Dr. Astha Mehta | HOD at the School of Legal Studies, Apeejay Stya University

Legal Bites: What inspired you to choose law as your career?

Dr. Astha Mehta: My inspiration for choosing a career in law stems from several factors. First and foremost, my father, who is an Advocate, played a significant role. His work and passion for the field deeply influenced me and you know how every girl looks up to her father. I had made up my mind to do law when I was really small. Additionally, I’ve always believed in the importance of understanding one’s rights.

Knowing your rights is essential because it empowers individuals. Finally, recognizing that disputes are an inevitable part of life, I wanted to be equipped with the skills to address and resolve conflicts effectively. And then NALSAR happened, so there was no question of choosing anything else.

Legal Bites: What advice do you want to give to future aspirants who want to pursue a PhD in law?

Dr. Astha Mehta: I would say not just PhD but keep learning all your life, it’s really important to stay relevant. It’s important to keep unlearning and re-learning with the changing times. You have to stay relevant. It’s all about survival of the fittest.

Learning keeps the mind sharp and adaptable. It helps individuals stay current with evolving knowledge, adapt to changes, and continuously improve themselves, leading to greater opportunities and a more fulfilling life. If you are in academics, you must enrol yourself in PhD as soon as you finish your Masters. See whether you want to just focus on PhD or work simultaneously. That’s totally a personal decision.

Choose your area wisely because you will have no option but to regret your topic at a later stage, stay updated with the latest developments in your area, seek guidance and feedback from peers and mentors, and equip yourself with robust research methodologies and legal research tools. Most importantly, maintain a disciplined schedule to manage your time effectively.

If you are someone who is looking at just adding another degree then do it when you are mentally prepared for it because it requires your time, energy and patience. The journey can be challenging, but persistence and resilience will see you through to completion.

Legal Bites: What were some of the most influential courses or areas of study in the field of business law that you believe should be studied at least once by individuals seeking a similar degree?

Dr. Astha Mehta: Well, if you are particularly talking about Business Law then you could consider Corporate Law, Contract Law, Securities Regulation, Intellectual Property Law, Antitrust/ Competition Law, Bankruptcy Law, Employment Law, Commercial transactions etc. These courses provide a comprehensive foundation in business law, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the legal complexities of the business world.

Legal Bites: Can you share your journey towards receiving the gold medal for your LLM in Business Law? What advice would you give to current or prospective LLM students aiming for the same?

Dr. Astha Mehta: During my LLM, my professors were exceptional. I looked forward to going to the class every day. They made classroom learning so seamless and engaging. Their motivation and my parents' emotional support were pivotal in my journey. I started to actively participate in class discussions, seminars, and conferences. I maintained a distraction-free study schedule that allowed me to stay on top of my assignments and prepare for lectures and exams effectively. I did have a good time with my friends as well.

I chose a challenging dissertation topic and dedicated a good amount of time to research under the valuable guidance of my supervisor. My journey towards receiving the gold medal for my LLM in Business Law was a blend of dedication and strategic planning.

Legal Bites: According to your experience, if someone wants to pursue a career as a professor and dreams of becoming the head of a department of law, what essentials do they need to keep in mind?

Dr. Astha Mehta: I believe whatever you do, give it your 100%. When you are looking at pursuing academics, you need to have a genuine desire to inspire and educate students. Anyone can acquire degrees and knowledge but a professor needs the ability to explain complex concepts to the students in a simple manner using pedagogy that helps them retain the concept for life and at the same time understand that each student will learn at his/her pace so show empathy and patience in addressing their needs.

Knowing and being able to deliver are two different things. Be well prepared for class. I have been teaching Contract law for 10 years now and I still have to study for every lecture. I need to keep myself updated with the latest case laws. Be approachable, and make students comfortable to ask questions in class.

Apart from being a good teacher, one requires academic excellence like educational qualification from top-notch institutions known for quality education, good publications, teaching experience and leadership skills, and strategic planning to get promoted to a role such as HOD/ Dean.

Take on administrative roles within the department, such as being a committee member, or program director. This experience is important to understand departmental operations. Be involved in strategic planning and decision-making processes within the department.

