and scholarly conventions, and illuminate our past and our present. Throughout the year, fellows regularly convene to share their work in progress. Coming from diverse disciplines and perspectives, they challenge each other’s ideas and support each other’s ambitions.   Duration of the Fellowship 9 Months (September 2023 – May 2024).   Stipend Fellows receive a stipend of $78,000 (Rs. 58.3 Lacs) plus an additional $5,000 (Rs. 3.7 Lacs) to cover project expenses. Please note that if you are a US citizen or permanent resident coming from a home institution based in the US, you can opt to have your stipend paid through your home institution or to you directly.   Funding Harvard Radcliffe Fellows may also be eligible to receive relocation, housing, and childcare funds to aid them in making a smooth transition to Radcliffe. Health care support is made available as needed.   Eligibility Applicants in the humanities and social sciences must: Have received their doctorate (or appropriate terminal degree) in the area of their proposed project at least two years prior to their appointment as a fellow (December 2021 for the 2023-24 fellowship year). Have published a monograph or at least two articles in refereed journals or edited collections. Applicants in the creative arts must meet discipline-specific eligibility requirements, as outlined below: Film and Video: Applicants in this discipline must have a body of independent work of significant achievement. Such work will typically have been exhibited in galleries or museums, shown in film or video festivals, or broadcast on television. Visual Arts: Applicants in this discipline must show strong evidence of achievement, with a record of at least five years of work as a professional artist, including participation in several curated group shows and at least two professional solo exhibitions. Fiction and Nonfiction: Applicants in these disciplines must have one of the following: one or more published books; a contract for the publication of a book-length manuscript; or at least three shorter works (longer than newspaper articles) published. Poetry: Applicants in this discipline must have had published at least 20 poems in the last five years or published a book of poetry, and must be in the process of completing a manuscript. Journalism: Applicants in this discipline are required to have worked professionally as a journalist for at least five years. Playwriting: Applicants in this discipline must have a significant body of independent work in the form. This will include, most typically, plays produced or under option. Music Composition: It is desirable, but not required, for applicants in music composition to have a PhD or DMA. Most importantly, the applicant must show strong evidence of achievement as a professional artist, with a record of recent performances. Important Notes Individuals who are applying as practitioners must have held senior leadership positions in non-profits, government, or the private sector. Practitioners should have at least ten years of relevant professional experience and be acknowledged as leaders in their fields. Former Harvard Radcliffe fellows (1999-present) are ineligible to apply. Non-US Citizens: Applicants from throughout the world are encouraged to apply. Harvard University typically sponsors J-1 scholar visas for Harvard Radcliffe Fellows. Applicants cannot be students in doctoral or master’s programs at the time of application submission unless the dissertation has been accepted and degree is forthcoming (and field-specific eligibility requirements have been met). Applicants must demonstrate a strong body of independent work that has been published, exhibited, or performed.   Number of Fellowships This program awards 50 fellowships each academic year. Applicants may apply as individuals or in a group of two to three people working on the same project.   Focus Areas Law, education, and justice Climate change and its human impacts, especially projects that address the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on marginalized or under-resourced communities Legacies of slavery  Reflecting Radcliffe’s unique history and institutional legacy, we welcome proposals that focus on women, gender, and society or draw on the Schlesinger Library’s rich collections.    How to Apply? The application consists of the following: An application form, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Project proposal (with bibliography when appropriate), A writing or work sample, and The contact information of three references who will be prompted, via email, to upload letters of recommendation in support of your application. All materials must be submitted via the online application portal.   Application Process Register as a new user by entering your name, email address, and password responses on the New User Registration page of the online application. Once you have registered, you may login to the portal and select an application area: Humanities and Social Sciences, Creative Arts (including Journalists and Nonfiction writers), or Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. If you would like to apply as a practitioner, please select the Humanities and Social Sciences application and follow the instructions for practitioners given in the FAQs.   Important Deadlines The deadline for applications in humanities, social sciences, and creative arts is September 8, 2022. The deadline for applications in science, engineering, and mathematics is September 29, 2022.   Contact Information & Links e-Mail ID: fellowships@radcliffe.harvard.edu Official Website FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
Jun 09, 2022
The TED Fellowship Program 2023

The TED Fellowship Program 2023 is inviting applications for a new group of extraordinary, multidisciplinary innovators on the rise in their respective fields who are doing bold, original work.   About the Organization TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment, and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events to help share ideas in communities around the world.   About TED Fellowship Program 2023 The TED Fellowship Program recognizes people at work on future-shaping ideas, offering them tools to amplify the power of their vision. Each year, a new group of TED Fellows from around the world, and from every discipline, are welcomed into this international community of remarkable thinkers and doers who have shown unusual accomplishment, exceptional courage, the strength of character, and the potential to create positive change in their respective fields. Find the answers to your questions, here.   Fellowship Location Given the global pandemic this conference may be canceled and the TED Fellowship may become entirely virtual, depending on expert advice and local health safety protocols.   Benefits The TED Fellowship program has the potential to catapult your career forward. The program offers TED’s power to articulate and amplify the vision of TED Fellows. They support the individual capacity-building required to take the global stage. They equip TED Fellows with public speaking and media training, professional coaching, educational programming, and peer support. They connect TED Fellows to a global network of peers and industry leaders because the only way to succeed is together.   Eligibility The TED Fellows Program recognizes the folks working on-the-ground on world-changing ideas — the doers, makers, inventors, advocates, filmmakers and photographers, musicians and artists, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and human rights activists. If you’re at work on a future-shaping idea and over the age of 18, you should apply. The TED Fellows program is not an academic fellowship and non-traditional educations are welcome. In addition to impressive accomplishment, fine character and a good heart are also important traits they look for in TED Fellows.   How to Apply for the TED Fellowship? To apply, you’ll submit an application online during TED’s open application cycle. Your written application is the primary means for showcasing your work — tell TED what makes your work unique and impactful. Please write clearly for a general audience and assume the selection panel knows nothing about your field. Only applications written in English are accepted. Late submissions will not be entertained. Once your application has been received, TED starts reading. They read every application, and therefore the selection process takes time. You can expect to hear back 8 months after the application closes. All applicants are notified whether or not they have been selected to join the TED Fellows program.   Deadline The deadline to submit your application is June 30, 2022 at 11:59 PM UTC.   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
Jun 06, 2022
What is UGC NET (Law) and How to crack it?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET (Law) twice a year for the students in their final year pursuing LLM and LLM graduates or a related stream who wish to explore their career options in law. Qualifying the exam makes one eligible for the post of Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellow (JRF), and various other jobs relating to the academic profession in the reputed organisations. The article aims to provide detailed information on the UGC NET (Law) exam, career opportunities after clearing the exam, and study tips towards the end. Read on!   Career opportunities after clearing the exam Candidates can pursue research in their respective postgraduate disciplines after passing the exam. They can enroll in Ph.D. programmes at various universities and IIMs by selecting universities from the NET Coordinating Institutes. They are also awarded a five-year fellowship after registering for a Ph.D.: Rs. 31,000/month+HRA (HRA availability varies by the institute) for the first two years, and Rs. 35,000/month+HRA for the next three years. Qualified candidates can also work as researchers in a variety of organizations. Alternatively, such candidates can set up their own research laboratories. Candidates who pass the UGC-NET exam are also eligible for lucrative positions offered by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).   Eligibility Criteria   Education Qualification  Masters in Law or related subjects with a minimum of 55% (For General) and 50% (For OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Transgender).  If you are in the qualifying year of your master’s or have passed the exams but are in the result awaited category, you can also apply for UGC NET. But, as per the NET Exam eligibility, the PG results must be declared within 2 years from the release date of the UGC NET Result declaration. Age limit For Assistant Professor, there are no?age limit criteria.  For NET JRF, the age limit is 31 years (For General) and 36 years (for OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Female/Transgender). Note: Candidates who are pursuing an L.L.M. Degree get 3 years of relaxation in age.    Months in which the exam is usually conducted The NTA conducts the UGC NET twice in a rolling year. Usually, the examinations are conducted in the months of June and December for the eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges. However, due to the pandemic, December 2020 and June 2021 cycles were merged and now the December 2021 and June 2022 have been merged.   Paper Pattern, usual timings, and marking scheme UGC NET Law has two papers - Paper I and Paper-II. Paper I is common for all UGC NET applicants and Paper-II of UGC NET law is subject-specific. The paper pattern and marking scheme have been discussed below in detail:  Exam Pattern Paper I Paper II Total Marks 100  200 Number of Questions 50  100  Syllabus Teaching & Research Aptitude, Communication, Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude, Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), People, Development & Environment, Data Interpretation, Higher Education System  Jurisprudence, Constitutional and Administrative Laws, International Laws, Law of Crimes, Law of Torts and Consumer Protection, Commercial Law, Family Law (Hindu and Muslim law), Environmental and Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property Rights  (Each unit contains 10 topics) Duration (no break between paper I and II) 1 hour 2 hours  Marking pattern  2 marks for each correct answer  (no negative marking) Language English and Hindi Mode of examination Online mode- Computer-based test (CBT) Usual Examination timings  First Shift: 09.00 AM to 12.00 PM Second Shift: 03.00 PM to 06.00 PM  Minimum marks needed to clear the exam General: 40% aggregate marks in both the papers taken together Other Backward Class-Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)/Persons with Disability (PwD)/Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST): 35% aggregate marks in both the papers taken together   Validity of the exam score Once you clear NET and JRF, you have 2 years of validity of the score for applying to colleges for research fellowship. The score has lifelong validity if you want to apply as an assistant professor. Types of questions asked Questions in the exam are usually asked in the following forms: Article/Section numbers Questions based on illustrations Situation based questions Definitions Judgments    List of important documents Apart from basic information like email ID, personal phone number for registration, and permanent address with PIN code, candidates should also keep the other necessary documents and details to make the application procedure convenient, such as: Certificate from the University/board  Identity proof issued by the government such as Aadhar Card, Ration Card, Voter Id, PAN Id Masters Degree Certificate (If your master’s degree result is not declared at the time of applying for the exam, it can be mentioned in the form itself.) Category/EWS/PWD Certificate (If Applicable) Scanned Photograph and Signature  Exam information brochure for Code of UGC NET exam (For law, the code is 58) Code of post-graduation course (available in information brochure)   Procedure to apply for the exam The application form can be filled only through online mode, as per the following procedure: Visit the NTA Official Website and click on the “Registration of Online Application Form for UGC-NET ”  Login via application number and password or register your email id if not already registered.  Fill out the application form (personal details, contact details, address, etc.). Note that the details must be appropriately filled otherwise the application form may get rejected. Upload scanned photographs & signature. It must be noted that: Both the files must be in JPG/JPEG format only.  The size of the photograph must range from 10 KB to 200 KB and it must have the candidate's name and the date of the day when the picture was clicked. The size of the signature must range from 4 KB to 30 KB and it should be in running handwriting on white paper with a black pen.  Pay the Examination Fee: The fee payment procedure under the UGC NET application is completely online. One can pay through Debit or Credit Card or through Net Banking or Paytm. If the confirmation page is not generated after the payment, it means that the transaction has been cancelled. In such cases, the amount will be refunded to the candidate’s account. However, the candidate will have to make another transaction for the UGC NET online payment. Print Confirmation Page: Once your form is successfully submitted, you can download the application form and take the printout for future reference. It is important to keep the print/softcopy of the online submitted UGC NET application as it is required at the time of downloading the UGC NET Admit Card.   List of important books for Paper II UGC NET/SLET Law by Pankaj Jaiswal CBSE UGC NET Law by R Gupta (Contains all previous year questions) Trueman’s UGC NET Law by Suman Chauhan PSA Pillai for IPC Avtar Singh and R.K. Bangia for Law of Contracts R.K. Bangia’s Law of Torts IP Massey on Administrative Law Constitutional Law of India by Narendra Kumar  For Company Law, MCA website can be referred as it provides all the latest amendments  K. Jain for Public International Law or commentaries upon international law by Phillimore Paras Diwan’s Family Law (for Hindu Law) and Syed Khalid Rashid’s Muslim Law For other laws like Refugee Law, Human Rights, Arbitration, Labour, IBC, Tax, IPR, Environment, etc. bare acts can be referred and a simple google search can be conducted for latest judgments and notes.   Study tips to crack the exam Examine the syllabus of UGC NET (Law) properly and mark separately all the topics/subjects which you know well and which need practice. Start your preparation by studying the subjects you know well. Prepare a systematic timetable. Make your own short notes so that you can revise them at the last minute. Solve previous years’ papers to learn the exact paper pattern, types of questions asked, and difficulty level, and identify the areas where you need improvement. One can also solve judicial service exam question papers. Practice the papers rigorously! Revise on a daily basis. Focus on the most important subjects first like Constitution, Jurisprudence, IPC, and international law.  Allot most of your revision time to the subjects, which contain more weightage. Time management is very important for clearing the exam. Practice mock tests and review them properly to increase your speed and accuracy.  Have a balanced approach regarding preparation for Paper I and II.  Make a list of landmark and important case laws along with the judgment year and final decision. Devote at least 5-7 hours/day for preparation. Focus on bare acts. Then, refer to books. Prepare minimum 6 law subjects thoroughly for Paper II. Read the newspaper daily. Start learning from practicing i.e. start by solving MCQs. Start preparing 3 to 6 months before the exam. In case of any doubts or difficulties, seek help from teachers or seniors. Have faith and don’t lose your confidence. All the best!

