Vishnu S. Warrier graduated from University of Mysore in 2009. Thereafter he pursued LLM in Business law at National Law Institute University, Bhopal. While in NLIU, he founded an online law journal “The Lex-Warrier: Online Law Journal”. He has recently completed a Book on Arbitration which is about to release. Presently, he is working as an in-house counsel at HLL Life-care Limited (a Miniratna Co.) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India.
In this interview, he talks about:
- Preparation for CLAT Post-Graduate
- Establishing an online law journal
- Interview and work at HLL
Given that most of our readers are law students and lawyers, how would you introduce yourself to them?
Well… I’m Vishnu, a post graduate in law from NLIU, Bhopal and did my graduation in law (Five Year Course) from University of Mysore. Currently I am associated with the In-house legal team of a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India. Prior to that, I was working with the In-house legal team of Coromandel International Limited (A Murugappa Group Company). Besides, I have also founded an Online Law Journal titled “The Lex-Warrier: Online Law Journal” (ISSN: 2319-8338) accessible at www.lex-warrier.in and recently completed a Book on Arbitration which is about to release.
Why and when did you decide to study law? You have done your graduation from Mysore University. How would you describe your time there? Tell us about the academic environment and faculty at the law department of the University.
It was just few months before the completion of 12th Standard; I have decided to take up law as my profession. May be because, the subjects like Physics and Chemistry are not that digestible to me and neither had interest to go for either engineering or medicine. Further, the scope of the profession as well as its dignity in the society attracted me.
I could say that, life at Mysore was one of the best times in my career as well as personal life. Five years of life @ Law College has very much changed my concept about the legal profession as well as my approach to legal studies. We have got an excellent library in our campus, and academic environment is very much inspiring as well as we were very much influenced by our Professors like Dr. CKN Raja etc. in moulding our approach towards the profession as well as academics.
Do you believe that excellent CGPA is absolutely necessary for success?
Well, to be frank I don’t believe in CGPA has any role in your success. As far as I am concerned it’s only a number which will decide whether you should be called for an interview or not (In case you are applying for any Job). All you need is thorough knowledge of the subject in which you are planning practice. Eg: Environmental Law. Further, you should have an idea of all other related subjects. However, in today’s competitive job market a candidate with higher CGPA will have a better chance to be called for any interview.
What were your areas of interest during your graduation? How did you go about developing expertise and knowledge in these areas?
May be because, I’ve taken Science in my 11th & 12th I had a special interest on IPR papers especially Patents and Trademarks. By reading lots of articles and journals on those areas (in any subjects) will help us to understand the concepts thoroughly and by going through various judgments will help us to understand the application of relevant provisions. In that, process it is possible that the reader may not agree with the author or he may have a conflicting opinion on the subject. When such situation arises, it is always recommended to discuss such topics with your fellow classmates, seniors and your Professors to develop a better understanding on the specific point of law. Discussions and debates will help us to understand law better.
Did you do any internship during your graduation? Did you receive any assistance from your college?
Yes. I have done few internships under practicing lawyers. In our college, papers like CPC, Cr.P.C, Evidence, Drafting, Pleading and Conveyance etc. are taught by Practicing Advocates. They were very much helpful for us to obtain internships under any lawyers or in any law firms.
What do you have to say about the supposed ‘elite’ tag attached to certain law schools? Do you believe branding of college is something that’s very relevant/ important at any stage in a law student’s career?
“Elite” tag has got a major role or importance in your career. It will give you a moral advantage in the job market. Nowadays it is noted that, candidates who are from top law schools are given more preference in any job interview. Therefore, branding is very much essential. After all in the job market candidate is marketing himself that, he is the most suitable person for the job which is notified.
When and how did you decide to pursue Masters? Was it a professional requirement or an endeavour out of academic interests?
As I mentioned earlier, I have developed some special interest towards IPR subjects during my 4th year of LL.B and further reading on the subject influenced me to go for higher studies. The decision to pursue Masters was purely out of my academic interest.
How did you prepare for CLAT PG? Did you join any coaching? What books did you rely on?
I was one among the 2nd batch of CLAT. During those days CLAT was hardly getting popularity and therefore there was not any coaching for CLAT as well as any books for the same. So was not attended any coaching for CLAT, however, there were lot of good study materials available in the market for other competitive exams like Judicial Service as well as Civil Services. I was more relying on those materials and of course respective reference books on each individual subjects were also referred during the preparation for CLAT.
You have done your LL.M. from NLIU, Bhopal. Can you please share your experience at NLIU? How will you compare the pedagogy at NLIU with that of Mysore University?
Life at NLIU was altogether a different experience comparing to the life at Mysore. However, I can’t compare both of them, because of the approach towards the profession was too different on both the occasion. At NLIU, I can say we were more serious professional towards our career. Of course there was a good healthy competition within our batch mates. The best part of NLIU is that, we have got a very good library and possibly one of the best in India and of course the Sports Complex 😉
You are the founder and editor-in-chief of Lex-Warrier Law Journal. How did you come up with the idea of creating something like this?
Idea was originated with a moto of sharing the knowledge. It was also some kind of experience for writing short articles. The efforts were appreciated by batch mates as well as our professors. In the mean time others also expressed their willingness to contribute, and slowly it started gaining popularity.
You have been running the Lex-Warrier Law Journal for past four years. How is your experience so far?
Content development was the toughest part which I faced during initial one year. However, I’m very much thankful to my friends Aakarsh Kamra and Garima Tiwari for their unconditional support which was very much instrumental for bringing the Journal to today’s stage. It is now very satisfying that, our struggles are giving us positive response like Researchers from Cambridge, University of Leiden and many Academicians preferred to publish their research papers with Lex-Warrier. However, the paper acceptability is hardly 10-15% of the total papers we receive. Major challenge we are facing in this regard is the plagiarism.
You are currently working at HLL Lifecare Limited (A Miniratna Co.) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India. How did you go about bagging this job? Please tell us about the recruitment process at HLL?
I saw the advertisement on the Company’s website. And of course the organisation does publish advertisement on national dailies. This organisation looks for candidates who are good in academics as well as those who have good practical exposure. My selection was through Personal Interview.
How was the job interview? Do you remember any of the questions asked to you?
Interview was little bit tough. Because, I remember that, the knowledge on subject was tested very much in the interview. Questions were more of practical knowledge.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities? How is the experience so far?
Major responsibilities are IPR management of the Organisation, handling litigation, monitoring the statutory compliance level of the organisation etc. and provide legal opinions on case to case basis.
Does HLL take interns? What is the process for same?
Interns are only taken in the Secretarial Department who is pursuing CS. Vacancies will be notified from time to time and eligible candidates are taken through Personal Interview
Lastly, what would be your message to our readers who are mainly young lawyers and law students?
Well, I suggest first year of law school to concentrate more on the academics and be a good observer of various law school events such as Moot Courts, Debates, Seminars, Paper Presentation etc. next 3 years may concentrate on building your resume by participating in above mentioned events as well as doing internships, etc. However, it is always appreciated that, you do internships only on your vacations. And in final year of course you will be busy with your practical papers as well as your placement procedure so I suggest you to concentrate on your academics.