Understanding budgeting, resource allocation, documentation and policy development is essential for a head of department. You can enrol in courses or certifications related to pedagogy, leadership, and law to enhance your skills and credentials. You can join professional associations/ organisations such as INALP, INBA etc.

It is important to develop excellent communication skills. You will need them to effectively convey ideas, mediate conflicts, and advocate for your department. Have a clear vision for the future of legal education and be open to innovative teaching methods. Last but the most important one, uphold high standards of integrity and ethics. As a leader, your actions set the tone for the department. Lead by example.

Legal Bites: "Having taught students across different age groups, what common thread or guiding principle have you found to be most effective in helping them shape their career? Can you elaborate on how this approach has influenced your teaching philosophy and career trajectory?"

Dr. Astha Mehta: Irrespective of the age, I encourage students to ask questions and not think how silly is their question. I believe knowledge has to be sought beyond textbooks. The monologue doesn’t work for effective teaching. There has to be a healthy dialogue between the Professor and the students.

By nurturing these skills, I've seen students develop a deeper understanding and a more proactive approach to their careers. This philosophy has driven my career trajectory towards creating an inclusive, dynamic learning environment that empowers students to become innovative, ethical professionals in the legal field.

Legal Bites: While training the Manipur Court Judges and Advocates of the High court and lower court, what training methodologies did you employ? How did you balance theoretical knowledge with practical application?

Dr. Astha Mehta: Training Manipur Court Judges and Advocates involved interactive methodologies, case studies, and simulations. I used role-playing exercises and scenario-based discussions to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Legal Bites: From your 16 publications, what is the one particular work that changed your point of view in that area?

Dr. Astha Mehta: While it's challenging to single out one publication, all 16 of my works collectively influenced my perspective. Each paper, addressing varied legal issues, enriched my understanding and highlighted the multifaceted nature of law.

Legal Bites: Could you elaborate on your involvement in INALP? What specific activities or committees were you part of?

Dr. Astha Mehta: At INALP, I got ample opportunities to collaborate with them and expand my network. You get to attend various conferences, seminars and workshops organised by them wherein I could engage in collaborative research projects with other academics and institutions. These connections did provide valuable insights and opportunities for my students as well. I got to collaborate with other departments and disciplines.

Legal Bites: What advice would you give to other legal professionals considering joining INALP?

Dr. Astha Mehta: You should not think twice and be a part of such Associations meant for professionals. Being a part of these associations can enhance your reputation and broaden your professional network. These associations act as a bridge between academicians and lawyers/ law firms.

Legal Bites: How do you stay updated with the latest developments in law to ensure you provide the best education to the students?

Dr. Astha Mehta: To stay updated with the latest developments in law, I regularly read leading legal journals and publications, attend national and international conferences, and participate in webinars and workshops.

I subscribe to legal databases and newsletters for real-time updates on new cases, legislation, and regulatory changes. Engaging with professional networks and collaborating with colleagues in academia and practice also provides diverse perspectives and insights. This continuous learning approach ensures that I bring current, relevant knowledge into the classroom, enriching the educational experience for my students and preparing them for the evolving legal landscape.

Legal Bites: In your opinion, how do online platforms such as Legal Bites assist young lawyers in staying updated on recent developments?

Dr. Astha Mehta: Online platforms like Legal Bites provide young lawyers and students pursuing law with timely updates on recent legal developments through curated articles, expert analyses, and case summaries. They offer a centralized resource for legal news, important judgments, and legislative changes, making it easier for lawyers to stay informed and relevant.

Additionally, these platforms often feature webinars, online courses, and discussion forums, which facilitate continuous learning and professional growth. By providing accessible, up-to-date information and interactive learning opportunities, Legal Bites and similar platforms play a crucial role in keeping young lawyers abreast of the evolving legal landscape.

Legal Bites: Do you consider extensive online libraries such as Legal Bites to be a convenient resource for accessing information on a wide range of topics in one place?

Dr. Astha Mehta: Yes, extensive online libraries like Legal Bites are highly convenient for accessing a broad range of legal information in one place which saves a lot of time and also doesn’t compromise on the quality. Additionally, these platforms often provide advanced search features and organized content, making it easier to find specific information quickly. Since these online libraries offer comprehensive and readily accessible resources, they greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of legal research and learning.

Legal Bites: Thank you so much!