  • Priyanka
Jun 03, 2022
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Defamation Trial

On Wednesday, June 1, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, Johnny Depp won his defamation trial against his former wife Amber Heard. The explosive celebrity defamation trial has become a media sensation. Depp was awarded $15 million in damages, including $5 million in punitive damages, which the judge capped to $350,000, the legal limit in Virginia. In total, he is entitled to $10.35 million. The jury awarded Heard $2 million, with the finding that a former Depp attorney, Adam Waldman, had defamed her. Let us read how this multi-million dollar defamation case unfolded.   The London Trial In 2020, Johnny Depp lost his U.K court case after a judge, in the absence of a jury, concluded that Depp assaulted his ex-wife Amber Heard on a dozen occasions. The libel case at London court began in 2018, centred around an article in one of U.K’s biggest tabloids, “The Sun”, which claimed Johnny Depp was a “wife beater”. Depp sued both the Publisher and The Sun’s executive director Dan Wotton for libel. After a three-week trial, Justice Andrew Nicol ruled against Depp in 2020, saying that the British newspaper had presented substantial evidence to show that Depp had been violent against Heard.   Depp and his legal team tried to get the ruling overturned with an appeal but Judge Nicol refused to grant Depp the permission to appeal against his judgement stating that proposed grounds do not have a reasonable prospect of success. The judge also ordered Depp to make an initial payment of $841,733 to The Sun, to cover its legal fees.     The Virginia Trial   The trial in Virginia has covered the same ground. Depp and Heard’s defamation lawsuit began on 11 April 2022. Depp’s suit against Heard alleges that she defamed him, in December 2018, by writing an op-ed in The Washington Post claiming to be a survivor of domestic sexual violence. The trial took place in Fairfax County courthouse which is located in Virginia, US. Depp sued her in that area as the online edition of The Washington Post is published via servers in the County. However, Heard’s attorneys tried to move the trial to California but the major reason for Depp’s attorney to sue in Virginia was because of the State’s anti-SLAPP legislation, which is not as wide-ranging as in California.   SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. Anti-SLAPP laws are intended to prevent people from using courts and the potential threat of a lawsuit, to intimidate people who are exercising their first amendment rights. Also, the presence of a jury which was absent in the U.K. is a strong reason for Depp suing his ex-wife in the US.   While Johnny Depp wasn’t directly named in the newspaper article, the jury found that it contains clear implication by Amber Heard that he is a domestic abuser. He sued Heard seeking damages not less than $50 million for the false allegation, on the other hand Heard filed a counterclaim against Depp of $100 million for nuisance and immunity from his allegations.     Contentions of the Parties   Heard’s lawyer, J. Benjamin Rottenborn claimed that this lawsuit is centred around the question of whether Heard was exercising her First Amendment right to free speech by writing a statement for The Washington Post about her experience with domestic violence. On the other hand, Depp’s lawyer Benjamin Chew accused Heard of ruining Depp’s career, resulting in him being alienated from producers who once favoured the movie star. On 20 April 2022, Depp on his first stand testified that the real abuser in their relationship was his ex-wife Amber Heard, stating that her verbal attacks would turn into violence. Attorneys for Depp laid out evidence of Heard’s alleged abuse while Heard’s lawyers focused on Depp’s past drug and alcohol use. Depp stated that while he was filming his movie franchise “Pirates of the Caribbean” in Australia in 2015, he would lock himself up in the bathroom to avoid having a physical altercation over instigated verbal attacks by Heard. During that argument Depp said a large bottle of vodka was thrown at him by Heard, which made contact with his hand, slicing off his middle finger. Depp also testified that in a fight in 2016, Heard was responsible for faecal matter found on their shared bed after Depp threatened to end their marriage. When Depp and Heard reached a divorce settlement in 2016, Heard announced that she would donate her entire $7 million settlement money to two charity organisations, i.e, American Civil Liberties Union and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. However, the organisation testified that only one instalment was transferred by Amber Heard directly. It was also alleged that an amount was also transferred from the bank account of Elon Musk in the name of Heard. Amber Heard took her first stand on 4 May 2022, when she stated that to her surprise, Depp slapped her three times during a conversation about his tattoo. This was the first time she got hit by him to which the actress was in shock and did not know how to respond. Heard testified that in March 2013, after consuming a large amount of cocaine and hard liquor, Depp grabbed one of her pet dogs and held it out of a moving car window which created discomfort and showed cruelty towards the animal. She also alleged that in the same year, Depp did a cavity search on her while looking for his cocaine. According to her, Depp was harming himself by cutting his arms during fights by the end of 2016. Heard on her stand painted a picture of a man who oscillated between active addiction and sobriety, which made it hard for her to continue the relationship. Depp’s team leaned on the difference between Depp’s and Heard’s history. While previously, Depp had been accused of property damage and verbal threats, he had never been accused of the kind of violence that is claimed by Heard. However, Heard has some minor accusations of violence to account for, focusing on a 2009 incident where Heard had a verbal fight with Depp’s then-girlfriend, that turned into violence from the side of Heard. Laurel Anderson, a marriage counsellor who counselled Depp and Heard during their marriage, also testified at the Fairfax trial. She considered their marriage as a dynamic one because of ‘mutual abuse’. Anderson testified that she saw Heard bruised after altercations with Depp, and that Heard told her she had initiated physical fights with Depp on multiple occasions. She said she believed, but was not certain, that Depp had also initiated physical fights with Heard. Both Depp and Heard have said that they experienced physical abuse as children, and Anderson’s theory is that their relationship pushed them back into toxic childhood patterns, with each abusing the other and neither one ultimately more responsible than the other. On 24 May 2022 Heard’s team rested its case, while Depp’s team requested the Circuit Court Judge Penny Azcarate to dismiss Heard’s countersuit, which was held rejected. On 25 and 26 May both Depp and Heard returned to the stand respectively, before closing arguments, expressing their disappointment and grief against one another’s acquisitions. On 27 May the jury heard closing arguments and started deliberating.   The Verdict The jury comprised of seven members and two alternates reached a verdict on 1 June 2022. Unanimously the jury favoured Depp and found that Heard had defamed him. The jury awarded $5 million to Depp in punitive damages and $10 million in compensatory damages. Jurors also concluded that part of Heard’s counterclaim had merits. They rejected two of Heard’s three counts but found she was defamed by Depp's lawyer who had used foul language against her, and hence the jury awarded her $2 million. The jurors’ first count was against Heard considering that she made or published the article in The Washington Post against Depp, knowing that it would be defamatory for him. The jurors’ second count against Heard was based on the defamatory statement in The Post: “Then two years ago, I became a public figure representing domestic abuse, and I felt the full force of our culture’s wrath for women who speak out”, which clearly indicated Depp being an abuser without any evidence. As with the other two counts, in the third count against Heard, the jurors found Heard had defamed Depp with “actual malice” as there was clear and convincing evidence that Heard either knew the article she made in The Washington Post in 2018 was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Heard levied three counts of defamation against Depp, saying she’d been repeatedly defamed by his former attorney Adam Waldman, who called Heard’s abuse allegations a hoax. Jurors considered a statement from Waldman that appeared on The Daily Mail’s website on 8 April 2020, in which Adam Waldman stated that Amber Heard and her friends in the media use fake sexual-violence allegations against Depp to ruin his public image. However, in the first count against Depp, the jurors concluded that Heard’s attorney has not proven all the elements of defamation. Heard scored her only victory over a statement Waldman gave to The Daily Mail in the same 2020 article. He accused Heard and her friends of fabricating abuse allegations. Hence for the second count against Depp, the jurors agreed with Heard’s attorneys that Waldman’s statement was false and defamatory and that he’d acted with actual malice. The final count against Waldman involved a statement from the same article: “We have reached the beginning of the end of Ms. Heard’s abuse hoax against Johnny Depp.” Jurors concluded Heard’s lawyers had not proven the statement to be defamatory.

  • Priyanka Mangaraj
May 31, 2022
Study tips for cracking CLAT UG/PG exam

What is CLAT UG?  Law is now considered a suitable career option by many students. Students wishing to study law are now looking for interesting opportunities in the legal world after their high secondary education is complete. There are many universities and colleges that offer law degrees. Thanks to integrated courses, students now can start studying law without needing a graduation degree as eligibility. This makes legal education more accessible for students. This boom in demand for legal education has led to top-quality law colleges across the country where students can secure admission. This can be done through entrance exams. Many universities have their own entrance exams or admission pattern, however, if one wants to secure a seat in the National Law Universities, they have to appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). The Common Law Admission Test or CLAT is a National Level Entrance Exam. It forms the admission criteria for students who wish to pursue their legal education in the 22 National Law Universities situated across India. The CLAT UG exam allows students to pursue an undergraduate degree in these national law universities. This exam The CLAT UG exam was earlier initiated in 2008 to lay down a uniform system of admission for people who wish to pursue legal studies right after their secondary education. There are many integrated degrees available at the national law universities such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, BSW LLB, etc. This also allows the students to choose their major according to their liking. It also implies that students from varied backgrounds can pursue legal studies through CLAT. The main body that conducts the CLAT examination is the Consortium of NLUs. The Consortium of NLUs is a body that was formed in 2019 that comprises all the vice-chancellors of the various NLUs situated in India. The consortium takes up the responsibility for the dates, methods, and other important aspects of the examination. So far, the CLAT examination has seen several changes when it comes to the paper pattern and the eligibility, however, as of today the necessary criteria and paper pattern of the CLAT UG examination is given below:    Eligibility  There will be no upper age limit for UG Programme in CLAT 2022. As regards the minimum percentage of marks in the qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2 or an equivalent examination), the candidates must have secured: Forty-five percent (45%) marks or its equivalent grade in case of candidates belonging to General / OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories Forty Percent (40%) marks or equivalent in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST categories. Candidates who are appearing in the qualifying examination in March/April, 2022 are also eligible to appear in CLAT 2022 examination. However, they shall be required to produce evidence of their passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission, failing which they shall lose their right to be considered for admission. The result of the qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2) shall be submitted by the candidate at the time of admission failing which the candidate shall be ineligible for admission to the Course. In case of equal marks, the break of tie shall be by the following procedure and order as under: Higher marks in the component/section on legal aptitude in the CLAT 2022 exam; Higher age; Computerised draw of lots Please refer to Eligibility Criteria for CLAT   Examination Style The CLAT UG examination has a standard syllabus and pattern that has not seen much change since the examination was earlier started. The examination paper is curated to test the aptitude, reasoning skills and other basic knowledge that is required to pursue legal studies. The paper style is in a Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) format consisting of 150 questions carrying the weightage of 1 mark each. There is also a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The exam will be taken within the span of 2 hours. As per the examination style, the paper will be divided into 5 main subjects namely, –  English Language Current Affairs, including General Knowledge Legal Reasoning Logical Reasoning Quantitative Techniques With clarity regarding the examination and the examination style, let us now discuss the method of preparing for the CLAT examination.    Study tips to crack the CLAT UG Exam As the CLAT exam is highly competitive, there can be instances where candidates find it difficult to cope up with the syllabus. A pattern is also observed that the number of applicants appearing for CLAT is increasing. With limited seats, it is necessary for the candidates to prepare smartly to secure a seat in the prestigious law colleges located in India.  Joining a Coaching Institute  A coaching institute that specialises in teaching the CLAT syllabus is a meaningful start. There are many institutes that have an expert faculty that is familiar with the paper pattern and the syllabus. This will be a suitable and competitive environment as well as much-needed exposure for a student who wishes to appear for the CLAT exam.  Staying Updated with Current Affairs and General Knowledge  This is a tricky section in the CLAT examination as it does not limit the scope of general knowledge and current affairs. There is a vast ocean of information that may or may not appear in the exam. This is why the candidate needs to be familiar with the most recent facts and current topics that took place in the last year leading up to the examination. This is necessary as current affairs and general knowledge hold 25% of the weightage in the examination.  Practising Reading English Comprehension The English section has a 20% weightage in the examination. Strong command over grammar and the English language can be fruitful. This can be done by improving your comprehension skills through practice. One can practise by reading the newspaper and magazines that discuss current affairs, this can help build your vocabulary and also update you on current affairs.  Practising Mock Tests  Mock tests are extremely important for a candidate appearing for CLAT. No amount of preparation will be useful if the candidate finds it difficult to appear for the examination. A mock test helps the candidate strategise and helps in time management. This makes the candidate prioritise certain sections that will help score more marks.  Refer to Preparatory Material by CLAT Consortium  The Consortium of NLUs also publishes important practice material for the examination. It includes guides to the question paper and sample questions; model question papers; and instructional materials and exercises for each of the subjects that the UG-CLAT 2022 comprises.    Preparing for CLAT PG  The CLAT PG examination is for those candidates who have completed their UG in legal studies and wish to pursue higher education in their legal studies. This exam can be only appeared by students who have finished a 5-year integrated or 3-year LLB degree from any recognised law college. The CLAT PG exam is not only useful for securing admissions in the 22 recognised NLUs, but also for securing jobs in public sectors that recognise CLAT PG marks. The paper is divided into these relevant sections:  Constitutional Law Jurisprudence  Contract Law Family Law  Criminal Law Environmental Law   International Law Companies Act Candidates should have a clear and basic understanding of these subjects. The examination pattern includes 120 objective-type questions that carry 1 mark each. It also has negative markings. The following table may bring some clarity to the question pattern. Topic No. of Questions asked in 2020 No. of Questions asked in 2021 Constitutional Law 50 36 Jurisprudence 20 6 Administrative Law 10 0 Family Law 10 12 Law of Contracts 0 18 International Law 10 18 Criminal Law 10 24 Labour Law 10 0 Environmental Law 0 18   Understanding the Syllabus  The candidate should dissect and understand the various subjects that are included in the CLAT PG syllabus according to weightage. This allows the candidate to make a decision on which subject to prioritise on the basis of weightage. As of now, Constitutional law has the maximum weightage.  Referring Past Papers The CLAT PG exam was recently introduced, prior to this the examination conducted was CLAT LLM. The candidates should however be thorough with the questions asked in the previous exams to gain more clarity on the kind of questions that can be expected from the examination.  Current Affairs  The candidate should be aware of all the legal developments. It is necessary to be aware of judgements and court cases that involve the question of constitutional law. This is necessary knowledge as questions related to such cases can appear in the examination.  Mock Tests  Mock tests are extremely important as they help strategise. The candidate learns time management and can prioritise different sections according to weightage. This gives a realistic approach to preparing for the examination.  Be Clear with the Basics  The candidate should be well versed in the basics of the law. There are many important topics that are included in the paper pattern. Being aware of the basics of each subject will be fruitful when it comes to answering questions related to such topics.   Books for CLAT UG: For English: Objective General English 2022 by RS Aggarwal, Objective General English by N. Khurmi and George For Legal Reasoning: Legal Aptitude and Legal Reasoning by AP Bhardwaj For Logical Reasoning: Logical Reasoning by Jain Prateek General knowledge and Current Affairs: Legal General Knowledge by RK Gupta, Manorama Year Book, Current Affairs Yearly by Arihant Publications   Books for CLAT PG The CLAT syllabus is vast and covers varied subjects. For this, we have narrowed down on a few books that cover multiple subjects specially prepared for CLAT PG preparation: Singhal's S. S. Hand Books for LLM Entrance Exam Ashok Jain Guide for LLM Entrance Exam Constitutional Law: Dr. Ashok Jain Constitution of India Part I & II, JN Pandey Constitutional Law Jurisprudence: Dr. Ashok K Jain, Jurisprudence Contract Law: RK Bangja, Contract Law Tort Law: RK Bangia, Law of Torts Administrative Law: P Massey Family Law and Property: Poonam Pradhan For IPC: Ratanlal and Dhirajlals Indian Penal Code Environmental Law: P Leelakrishnan, Environmental Law International Law: Dr. Ashok K Jain, Public International Law Companies Act: Dr. Ashok Jain, Company Law  The CLAT UG and PG examination is set to take place on 19th June 2022. It will be taken offline mode. We hope you keep those tips in mind and wish all candidates a hearty best of luck!  Even if you couldn’t crack the exam, don’t take stress as there are many more options to consider.  Please refer to What if you don’t qualify for CLAT? CLAT PG Papers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qx2W-G5ozt_RlmDNfJtEXPPCWEa_MZ0b?usp=sharing CLAT UG Papers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tMutyQog32QpOui24z2eT1S_eQNCMikQ?usp=sharing

  • Gaurav
May 30, 2022
Donoghue v. Stevenson - Case Brief

Citation - [1932] A.C. 562, [1932] UKHL 100, 1932 S.C. (H.L.) 31, 1932 S.L.T. 317, [1932] W.N. 139 Donoghue v. Stevenson, a Scottish dispute, is a famous case in English law that was instrumental in shaping the law of tort and introduced the doctrine of negligence. It is a landmark case in tort law. The wider importance of the case is that it established the general principle of the duty of care concept in law. The test was formulated by Lord Atkin and it is generally referred to as the “neighbour test” or “neighbour principle”.   Facts On August 26, 1928, Mrs. Donoghue’s (Plaintiff) friend bought her a ginger beer. She consumed about half of the bottle, which was made of dark opaque glass when the remainder of the contents was poured into a tumbler. At this point, the decomposed remains of a snail floated out causing her alleged shock and severe gastroenteritis. Mrs. Donoghue was not able to claim through breach of warranty of a contract as she was not a party to any contract. Therefore, she issued proceedings against Stevenson, the manufacturer (Defendant) which snaked its way up to the House of Lords.   Issue Does a manufacturer of ginger beer bottles owe a duty of care to the end consumer while he didn’t directly sell it to him, but only via a distributor?   Judgement  Donoghue argued that Stevenson owed a duty of care to his customers who were to consume his ginger beer, to have an effective system to clean his bottle and keep it away from snails. Stevenson denied having snails in any of his bottles, arguing that Donoghue’s health problems had been caused by her own bad health conditions. He stated that the facts were not proved, he did not cause Donoghue any harm, and that the damages claimed were excessive. The matter was first heard in the Outer House of the Court of Sessions before Lord Moncrieff. Here, the owner of the café was added as a defendant but later dropped him because of his lack of contractual relationship with Donoghue, as the ginger beer was purchased by her friend and the fact that the owner of the cafe could not have possibly examined the content of the bottle. Lord Moncrieff, dismissed the argument and case law that required that there must be a contractual relationship between the parties before liability can be incurred for negligence in preparing goods for consumption. He described the principle as narrow. Stevenson appealed to the Inner House of the Court of Sessions which was presided over by four judges who had heard the case of  Mullen v AG Barr & Co Ltd where it was held that no duty of care could arise in the absence of a contractual relationship. Thus, the appeal was allowed by the majority of the judges while Lord Hunter dissented again. Donoghue appealed to the House of Lords. The judges who heard her appeal were Lord Atkin, Lord Thankerton, Lord Tomlin, Lord Buckmaster, and Lord MacMillan. Donoghue’s Counsel argued that Stevenson owed a duty of care that was independent of contract because the bottles in which the ginger beers come in could not be examined and also because it was meant for human consumption. Stevenson’s Counsel argued that it was an established law in England and Scotland that no duty was owed by manufacturers to anybody with whom they had no direct contract. They argued that the exceptions which were created in English and Scottish laws were not present in this case; that is, that the ginger beer was not intrinsically dangerous and that the defendant, Stevenson, was not aware that the product was dangerous. The House of Lords held in favour of Donoghue, albeit, not unanimously. According to Lord Atkin, the case was an important one because of the bearing the decision on it would have on public health. To him, the moral rule that requires one to love their neighbour, or in-law, manifests as the rule that one has to take care not to injure his neighbour. He says that care must be taken, and such care must be reasonable, in order not to put one’s neighbour in danger or cause one’s neighbour an injury that is foreseeable. He defined a neighbour as one who will be directly affected by one’s action or omission so much so that one has to put such a person in his contemplation while he does such action or makes such omission.

  • Gaurav
May 26, 2022
How to file an RTI?

The Right to Information Act, simply known as RTI, is a revolutionary act that aims to promote transparency in government institutions in India. The Act came into existence in 2005, after sustained efforts of anti-corruption activists. RTI Act was made by the legislation of Parliament of India on 15 June 2005. Until the RTI Act empowered the common man to demand information from the government, only the members of Parliament had the privilege of seeking this information. The Act came into effect on 12 October 2005 and has been implemented ever since to provide information to crores of Indian citizens. All the constitutional authorities come under this Act, making it one of the most powerful laws in the country. It is termed revolutionary because it opens government organisations up for scrutiny. Equipped with knowledge about RTI, a common man can demand any government agency to furnish information.   Steps to file an RTI (offline mode) STEP 1 - Identify the department in which you want to file an RTI plea. The department shall come under a local authority, State, or Central government. STEP 2 - Write/type an application in the official language of the State or in English/Hindi, and address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department. For example, if the RTI is related to tax then address it to the PIO of the Income Tax department, or if it is related to defense then address it to the PIO of the Ministry of Defense. STEP 3 - Ask clear and specific questions in the RTI application, related to the concerned department. While addressing it to the concerned department, mention “seeking information under the RTI Act -2005” in the subject line. Mention your address and contact details correctly. STEP 4 - To file the application, pay the fees of Rs 10 in cash or through a bank draft/money order. One can also seek a particular document or its excerpt which will be charged at a nominal fee of Rs 2 per page. STEP 5 - The RTI application can be sent by mail or handed over personally. The applicant also needs to keep a photocopy of the RTI application and an acknowledgment from the office upon receiving the application. Note: If a person is illiterate then he/she can approach the PIO, tell their requirements to file an RTI, and the PIO is obligated to write an application on their behalf as well as read it to them before processing it, under the RTI Act 2005. If the applicant is below the poverty line then the applicant need not pay any fee to file an RTI applicant, however, proof shall be provided by the applicant of his financial status as per RTI Rules 2012. The application can also be sent to the assistant PIO via the post office. The postal department has appointed many assistant PIOs whose job is to receive RTI applications and forward them to PIO or appellate authority concerned.   Steps to file an RTI (online mode) STEP 1 - Visit the official website of the RTI portal. STEP 2 - In order to submit an application, click on the “Submit Request” option. STEP 3 - On clicking the submit request, “Guidelines for use of RTI online portal” will display on the screen. Read the guidelines carefully and click on the submit checkbox response to proceed further. STEP 4 - Then the applicant will be directed to the Online RTI Request Form on the screen. Select the department for which the applicant wants to file the RTI application. All the mandatory sections need to be filled and the applicant will get SMS alerts on the mobile number provided. If the applicant is below the poverty line then a BPL card certificate has to be filed in the form to get an exemption from paying the application fee (Rs 10/- per application). STEP 5 - Upon submission of the application form, a unique registration number will be issued for any future reference regarding that particular RTI application. STEP 6 - After filling all the details in the application form, the applicant shall proceed toward the payment option. Payment can be done through net banking or credit/debit card. STEP 7 - Finally, after the payment is done the applicant will receive an email and SMS alert on the provided email address and phone number respectively.   How many days does it take to get RTI response? The RTI information should be provided within 30 days from the date of submission of the application to the PIO. However, if the documents are displaced or difficult to find then the PIO shall send the applicant a written intimation about the possible delay and reason. If the PIO fails to do so and the information is not received within 30 days by the applicant then a penalty can be levied on the PIO if the matter is taken up by the appellate authorities.   Which Government Departments are exempted from the RTI Act, 2005? Twenty-odd organisations are exempted from RTI, which are related to the country’s defence and intelligence such as RAW, BSF, CRPF, CISF National Security Guard, Intelligence Bureau, etc. Further, there are some specific circumstances when an RTI cannot be filed, such as: Would affect national security, sovereignty, and economic or scientific interest Have been disallowed by the court Related to trade secrets of a competitive third party which might harm country’s international relations Information under fiduciary relationship Foreign government information Information related to any process of investigation Information that might affect the life/physical safety of a person

  • Priyanka Mangaraj
May 25, 2022
Routledge/Roundtable Commonwealth Studentship 2022-23

Applications are invited for Routledge/Roundtable Commonwealth Studentships 2022-23 for research projects on Commonwealth related themes.   About the Studentships The Routledge/Roundtable Commonwealth Studentships is a PhD studentships that provide support for research projects on Commonwealth related themes. Two studentships are available each year, one for UK-registered students and one for Commonwealth students in other countries. The studentships are funded by The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and the journal’s publisher, Routledge, in association with the ACU.   What is a Studentship? A studentship is a grant or payment made to support a student’s education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievements.   How Does it Work? The studentships have a maximum value of GBP 5,500 (5,63,926.55 INR) each. Due to the pandemic, the studentship will not fund travel. The research must be conducted in the applicants’ country of residence. Proposed research must fulfil at least one of the below criteria: Relate to the Commonwealth as a whole or to any Commonwealth-wide institution or organisation Have a strong Commonwealth comparative aspect Be of relevance to a Commonwealth country other than the UK. For example, a research project comparing LGBT rights in South Africa and Uganda would be eligible, as would a project on the reform of colonial-era anti-LGBT legislation in India, but a project on the role of Stonewall in advocating for LGBT rights in the UK would not.   Post-studentship Requirements Successful applicants will be required to submit, no more than twelve months after the take-up of the award, an article of between 4000 and 6000 words based on their research, for consideration for publication in the Round Table journal. Successful applicants will also be required to make a podcast on their research, for publication on the journal’s website.   Eligibility for the Roundtable Commonwealth Studentship Applications are welcomed from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, but preference may be given to disciplines usually covered by the Round Table journal, including (but not exclusively) politics, international relations, economics, international history, geography, law, development studies, and area studies. The 1st studentship is open to registered PhD students from UK universities, although not necessarily UK citizens. The 2nd studentship is open to registered PhD students from ACU member universities in Commonwealth counties other than the UK, and to Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship alumni who are PhD students at any Commonwealth university outside the UK. Click here for the list of ACU member universities.   Mentorship The applicants are required to identify and work with a mentor at an ACU member university in a country other than their own, as part of the studentship. The mentor should be an expert in a subject linked to the applicant’s subject of research, who will be able to provide support and advice during the studentship. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to informally approach at least one potential mentor and, if their application is successful, will then be required to obtain a letter of support from their mentor to agree to the mentorship before their studentship is confirmed.   Role of The Mentor The mentor will be expected to hold a minimum of 2 virtual meetings with the student during the period of the studentship. They will be expected to be in contact with the student by email to share their experiences in their relevant field, provide advice around publishing, events and trends in their field, and to challenge and empower the student to consider new ways of thinking. The mentor will also be expected to contribute to either the podcast or the article submitted by the student (see post-studentship requirements section below for more information) and will be paid an honorarium of GBP 500 (51,270.76 INR), payable at the end of the studentship. Mentors must read and abide by the mentor code of conduct guidelines.   Mentor Code of Conduct Guidelines The relationship between mentor and mentee should not be exploitative in any way, nor open to misinterpretation Mentors are responsible for setting and keeping appropriate boundaries that govern interactions with mentees Mentors should maintain a clear mentoring relationship with mentees and not allow personal bias to influence their actions Mentors should maintain confidentiality, objectivity and equal partnership The mentor’s role is to respond to the mentee’s needs and agenda rather than imposing their own agenda Mentors will share the responsibility for creating a smooth end to the relationship with the mentee, once it has achieved its purpose Any personal data relating to the mentee held by the mentor should be deleted as soon as it is no longer needed.   Important Dates Deadline for applications: 23:59 UTC on Sunday [July 31, 2022] (5:29 AM IST, Monday): August 1, 2022 Announcement of winners: September 2022 Take-up of awards: November 1st, 2022 to July 2023   How to Apply? Applications should be submitted by 23:59 UTC on Sunday July 31, via the online application form. As part of the application, applicants should submit: A CV A studentship plan, outlining: The work you plan to carry out during the studentship, in non-technical language The likely impact of your studentship work, and how it will advance knowledge in your field and contribute to greater understanding of the Commonwealth The planned outcomes and outputs of the studentship Letters of support from referees, one academic (preferably your PhD/DPhil supervisor) and one personal An outline of the intended use of the funds. For the official website of Roundtable Commonwealth Studentships 2022-23, click here.

  • Gaurav
May 24, 2022
Building a Career in Corporate Law and Making it a Success - An Interview with Harsh Khemka

Working as a corporate lawyer can be a very rewarding and lucrative career path. Despite the continued challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, last year has seen significant activity in the corporate sector, specifically in private M&A deals. With the easing of listing norms and a record number of entities choosing to go public in 2021, the year witnessed the listing of major Indian start-ups, with Zomato leading the trend, followed by the likes of Nykaa, PayTM, and Policybazaar.  Today, corporate lawyers are in great demand and are employed in several organisations including law firms and companies.  We interviewed Harsh Khemka, Principal Associate at Khaitan & Co., Mumbai, who took us through his rollercoaster journey from first becoming interested in corporate law to committing his career to Insurance M&A. After doing multiple internships during his law school, Harsh started his career with Luthra and Luthra law offices, Mumbai, and within 6 years of his professional career,  has become a Principal Associate at Khaitan & Co., one of India’s top law firms.    Please tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired you to pursue law? How would you describe your law school experience? I grew up in Bangalore and come from a business-oriented family. That said, my late paternal grandfather practised commercial tax and wished for someone in the family to become a lawyer. This is one of my first recollections of wanting to become a lawyer. From there, popular culture took over and by the time I reached class 10 in school, movies and TV shows had convinced me that I was best suited to be a lawyer. At the time, I don’t remember wanting to pursue law to achieve some higher purpose - it was just something I felt I would enjoy doing and might be good at.  I went to NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad. They were some of the best years of my life. As is usually the case, it was the first time I experienced living away from home. I realised early on that I enjoy the independence it brings. Apart from gaining a degree and a job, I learned some of my most important life lessons in law school. I gained a lot of perspective by interacting with not just my professors but also my friends and peers, who came from all across India and overseas. I can say that law school opened my eyes to the world and prepared me for everything that lay ahead.    How did you begin your career post-undergrad law studies?  I had received a pre-placement offer from the Mumbai office of what was back then Luthra & Luthra Law Offices. After multiple internships, I had decided by my third year of law school that I wanted to pursue corporate law. So, I was very happy with the job offer and while I knew I was going to miss Bangalore, I felt working in Mumbai would be a good experience for me. My team in Luthra worked on all kinds of matters – corporate, M&A, debt as well as funds. This helped me get a good grounding in various practice areas. After two years in Luthra, I moved to the Mumbai office of Khaitan & Co to focus on M&A and private equity practice as I wanted my career to grow in that space.     How did you come to specialise in ‘Insurance M&A’? I was staffed on a private equity transaction on my very first day in Khaitan and while I didn’t have prior experience in this field, I took the challenge head-on. As a newcomer and outsider to a large but very well-knit team, I was keen on impressing my team members. With the help of some really helpful seniors, I was able to catch up to the very steep learning curve. In my quest to expand my learning and out of my sheer interest, I volunteered for varied kinds of transactions - one such transaction was a large M&A deal involving two insurance companies. The insurance sector in India is heavily regulated and this transaction was very challenging for me – not only did I have to acquaint myself with the multitude of laws applicable to the insurance sector, but we also had very challenging timelines. This often meant sleepless nights and working weekends. At the end of the transaction, the partner on the deal asked me if I would like to focus more on insurance matters. I had just finished the third year of my professional career and initially felt it was a little early to commit to any one practice area. After some deliberation, I decided to give it a try, as the sector genuinely interested me. The insurance regime in India had just been liberalised a short while before that and there was growing interest in the area. However, at the time, there were very few people at Khaitan and across firms who were specialising in insurance M&A. I ended up being at the right place at the right time and with the support of my partner, a lot of opportunities presented themselves. Over the course of a couple of years, I gained a lot of exposure in the sector through deals, advisories, meeting industry folk, and diligently updating myself about the industry and sector.    Currently, you’re working as a Principal Associate at Khaitan & Co.; what does an average day at one of India’s biggest law firms look like?  That’s the most frustrating as well as the most exciting thing about a law firm - every day is different. While this means that planning ahead becomes a challenge at times, it also means that there is never a dull moment. Borrowing from Newton’s theory of relativity – 12 hours spent drafting a document peacefully (I always listen to some music while doing this) by yourself can seem very different from 12 hours spent on multiple matters jumping from call to call, deliverable to deliverable, and trying to douse the largest fire first.  No day is complete without interaction with teammates – both virtual and while in the office. From exchanging weekend plans, failed diet routines, and movie suggestions to also helping brainstorm transaction structures, vexed legal questions, and complaining (don’t know if I am allowed to use the B-word) about clients – your teammates are with you through thick and thin. My team at Khaitan especially engages in a lot of pranks and banter, especially on the office floor. This helps bring a light touch to what can often be a serious and stressful job.    How is the work culture in Mumbai different from that in other cities in India? What should one know about working in the corporate law sector in Mumbai?  My only internship in Mumbai was enough to convince me that I would like to work in the city. There is something about the city that just makes everyone hustle – maybe it’s the high rents, long travel times, or the large crowds. It seems like everyone is always in a mad rush and running against time. This vibe prevails in the law firms here as well. While the other two corporate hubs, Delhi and Bangalore, have equally talented and professional lawyers, I have felt the culture in Mumbai is to push yourself just a little harder. This may also be driven by the local clients, who may be more demanding than their counterparts in other cities.   But the city has a charm about it which makes you fall in love with it. The song “Bombay meri jaan . . . ” beautifully epitomises this feeling. That said, Mumbai definitely isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – but I would recommend that young corporate lawyers experience the taste for themselves before deciding.    In 2021, India witnessed an all-time high in the number of mergers and acquisitions. What are your views on these developments in the country? It was a great time to be a corporate lawyer in 2021. After the slowdown caused by the pandemic, the market rebounded very strongly. Teams were busy throughout the year with people having to refuse work because of bandwidth constraints. All our overseas clients were interested in the Indian market. Indian start-ups and founders had never earlier had access to this kind of capital. Valuations went soaring and we saw some of the most successful IPOs the country has ever seen. While the market has corrected itself a little in 2022 and we have seen IPOs being delayed, Indian companies and entrepreneurs have made their mark. This will definitely inspire greater innovation and lead to more start-ups coming up in the future. Government policies and regulations on industry and ease of doing business will have to keep up.    What are things that one ought to know about a career in corporate law? (For example: are the hours long and workload high? Is there too much competition?)  Law is a jealous mistress – I have come to realise this right from my law school days. It requires us to constantly read and keep updating ourselves -- most of the statutes we study in law school are significantly modified or replaced by the time we start working (long live the Contract Act 1872). Further, corporate lawyers are professionals and part of the services industry and hence there will always be client pressure. Yes, it entails long hours and constant pressure but is equally rewarding in terms of career growth. Some of this pressure comes from the competition – if we don’t deliver the work product within the requested (read demanded) timeline, then the client will go to someone else next time. So yes, everyone is out there to impress and woo the biggest clients and work on the largest deals. But there is also a satisfaction that one gets to see the transaction they worked on getting reported in the news.  But the pie is ever-growing and new entrants in the industry will be able to get a piece of the action and establish themselves. The increase in funding and M&A activities in India will definitely lead to more job creation and opportunities. So the future of corporate law professionals should be bright!     How would you suggest one go about a career in Corporate Law? What avenues are open to corporate law aspirants in India? Law school these days has started offering a lot of electives and courses on various corporate law subjects. Also, students, these days have access to a lot of online courses, study material, and websites that can help them prepare for a career in corporate law. Taking up some of these courses may help impress during internships and land one a job. But there is nothing that you learn in law school that you can't learn on the job. As long as the fundamentals are strong (basic contract and companies act), any student should be able to manage to crack an interview. Other aspects law students can work on are developing their communication skills and the habit of reading.  I have always maintained that corporate law is no rocket science – hard work, sincerity, diligence and regularly updating oneself will see you climb the corporate ladder.  Even if one doesn’t land their dream job out of college, there is always a chance in the future to move firms – it's fairly common and there will be a lot of opportunities. In fact, corporate lawyers are increasingly receiving opportunities for in-house roles – this will only increase as we see more companies come up and the corporate compliance culture increase. VC and PE funds are also known to hire a lot of lawyers and some of these roles often also involve some business elements. All in all, experience in a corporate law firm is very helpful for anyone looking to work on the corporate side.  

  • Gaurav
May 19, 2022
ICAI Doctoral Scholarship 2022 by Research Committee, ICAI [Institute of Chartered Accountants of India]

The Research Committee of ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) is inviting applications for the Doctoral Scholarship Scheme 2022.   About the Organization The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, viz. The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (Act No. XXXVIII of 1949) for regulating the profession of Chartered Accountancy in the country. The Institute, functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. The ICAI is the second largest professional body of Chartered Accountants in the world, with a strong tradition of service to the Indian economy in the public interest.   ICAI – Doctoral Scholarship Scheme 2022 The doctoral scholarship will be awarded to a registered Ph.D. Scholars from UGC recognized reputed Indian Universities/ Deemed Universities/ Colleges, IIMs having University/IIMs approved Ph.D. Program to pursue and complete their Doctoral Research in Auditing, Taxation, Commerce, Management, and Accounting. Awarding doctoral scholarship by admitting full-time meritorious Research scholars who want to carry out research in core areas having global relevance, adding value to subject, and research results should aim to develop some theory and/or model which can be replicated universally. To nurture talents in the CA fraternity for technical research. This post is for the ICAI Doctoral Scholarship Scheme of 2022.   Suggested Topics for the ICAI Scholarship Human Resource Accounting. Simplification of Human Resource Laws Government Sector Accounting Integrated Reporting International Taxation Laws Water Audit   Eligibility Membership of ICAI At least 75% in 10th and 12th Standard Age should be less than 40 years on the date of application Candidate shall be Full-Time Student at the University/College/ Institution while pursuing a Ph.D. for their attendance and Classes Candidates shall not avail of any other scholarship for the same   Other Criteria  Only the applicants who have applied for a Ph.D. after the introduction of the ICAI Doctoral Scholarship Scheme 2020 (May 7, 2020) are encouraged to apply for the scheme. The application shall be forwarded by the supervisor of the candidate for Ph.D. or any other competent signing authority of the University/College/Institution. Candidates are advised to apply only if they are pursuing a Ph.D. in the relevant and contemporary topic considering the current economic scenario matching with ICAI mandate, intent to add value to the society, scalable, and have global relevance.   How to Apply? Following documents must be sent to: Research Committee The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ICAI Bhawan 8th Floor, Administrative Building, A-29, Sector 62, NOIDA-201309, UP. Application Form: Click here for the application form of ICAI Doctoral Scholarship 2022. Research proposal & abstract (3000 and 300 words respectively) Relevant Enclosures: (Details are given in Application Form) Click on the link to download the document for the relevant enclosures. All the documents should be received before July 31, 2022 duly signed and stamped by the Supervisor of the then-candidate for Ph.D. or any other competent signing authority of the University/College/Institution.   Scholarship Rs. 50,000 per month Scholarship to be awarded to 5 scholars annually for the maximum period of 36 months. Contingency grant will be admissible at the rate of Rs. 50,000 per annum.   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
May 19, 2022
How to file a PIL?

