Interview: Rima Hore | Assistant Professor of Law, IFIM Law School, Bangalore

Rima Hore holds the position of Assistant Professor of Law at IFIM Law School in Bangalore. Rima Hore graduated with a BBA LLB (Hons) degree from the University School of Law and Legal Studies, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi. She completed her post-graduation in International and Comparative Law at WBNUJS, Kolkata, where she received the gold medal for merit in the specialization.

She is presently enrolled in a PhD program at WBNUJS. She has previously worked with Ramaiah College of Law, Bangalore and the School of Law, NMIMS Navi Mumbai. She has taught a wide range of subjects, including Jurisprudence, Environmental Law, Banking and Insurance Law, Legal Methods, Legal English, Indian Penal Code and Interpretation of Statutes.

Rima has also served in the capacity of faculty coordinator for various student-led committees such as the Placement and Recruitment Cell, Debate and Diplomacy Committee, and Centre of Excellence, among others.

Her teaching and research interests lie in the areas of public international law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, international environmental law, and air and space law. She participated in numerous national and international conferences and has several publications to her credit.

Legal Bites: What initially drew you to the legal field, and how has that evolved over your career?

Rima Hore: What drew me to the law as a student was that it provides opportunities to make a meaningful impact in people's lives, whether it be as an advocate for human rights within society or helping resolve the problems of clients. Being in this field has allowed me to develop critical thinking skills and an awareness of the world around me.

As a law teacher, I appreciate that I have the chance to interact with bright young minds, teach them the nuances of law and also learn from them.

Legal Bites: Can you describe a particularly rewarding or challenging experience you've had in your legal career or an internship, and what did you learn from it?

Rima Hore: In my career as a law academic, one of the biggest challenges I have faced is being required to take up subjects that may not necessarily align with my interests or expertise. My takeaway is that one must be able to step outside of their comfort zone and be willing to grow and broaden their horizons. Ultimately, new experiences can often be the most rewarding.

Legal Bites: Looking back at your legal education, what do you wish you had known or focused on more as a law student?

Rima Hore: I think that there is a gap between theory and practice when it comes to legal education. I wish I had focused more on internships, which help to inculcate real-world skills and prepare a student for the competitive job market. Networking is also something that wasn't emphasised much back in the day but is extremely important today. At the same time, one cannot neglect academics because that is the foundation upon which you build.

Legal Bites: In your opinion, what are the most important skills for success in today's legal landscape?

Rima Hore: I believe that while public speaking, reasoning, research and writing are core competencies that a lawyer must be proficient in, interpersonal skills as well as adaptability are essential for success in the evolving legal landscape in the present day.

Legal Bites: How do you stay up-to-date with the evolving legal field?

Rima Hore: Since law functions within the larger social, political and economic environment in the country, I try to ensure that I read the newspapers daily to stay up to date. Additionally, I make use of certain websites that publish legal updates, follow emerging trends within my professional network on LinkedIn, attend faculty development programs and enrol in short courses on a range of diverse legal topics whenever I can find the time.

Legal Bites: What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a Dispute Resolution or Arbitration career?

Rima Hore: I would suggest that students should practise effective communication and conflict resolution by participating in ADR competitions or even venturing into the field as part of legal aid cells. Researching and writing on dispute resolution while in law school can also help build expertise. Students might want to register with professional organisations and invest in education and training specific to dispute resolution alongside their degree. Targeting internships in this area and seeking mentorship from a competent professional should be part of the plan.

Legal Bites: Beyond academics, what extracurricular activities or experiences would you recommend for aspiring lawyers?

Rima Hore: I would strongly recommend that in the first couple years at law school, students must try and participate in the widest range of extracurricular activities and experiences, especially the ones that may seem more daunting. This will enable the student to understand what the legal field has to offer, understand their strengths and weaknesses and narrow down their interests.

In the later part of their law school journey, this will help provide a sense of purpose and direction, which many law students struggle with, given their limited self-awareness and the wide range of choices available. Law students should develop an interdisciplinary approach and even explore activities in the spectrum of business or technical education such as startup pitching or coding competitions that can help them build skills to pursue dynamic, non-conventional careers outside of traditional legal roles.

Legal Bites: How would you describe the student-faculty relationship at our law school?

Rima Hore: In my two years at NMIMS Navi Mumbai, I have been witness to a positive change where teachers and students have a symbiotic relationship. While on one hand, our brilliant students encourage us to keep learning and deliver our best, we as teachers also motivate them to explore their passions and strive for excellence.

Personally, with the help of my students, I believe that I have been able to create a safe space based on mutual respect, empathy and integrity that is conducive to effective teaching-learning and I am immensely proud of the many achievements of my students in the legal domain and beyond. I hope to be able to continue in the same spirit in my current role at IFIM Law School, Bangalore.

Legal Bites: Is there anything else you'd like to tell prospective law students about the legal profession or our law school?

Rima Hore: Students need to understand that law school and the legal profession require hard work and a great deal of commitment. It demands sheer determination and perseverance. Time management is of utmost importance. Students will need to strike the right work-life balance to be able to prioritise their wellbeing, nurture their hobbies and spend time with their loved ones while fulfilling all academic requirements in a proper, timely fashion.

Legal Bites: To what extent do you believe platforms such as Legal Bites are beneficial for students and contribute to their learning and development?

Rima Hore: I think platforms like Legal Bites can support students in their law school journey since they host information about a variety of opportunities that they can avail, alongside providing learning resources that students may use to supplement their exam preparation in addition to their textbooks.

Legal Bites: Would you recommend platforms like Legal Bites to both law students and professionals, considering the valuable services they offer?

Rima Hore: Law students are generally tech-savvy and they are already making use of these platforms for their benefit. It is a good time to be a law student now, with such services widely available at our fingertips.