Name of the Student
Mohammed Ihsan Shafeeque
College and Year of Study
Vellore Institute of Technology School of Law Chennai, 5th Year
Name and Address of the Organization
Thomas & Thomas Advocates Valavi Rd, Kacheripady, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682026
Duration of Internship
4 weeks
How did you Apply?
I sent my internship application through email. After a few days, I got a reply from the office stating there were vacancies for interns. They requested me to send a mail clarifying the time period I wish to intern at the office. After I sent the mail, the office sent a reply within a day confirming the internship. The reply mail contained all the necessary requirements and conditions. The firm informed me about the joining date and the daily timings of the internship.
First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, First Impression
My timings for the internship were from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The first-day formalities were very simple, I was introduced to the advocates at the firm and they were extremely welcoming and friendly. I had a brief interview with the Senior Advocate who welcomed me and introduced me to the firm.
On the first day, I wasn’t given any work instead they gave me time to familiarise myself with the office and interact with the other interns. The infrastructure was very good and the office was very comfortable. My first impressions were very good and I was comfortable with the atmosphere. I was made to play some indoor games along with other interns and advocates so that we could get familiarised and comfortable.
Main Tasks
The firm mostly dealt with corporate cases so I was asked to make sample drafts for reply affidavits. I was given a reference letter from the company so that I could get the facts. I also was asked to draft sample police complaints. Then I had the opportunity to participate in an arbitration proceeding at CIAL ( Cochin Airport) where I got a first-hand experience in arbitration. I was taken to the High Court and the Labor Court to attend proceedings of certain cases.
Work Environment
The work environment at the firm was excellent. There was a sense of calmness that I observed which many other legal firms do not have. There is no extreme pressure but at the same time, everything is extremely disciplined. All the advocates worked in harmony and they also spent a lot of time with the interns and gave us personal advice to improve ourselves.
Good things
The internship improved my drafting skills and also gave me a first-hand experience in the corporate legal field. Witnessing an arbitration proceeding was an unforgettable and rare experience. I was able to understand how an arbitration proceeding works and analyze its features. I was taken to a really good restaurant at the expense of the firm along with other interns. The advocates at the firm were extremely friendly and enlightened us with new knowledge.
Bad things
There was nothing bad about my internship experience at this firm. I totally felt comfortable with the atmosphere of the firm. I just wish I was able to spend more time with the firm because it was one of the best internship experiences I had. It is more beneficial for those in their final years because you might get a preference to get some serious work experience. I was in my third year at the time of the internship so I wasn’t given the opportunity to draft for real cases, however, my co-interns who were in the final years got the chance to draft more.
Accommodation & Conveyance to Office
The firm does not provide any accommodation, you have to find the place on your own. I stayed at a hostel which was just 5 minutes to walk from the firm. There are many hostels for males near the firm. Since the firm is close to the High Court there are many hostels to accommodate law interns.
Stipend
This is not a paid internship and there are no stipends. You can intern at this firm purely for the intention of gaining experience.
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