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) refers to a legal action taken by any person for the benefit of the general public or any act to secure the public interest. It demonstrates the availability of justice to socially-disadvantaged parties. For socially conscious citizens who would like to fix the system through a court of law, the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a powerful tool. Public Interest Litigation cases won or lost in the High Court or the Supreme Court of India often make news these days. Whether a PIL case wins or loses, it certainly makes an impact on the lives of people who are connected to the issue in one way or the other. The FAQs below will help you to clearly understand the use and procedure of filing PILs.   Who can file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)? Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed by any Indian citizen or organization. However, the only condition is that it should be filed in the public interest rather than entertaining any kind of private interest. Sometimes, the court also takes cognizance of a matter if it is one of very public importance, and can appoint a lawyer to handle the case.   Where can Public Interest Litigation be filed? Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed either in Supreme Court or High Court depending on the situation. Both the Courts have the power to entertain the Public Interest Litigation.   How to file a PIL in India? An individual (petitioner) has to do thorough research on the related matter before filing a Public Interest Litigation in the Courts. Once an individual has decided to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), he should collect all appropriate information and the required documents to strengthen and fight his case.  The person filing the Public Interest Litigation can either debate himself or appoint a lawyer. Generally, in any case, it is advisable to consult an advocate before filing a PIL. PIL In High Court - If the person is planning to file a Public Interest Litigation in the High Court then he is required to submit two copies of the petition to the Court. Also, a copy of the petition has to be sent to each defendant in advance, and proof of this has to be added to the PIL. PIL In Supreme Court - If the person is intending to file a PIL in the Supreme Court, then he is required to submit five copies of the petition to the Court. The copy of the Public Interest Litigation is sent to the respondent only when a notice is issued by the Court for it.   Fees required for filing a PIL Filing a PIL is cheaper than in any other Court case. An individual has to pay a fee of Rs 50 for each respondent and it has to be affixed with the petition. But, the entire cost of the complete proceedings depends on the lawyer appointed by the petitioner.   Essentials for filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) Find a public interest lawyer or organization to file the case. Collect required documents such as title deeds, proof of residence, identity proof, notice, resettlement policy and photographs of the eviction. List out the names and addresses of all aggrieved parties approaching the Court. List out the names and addresses of government agencies from which relief is sought. List out the facts giving rise to violations of fundamental rights. Mention the dates indicating the duration of stay at the site, when the eviction took place, when and if an eviction notice was provided, and other important details related to the eviction. State the prayers or the relief being sought from the Court.   Few areas in which a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed Infringement of religious rights, fundamental rights and human rights Force municipal authorities to conduct a public duty Conduct of government policy   Few matters which will be not allowed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)  Matters related to landlord-tenant Matters related to services Matters related to pension and gratuity Matters related to admission to educational institutions Request for early hearing of cases in Courts   How long does it take for the closure of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL)? It depends on the case. If the case is related to the lives of people or violations of human rights then the Court would take up the case immediately, conduct the hearing and settles the case in a short period. However, due to the collection of more public interest petitions in Courts, it takes years to hear and settle cases.    How to file a PIL online? Go to the main website of the Supreme Court of India i.e. https://main.sci.gov.in/  Click on the 'E-FILING' tab.  Click on ‘New Registration’ and then choose User Type 'Petitioner in Person' or 'AOR Number'. If you have chosen 'AOR Number' then you have to provide the AOR Number. If you have chosen 'Petitioner in Person'  then you have to fill out the online forms and provide the information like: Name, Address, State, District, Pin Code, Mobile No, Email, Aadhaar Card No. After filling in the required information, click on the ‘Sign Up’ button at the end of the page.  After completing registration, head back to the ‘E-FILING’ page.  Again, click on the ‘Login’ option. Then, click on 'New Efiling' and fill in the details and save it. Make the payment. After all the required information has been filled in and the payment is completed, an application number will be given.

  • Gaurav
May 17, 2022
How to register a Patent in India?

A patent is a form of protection granted to an inventor. The Indian Patent Office grants patent protection in India for novel inventions. A patent can be filed for a product, process, chemicals, drugs, computer software, technical applications, machines, etc. The key essential for an invention to get patent protection in India are - Novelty - the invention shall be unique and not just a mere discovery of already existing ones. Non-obviousness - the invention shall have an inventive step by the intellectual mind of the inventor. Industrial application - the invention shall have a practical utility that must serve the industrial applications and related purposes. The patent protection is given for a fixed period of 20 years from the date the patent application was first filed, however, it can be renewed after the time expiration. Registration of intellectual inventions is important as it provides exclusive rights to the inventor and gives legal protection against other competitors or infringers.    Steps to follow to file a patent application are -  STEP -1: Patentability Search An applicant before beginning the registration process should perform a detailed patentability public search on the official IP India website to determine the availability of the patent proposed. This step is not mandatory but rather advisable.    STEP - 2: Draft Patent Application The applicant needs to file Form 1 to begin the application process. Each patent application shall be filed with Form 2 patent specification, where the applicant has to provide whether the proposed invention is in the initial stage or final stage. If the proposed invention is in the initial stage then a provisional specification application shall be filed, and thereby within 12 months the applicant shall complete the invention and file a complete specification application.   STEP - 3: Forms with the Patent Application The patent application shall be filed with several other forms such as - Form 1 - Application for grant of patent Form 2 - Provisional/Complete specification Form 3 - Undertakings and statement with respect to foreign patent applications (mandatory under section 8 of Patents Act, 1970 for applicants outside India) Form 5 - Declaration of the inventorship for the proposed patent Form 26 - Authorization of Patent Agent (appliable only if an applicant files a patent application through a patent agent) Form 28 - For start-ups and small entities only   STEP - 4: Publication in Patent Journal After the submission of all forms before the Indian Patent Office, the patent application is then published in the official patent journal after 18 months from the date of filing. The aim of this publication is to invite the general public (if any) who has an objection to the proposed patent application. In case the applicant wants to publish the application earlier then Form 9 can be submitted for an early publication. However, if the submitted application along with the forms is incomplete then the application can be rejected at this stage.   STEP - 5: Examination of Patent Application After the publication of the patent application, the applicant shall file Form 18 for a request for examination of the proposed invention by the patent officer in the Indian Patent Office. The patent examination request can be filed within 48 months from the date of filing the patent application (priority date). If the examination request has not been filed within the specified time period then the proposed patent application will be treated as withdrawn by the Indian Patent Office. It is mandatory to file the examination request application within the prescribed time frame.  After the examination of the invention, the patent officer issues an examination report which consists of grounds of objections (if any) which is known as the First Examination Report (FER). The applicant shall reply to the objections (if any) within 12 months from the date of issuance of FER. If the reply is not made within the prescribed time period by the applicant, then the proposed patent application shall be abandoned.    STEP - 6: Grant of Patent Protection Once the examiner finds no objection in the proposed patent application or all the objections have been resolved, then patent protection is granted to the applicant for the proposed invention.  Note: Post-grant Opposition - Once the patent has been granted any third party can still oppose the grant. The post-grant opposition can be filed in the patent office only within 12 months from the date of patent grant for the proposed invention. After the expiration of this time period, no third party can oppose the patent grant.    Fees required for Patent Registration According to the official website of IP India, fees for patent registration in India are given below -  Description Normal Applicant Special Applicant (natural person/start-up/educational institute/small entity) Application fee for up to one priority, up to 30 pages, and 10 claims Rs 8000 Rs 1600 For every page above 30 pages Rs 800 Rs 160 For every claim above 10 claims Rs 1600 Rs 320 For every extra priority  Rs 8000 Rs 1600

  • Gaurav
May 16, 2022
Sheridan Fellowship for Legal Professionals, NUS Law Faculty, Singapore

The National University of Singapore Faculty of Law (NUS Law) is pleased to invite applications for Sheridan Fellowship from September 1.   About NUS Law, Singapore The National University of Singapore Faculty of Law is Singapore’s oldest law school. NUS Law was initially established in 1956 as the Department of Law at the University of Malaya.    About Legal Fellowship These full-time fellowships are intended to serve as a bridge between either undergraduate study or work in the legal profession and a tenure-track academic position with a strong foundation in Singapore law. Successful candidates will be appointed for two years on a competitive salary. Candidates will teach half of the standard faculty workload, typically by joining one of the team-taught compulsory subjects. The reduced load will free up considerable time for research, supported by a faculty mentor who will read and comment on your work, and advise on publication avenues. Sheridan Fellows are expected to actively participate in faculty events and to present at least one paper in the Faculty Research Workshop.   Eligibility An outstanding undergraduate LLB degree; and Demonstrated potential to produce high-quality research Applicants may also have an LLM degree (or its equivalent) but this is not essential. Successful candidates who do not have an LLM degree will be required to complete an LLM and will generally be expected to obtain a doctorate, prior to being appointed to the tenure track. Applicants who are interested in any area of law and who deploy different research methodologies are welcome to apply.   How to Apply? To apply for the legal fellowship, submit the following documents at lawfsc@nus.edu.sg A letter of interest A curriculum vitae, Transcripts of your results,  A list of at least three referees, Complete this consent form: https://law.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NUS-personal-data-consent-for-job-applicants.pdf   Location Singapore   Deadline October 31   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
May 16, 2022
Public Interest Law Fellowship at Independence Foundation, USA

