Vibrant corporate lawyer internship in India

I was incredibly excited about the opportunity when I first decided to complete an international legal internship as part of the Faculty-led Global Short Program over the summer holidays. Like all law students, I was eager to gain experience working at a law firm. Doing so overseas became a bonus as it would differentiate me from other applicants when applying for clerkships and graduate roles.

However, the faculty-sourced internships did not align with my financial constraints. As a result, I became hesitant and found it incredibly daunting to go through with the experience. However, I am glad I went through with it because I was allowed to self-source my internship overseas. I chose to go with the law firm Cyriac & Cyriac in Kochi, India.

It all fell into place when the Global Shorts program was able to ease my financial burdens by offering me a grant.

I was fortunate enough to save money on accommodation as I stayed with my mum’s college roommate and her family. It was a wholesome experience as I got to bond with old family friends again. It helped that their children were my age and were also law students. While I had accommodation near the law firm, I went back home on the weekends to spend time with my grandparents and cousins.

Some of the major highlights of my internship include assisting my supervisors, the senior partner and partner of the law firm at the High Court of Kerala daily with petitions and trials. It may sound trivial, but one of the many joys I experienced was visiting the pet shop near the High Court whenever I could meet the German Shepherd puppies and kittens!

I was in a fun and productive work environment where I was unafraid to speak up if I had any questions. All the employees were genuinely friendly and caring, so much so that I was invited to one of my supervisor’s weddings. We could laugh at the differences between the cultures in India and Australia. I remember drafting a letter for the senior partner while he was dictating, and he couldn’t stop laughing about how I held a pen. He asked if all Australians hold a pen like that. Some people may take advantage of your kindness once you put yourself out there and allow yourself to be vulnerable in a foreign land. Still, more often than not, most people reciprocate in kindness. Take a leap of faith once in a while. You’ll be surprised where you will end up.

This experience gave me the chance to be fully independent. Exploring a new country, its culture, people, language, food, and scenery was incredibly exciting and rewarding. Being alone enabled me to explore India authentically and without restrictions. I learned to assimilate, make new friends, and have long-lasting relationships with my colleagues. I enjoyed learning what it is like to work in a corporate law firm as it reaffirmed my desire to ultimately work as a corporate lawyer.

Akhila Jaimes
Faculty of Law
International Internships in India
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient