Ms. Ruchira Bali will start her International and Comparative Law LL.M. this year at Trinity College Dublin. She has completed her BB.A.LL.B. from the Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad (2015-2020). In this interview she talks about the LL.M. Application Process, scholarships and much more.
- Congratulations on getting an LLM offer from Trinity College Dublin! At what stage of your undergraduate study did you decide to go for an LLM?
Thank you very much for the wishes! I decided to pursue my LLM since the beginning of my undergraduate degree BB.A.LL.B, having envisioned for myself a career in International Law. I feel that an LLM will help me to sharpen my academic knowledge and polish the skills which are needed to be an effective critical thinker.
- Did you get any scholarship for pursuing your LLM?
Yes, I have obtained a Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship for the year 2020-21 worth 5,000 euros. The process for which is a highly competitive one, and is given on its website.
- As we all know, the Coronavirus has disrupted our daily lives and universities around the world are facing various difficulties while starting the academic year for the new LLM batches. What steps has Trinity taken for the new LLM students who will start their classes this year?
Indeed these are the tough times, however, Trinity College Dublin has devised a set of policies and guidelines in conformity with the government decisions, and has adopted the hybrid mode of learning and teaching for the first semester involving as much face to face learning that may be possible provided the second wave does not take place. Additionally, they are implementing measures to ensure proper social distancing. I appreciate the steps undertaken by the college authorities.
- Trinity is quite an interesting choice as most Indian students choose UK or US universities as their LLM destination. Why did you choose this university?
I chose Trinity for its glorious history, academic reputation and international nature of the university. It was founded in 1592. Trinity is also Ireland’s top-ranked university. Situated in the centre of Ireland’s vibrant capital city, Trinity’s stunning campus is home to a community of scholars at the cutting edge of research and teaching. Combining historic traditions with world-renowned centres of research excellence, Trinity College Dublin offers a unique opportunity to blend a rigorous academic programme with an unparalleled array of cultural, social and professional experiences. It also has a huge deposit library with significant number of volumes, and researchers draw almost €70million annually in external funding. Trinity students also receive a world-class education at a leading university for both teaching and research. It is for these reasons and much more, Trinity makes up for an interesting choice of university for pursuing postgraduate degree. It is also Ranked 1st in Ireland, and 101st in the world (QS University Rankings).
- Please walk us through the LLM Application Process. How did you approach the Statement of Purpose?
The Application window opens in November each year for the succeeding year and it closes in June the next year. One has to have a reasonably good academic performance in terms of grades, and in the Statement of Purpose you should have indicated as to what kind of a person you are, what constitutes your individuality, talents, how you can contribute to the Irish society, and to your own country. Emphasis should be on why you chose a particular program, and how it aligns with your career goals and aspirations. The choice of subjects is very important and this will enable you to develop your desired set of skills.
- What are some of the extracurricular or experimental learning opportunities that Trinity College Dublin generally provides for students who opt for the International and Comparative Law LL.M.?
It engages students in variety of symposiums, seminars, webinars, debate competitions, moot court competition, and skill workshops, practical learning through industry collaboration so and so forth through which the horizon of a student is broadened. Not only this, cultural events like fests, concerts and movie screenings are also organized from time to time.
I believe interacting with students from different parts of the world is what I look forward to the most, in addition to the intellectually stimulating academic learning that awaits me.
- Lastly, where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I see myself as a lawyer, litigating in the courts of the International Courts of Justice as well as domestically fighting for the cause of natural justice and the rule of law for both the privileged section and the underprivileged.
Furthermore, I also see myself contributing academically to the field of knowledge through effective and ethical research and of course maybe even engage myself in teaching.