Independence Foundation, USA invites young lawyers, and attorneys to apply for the public interest law fellowship. The applicants must have a strong skill set and experience working in the public interest sector.   About Independence Foundation The mission of the Independence Foundation is to build leadership, provide services, and encourage systems and cultural change through the support of organizations in the fields of healthcare, human services, legal aid, and the arts. The Foundation invests in people and programs that protect, improve and enrich the life experiences of residents of Philadelphia and its surrounding Pennsylvania counties, with a focus on the vulnerable and excluded. Its work is based on the belief that a region that promotes physical well-being, provides equal access to justice and services, and appreciates the value of the arts will thrive for generations to come.   About Public Interest Law Fellowship In 1996, Independence Foundation established the Public Interest Law Fellowships.  Through the fellowship program, the Foundation funds the compensation and employment benefits for accomplished young lawyers who have decided to direct their considerable talents to public interest service.   Role and Responsibilities of the Fellow Fellows work for a sponsoring legal services organization serving the disadvantaged whose work has been funded previously by Independence Foundation. The Foundation requires that the focus of all Fellowship work be on the direct representation of disadvantaged clients. The Foundation also assists the Fellows in repayment of their often substantial educational loans.   Who can apply for the Public Interest Law Fellowship? Law school graduates, outgoing judicial law clerks and attorneys who are currently employed and who want to work in the public interest for a nonprofit legal services organization. The application must be made within five years of law school graduation.   Salary/Perks Fellowship will provide the first-year Fellow with an annual salary in the amount of $60,000 (USD), plus the cost of health care benefits, disability insurance and employer’s withholding taxes as compensation for full-time employment. Fellows who owe student loans an amount equal to the amount due and payable on such loans during the term of the Fellowship up to a maximum amount of $10,000 (USD) in each Fellowship year.   Duration The duration of a Fellowship is one year. Fellowships may be renewed for one additional year if requested by the Fellow and approved by the Foundation Board of Directors and the sponsoring organization.   How to apply? Click here to apply for Public Interest Law Fellowship.   Location Philadelphia, USA   For further information, please click here.

  • Gaurav
May 13, 2022
University of Derby GREAT Scholarships 2022

Applications are invited from eligible candidates for the University of Derby GREAT Scholarships 2022.   About the Scholarship In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, the University of Derby is offering 8 scholarships to international students applying for postgraduate courses starting in September 2022. The GREAT Scholarships 2022 programme, launched by the British Council together with 41 UK universities, supports postgraduate students to access world-class UK higher education opportunities.   Eligibility and Financial Support The scholarship programme offers financial support of £11,000 to eligible students pursuing one year of postgraduate study at the University of Derby and must be from one of the following countries: China Ghana India Indonesia Malaysia Nigeria Pakistan Thailand.   How to Apply? Applications for the British Council GREAT scholarship should be made after you have received an offer, using the form below. As part of your application, you will need to include an essay of no more than 500 words about a topic you have studied previously and why you found it interesting. This topic should be related to or have inspired you to apply for your chosen degree programme. This essay will be part of the shortlisting criteria, alongside previous academic achievement, and the potential you show. shortlisted applicants may be asked to attend a video interview with the selection committee the deadline for applications for this scholarship is 23:59 BST on 1 June 2022 if you are awarded a GREAT scholarship, you are not eligible to receive any other scholarships or discounts from the University of Derby Please note that applicants should be passport holders of China, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, or Thailand. The application link is available here.   Application Deadline June 1, 2022   For more information, click here.  

  • Gaurav
May 13, 2022
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship 2022 at Griffith University, Australia

Applications are invited from eligible candidates for the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship 2022 at Griffith University, Australia.   About Griffith University Griffith University is a public research university in South East Queensland on the east coast of Australia. Formally founded in 1971, Griffith opened its doors in 1975, introducing Australia’s first degrees in environmental science and Asian studies.   About the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship The Griffith Remarkable Scholarship rewards exceptional students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degree programs at Griffith University.   Eligibility To be eligible you must: Be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand. Have a minimum GPA in previous studies of 5.5 or above on a 7-point scale or equivalent. Check your suitability in the Minimum GPA criteria below Have applied to study at Griffith by the scholarship application closing date. Satisfy all academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program. Be a full-time student (40CP) starting in Trimester 2 or 3 2022.   Process Apply to study an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at Griffith University. Apply for the scholarship by the closing date (see below). You will need to include academic records and a personal statement. A University panel will review your application. We will let you know the outcome of your application.   Receiving the Scholarship To receive the scholarship you will need to accept both your program offer and the scholarship by the deadline. If you don’t accept the scholarship by the date specified in your Letter of Offer, the scholarship will be withdrawn. Once you start studying at Griffith the scholarship will be applied prior to the census date of each trimester on meeting the ongoing enrolment requirements (see below). You must pay the remaining balance of fees, based on your enrolment, by census date.   How to Apply? Click here to apply for the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship 2022 at Griffith University, Australia.   Application Deadline August 5, 2022   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
May 13, 2022
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) Scholarships 2022

Applications are invited from eligible candidates for the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) Scholarships 2022.   About the JNMF The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) formally came into being when a National Committee consisting of 110 members was convened in New Delhi on 17 August 1964 under the Chairmanship of Dr S. Radhakrishnan, then President of India. This Committee unanimously adopted a Deed of Declaration of Trust and nominated the first Trustees, Holding Trustees and Members of the Executive Committee.   Categories of JNMF Scholarships The scholarships are available for Ph.D. study in India to the following categories of students: Indian Nationals Nationals of other Asian countries   Eligibility Conditions A candidate may apply for a scholarship in any one of the following areas of specialization: Indian History and Civilization Sociology Comparative Studies in Religion & Culture Economics Geography Philosophy Ecology & Environment   Duration of JNMF Scholarships Up to 2 years   Value of Scholarship for both the categories Maintenance allowance including Tuition fee – Rs.18,000 per month Contingent expenses for study tours within India, purchase of books, stationery, etc. – Rs.15,000 per annum   How to Apply? The completed application form together with all the necessary enclosures should reach Administrative Secretary, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Teen Murti House, New Delhi-110011 on or before 31 May. The candidates are advised to send their applications as soon as possible. The Fund will not be responsible for any postal delays in reaching the application by the due date. The Selection Committee’s decision to call a candidate for interview or select a candidate for scholarship will be final and no representation in this regard will be entertained.   Enclosures A passport size photograph of the applicant to be pasted on the form. A synopsis of the proposed project as per the attached format. Doctoral Monitoring Committee’s report or Supervisor’s report/recommendations. Postal Order/Demand Draft for Rs.100. Ph.D registration certificate. Incomplete and unsigned forms are liable to be rejected.   Application Deadline May 31, 2022   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
May 12, 2022
How to register a Trademark in India?

The Trademark Act 1999 defines a trademark as a visual or graphical representation of a name, logo, sign, device, numeric characters, or combination of colors utilized by businesses to differentiate their good and services from other similar businesses in the market. A trademark is an intellectual asset of a business that gives a unique identity to its products, goods, or services, and no deceptive similarity or confusion would be created among the customers.  In India, trademarks are registered and governed under the Trademark Act, 1999. The trademarks are registered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (Office of the Registrar of Trademarks), Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Government of India. The trademark registration has a fixed period of validity of 10 years from the date of filing of the application. After the expiration of 10 years, the owner can renew the trademark by filing a trademark renewal application for an extended period of another 10 years.  Trademark registration is important as it gives exclusive rights to the trademark owner to use the particular trademark to create goodwill in the market as well as legal protection against competitors. According to the Nice Classification, there is a total of 45 classes of trademark registration. Class 1-34 deals with various goods and Class 35-45 deals with various services. In case of trademark infringement, the offender will be punished with imprisonment of a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of years, and the minimum fine shall not be less than Rs 50,000 which may be extended up to Rs 2,00,000.    The step-by-step procedure to register a trademark in India is as given below:   STEP 1: Trademark Search The applicant should conduct a trademark search to determine whether a proposed trademark is available for use. A trademark search can be done free of cost at the Indian Trademark Registry database. The applicant has to enter the wordmark/Vienna code/phonetic word along with the particular class to find out if the particular trademark is available to use for their goods/services or not.    STEP 2: File Trademark Application The trademark registration application form is Form TM - A, which can either be filed online at the official website of IP India or by physical mode at the Trademark Registry office depending on the jurisdiction of the trademark. The head of the Trademark Registry office is in Mumbai and other branch offices are in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahemdabad.    STEP 3: Examination of Trademark Application The Registrar/Examiner will conduct a mandatory examination of each trademark application for any discrepancies. The examiner might accept the application absolutely, conditionally, or reject it. Section 9 of the Trademark Act 1999 deals with absolute grounds of refusal for registration, whereas, Section 11 deals with relative grounds of refusal. If the application is accepted absolutely then the application will be published in the Trademark Journal, if accepted conditionally then the applicant will be given a fixed period of one month to correct the objections as per the examination report. If the application is rejected then the applicant can file for a hearing before the examiner. The examination process might take between 12-18 months from the date of applicated filed.     STEP 4: Publication Once the trademark application is accepted, the same is published in the Trademark Journal for a period of 4 months from the date of acceptance. The aim of this publication is to give a chance to the general public to file any opposition regarding the registration of that particular trademark. Any aggrieved party can file an opposition against the registration of a published trademark, within its time period via Form TM - O. If an opposition is filed, then a fair hearing will be held in the High Court depending upon the jurisdiction.    STEP 5: Registration Certificate The final process of the registration of a trademark is the issuance of a registration certificate under the seal of the Trademark Office. The applicant will be provided with a registration certificate which determines the protection and exclusive rights for that trademark are given to the owner for a period of 10 years, after which it can be renewed with a renewal application.    Documents needed for registration of trademark: It is not mandatory to submit the original documents for trademark registration. The scanned copies of the original documents will suffice the requirements.  Required documents are -  Duly signed Form- 48 - authorisation form from the applicant to his/her trademark attorney to file the application. Copy of identity proof - passport, aadhar card, PAN card, etc Copy of the proposed logo Copy of address proof - electricity bill, phone bill, etc  Udyog Aadhaar Registration Certificate - only for small enterprises like partnership firms, LLP, individuals Partnership Deed or Incorporation certificate Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) - if an applicant is e-filling

  • Gaurav
May 12, 2022
Consultatio Fellowship for Emerging Young Leaders by Civis, Mumbai

Civis, a non-profit organization, is launching a fellowship opportunity in Mumbai for fresh law graduates who wish to emerge as young leaders.   About Civis Civis has developed a platform that enables citizens engagement, in our democracies, by creating a channel for constructive dialogue between citizens and the Government on draft laws and policies. Through Civis, individuals in India can understand an upcoming law or policy and share their feedback on this law, this feedback goes straight to lawmakers. This crucial step of consultation allows for participatory design of policies, increased trust and dialogue. Civic Innovation Foundation believes that laws that are drafted for the people, should be drafted by the people.   About the Consultatio Fellowship Are you driven by a passion to do meaningful work that has a tangible impact? Civis is uniquely placed and is working with large audiences across socio-economic strata. Civis is launching a fellowship opportunity in Mumbai for fresh law graduates who wish to emerge as young leaders. Civis works across two verticals: On national level policies, through their website. At the grassroots with urban local bodies, and non-profit partners. The Consultatio Fellow will be involved with both these verticals. On their online platform, Civis: Aggregates all open laws seeking feedback. Simplifies these laws in easy to understand language. Translates them into local languages. Reaches out to individuals and gather inputs on these laws. Analyses and shares citizen’s feedback with the Government – building Government capacity to run effective Consultations, and gather actionable insights.   Roles & Responsibilities Responsibilities of the role of Consultatio Fellow include but are not limited to facilitating and managing public consultations on draft laws and policies on the platform. This includes: Scoping and staying updated on new draft policies open for consultation by Centre and State governments, along with local level authorities and updating the team about the same. Keeping tabs on the deadlines, extensions of various consultations and updating them on Trello and Civis’ backend admin panel accordingly. Writing and editing scripts for consultations where videos are being made Mapping the relevant policy update against the given consultation Creating and maintaining an archive of past consultations Managing the Policy Leaders Internship Programme Tracking and reporting progress of pre-legislative consultation process in India Assisting in Outreach and Communications Drafting and sending Citizen Engagement Reports in cases of successful public consultations. Drafting consultation summaries for government partners   Eligibility Law degree essential 0-2 years of experience, preferably in policy analysis Experience with editing law reviews/journals/magazines preferred   Required Skills Ability to understand and learn a content management system for our website Demonstrated interest in furthering civic-engagement and participation amongst communities A strong interest in mobilizing students for college clubs/societies is preferred   Duration of Fellowship One year full time in-person fellowship, beginning June/July 2022   Stipend INR 40,000/- per month   Registration Click here to apply for the Consultatio Fellowship Programme by Civis   Deadline Applications are open till May 24, 2022   Location Mumbai, India   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
May 12, 2022
AssisTech Foundation (ATF) Fellowship 2022

AssisTech Foundation in partnership with The Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India is inviting applications for 'AssisTech Foundation (ATF) Fellowship' for aspiring social innovators and changemakers.   ATF Fellowship is a 12-month program for young professionals who aspire to impact the livelihood, learning and living of people with disabilities. The fellowship program aims to engage bright, young minds in the mission of making this world more inclusive and accessible for over 1 billion people with disabilities in the world. The program will give the fellows an opportunity to work and contribute to the disability sector through technology as an enabler. The fellows will get opportunities to work with our talented cohort startup founders and ATF’s senior board members and advisors.   Who are we? AssisTech Foundation (ATF) is India’s first assistive technology focused ecosystem that supports and promotes disability focused start-ups. Since its inception, ATF’s goal has been to create more awareness about the world of disability and bring about a positive impact through the start-ups we nurture. In a span of 3.5 years, ATF has impacted the lives of 4.6 lakh (460,000) people with disabilities through its programs and initiatives. In its Accelerator program, ATF has a portfolio of 32 start-ups, with 85+ assistive technology products and 31 patents. ATF aims to create awareness about disability and how technology can be leveraged to bring about positive change, and at scale.   Why start a Fellowship? The ATF Fellowship Program has been conceptualized with a vision to invite young and entrepreneurial minds to further strengthen the mission of creating a world of joy for every person with disability in the world. The sector of disability and assistive technology is very new to the world. But with the urgency and pressing requirement of solutions for people with disabilities need maximum number of young people who can bring in fresh ideas, create new technologies, do pioneering research and lead initiatives. During the course of the fellowship, the fellows will not only develop project management skills, research experience, design thinking, problem solving frameworks but also develop a unique understanding of the accessibility and inclusion space.   Eligibility Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Commerce/Sciences/Law/ Engineering/management. or 2+ years of work experience in any sector.   Timeline Applications open: April 2022 Applications close: May 31st 2022 Shortlisting + Assignment: June 15th 2022 Final round: 30th June 2022 Fellowship starts: July 15th 2022   Other Details Duration: 12 month Program Location: Bangalore Fellows will receive a Monthly Stipend   Registration To apply for the AssisTech Foundation (ATF) Fellowship 2022, Click here.   For more details, click here.

  • Gaurav
May 09, 2022
Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship 2022 for Social Engagement

Applications are invited for Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship 2022 for Social Engagement. The last date of application is 15 May.   About Fellowship The Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship for Social Engagement will give graduates and early to mid-career professionals the confidence and security to explore alternatives and make independent choices about their lives while contributing to social change. The fellowship aims to increase participation in public life among young people while encouraging them to challenge the status quo. The fellowship will give young people the opportunity to work with a mentor of their choice and involve themselves in a process where knowledge drives social change. The work pursued may take many forms, including action-oriented research, cause lawyering, grassroots journalism, conservation efforts, minority rights, public health etc. The fellowship will give participants the chance to build a diverse worldview and establish long-lasting connections to issues of public importance. The fellowship is committed to supporting equality of opportunity, social inclusion, freedom of expression, and respect for individual and constitutional rights.   Eligibility Six fellowships will be awarded across the following two categories: Graduates (applicants must not have attained the age of 30 years as on 15.5.2022 and must have a bachelor’s degree); and Early to mid-career professionals (applicants must not have attained the age of 35 years as on 15.5.2022 and must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience). Equal consideration will be given to candidates from urban and rural areas.   Application The application process is designed to facilitate an easy understanding of your candidature and to assess whether your vision is aligned with the fellowship. Applicants are expected to submit the following documents: Work Plan A concise description of the work or research the applicant plans to undertake during the fellowship period. The applicant should define the expected outcomes of their work or research. The work plan should not exceed 1000 words. Statement of Purpose The Statement of Purpose should also address the following: How does your work plan contribute to social change? How long have you undertaken this work? How do you plan to contribute to the public discourse on your chosen issue? You could employ any medium such as writing for publications, publishing reports, filmmaking, photography, blogging, archiving, theatre etc. The statement of purpose should not exceed 1000 words. Letter of Endorsement from the Mentor Through this letter, the mentor should endorse the applicant’s work plan and agree to supervise their work during the fellowship period, as well as indicate their willingness to review and comment upon the applicant’s quarterly and annual progress reports. Resume Letter of Recommendation A letter from a person who has supervised the applicant’s work for at least 6 months. This person could also be the mentor if the applicant has worked with them for the requisite time period. For fresh graduates an academic letter of recommendation is acceptable. Declaration Form Applicants should submit a signed copy of the declaration form available here disclosing other sources of funding, if any, along with attesting to the accuracy of the documents provided by them and consenting to the foundation’s data policy. Please email the above mentioned documents, separately labeled, in a zipped folder labeled by your name to fellowships[at]inlaksfoundation.org. Please mention “Application for Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship for Social Engagement” in the subject line.   Important dates The applications for the fellowship will be accepted until 15.5.2022. On the basis of the above, short listed candidates will be announced on 15.6.2022 following which they will be invited for a final interview by a selection committee in June 2022. The final list of selected fellows will be announced on 1.7.2022 and they will be expected to begin work from 1.8.2022.   Fellowship Awards Depending on the geographical location of the fellow, the fellowship stipend will be as follows: 45,000 per month if the fellow is living and working in a “X” category area. 35,000 per month if the fellow is living and working in a “Y” category area. 25,000 per month if the fellow is living and working in a “Z” category area.* In exceptional cases, additional funding up to a maximum of Rs. 20,000 can be granted for special projects undertaken by a fellow. This will be approved on a case-by-case basis upon submission of a proposal describing the particulars of the said initiative and the expenses involved. The fellowship will last for 2 years subject to satisfactory completion of a probation period and quarterly and annual review of the fellows’ work. The probation period will be for the first 6 months of the fellowship. The stipend will be disbursed half yearly in advance. The stipend is subject to timely receipt of quarterly reports in which fellows self assess their progress. These reports will be reviewed and commented on by their mentor before submission.   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
May 06, 2022
Schwarzman Scholars Masters Program, (1 year Masters in Global Affairs) [2023-24] at Tsinghua University, China

Schwarzman Scholarship invites applications for its Class of 2023-24 for the Schwarzman Scholars Masters Program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University, China.   About Tsinghua University Tsinghua University is a national public research university in Beijing, China. The university is funded by the Ministry of Education. Tsinghua University is a member of the C9 League.   About Schwarzman Scholars Schwarzman Scholars, founded by American financier Stephen A. Schwarzman, is an international postgraduate award program for students to study at Tsinghua University. Awards are made to 100–200 applicants per year, worldwide. The program selects scholars based on their leadership ability, academic achievement, and demonstrated potential to become the next generation of global leaders who will build bridges between China and the rest of the world. Selected scholars study for a fully-funded one-year master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University. The program launched in June 2016, upon the completion of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, located in Beijing, China, and is housed in a college designed by Robert A.M. Stern, Dean of the Yale School of Architecture. It hosts up to 200 scholars annually from the United States, China, and other countries around the world. Schwarzman Scholars has an acceptance rate comparable to the Rhodes and Marshall scholarships, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in the world.   Why Schwarzman Scholars? It is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. In any sector, the success of future leaders around the world depends upon an understanding of China’s role in global trends. This program stands on the list of one of the most competitive scholarships in the world. It also finds a place in the list of the important scholarships every Master’s Degree (including the law graduates) candidate must take.   Key Attributes for applicants Leadership Abilities Exemplary Character & Integrity Academic Aptitude & Intellectual Ability Empathy & Intercultural Competency Open-Mindedness Entrepreneurial Spirit   Eligibility Must have an undergraduate degree Must be 18-28 years of age Must be proficient in the English language In addition to the above-listed attributes, the candidates must also fulfil the following criteria.   Selection Cycle For US and Global Applicants: Selections: Oct-Nov 2022 Classes begin: Aug 2023 For applicants with Chinese Passports: Selections: June-July 2022 Classes begin: Aug 2023   Application Process To apply for the Schwarzman Scholars Program, click on the link given here. Click here for the application instructions.   Application Deadline September 20, 2022   Contact Information Email: admissions@schwarzmanscholars.org   For more information, click here.

  • Gaurav
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