PERSONAL DETAILS:
NAME OF INTERN: Mudragada Iswarya Lakshmi
- Name of the Law Firm/ Government organisation/ company name/ any other: Vankina, Allu & Partners – Advocates
- Internship Duration (Start and End Dates) & Mode of Internship (Offline/Online/Hybrid): May 2024 – June 2024, On-Site Offline Internship
- Name and Designation of Supervisor (if any): Vankina Jyothisri
HOW TO APPLY?
The application was made via direct email with an attached CV to the firm. Alternatively, law students may also reach out to the firm directly or referrals.
WORK ASSIGNED
- What kind of tasks were assigned to you during the internship? Which areas of law did you primarily work on (e.g., criminal, civil, corporate, IPR, etc.)?
During the internship, I was assigned a variety of tasks, including:
- Legal research on Employment Bonds, their enforceability, the necessity of notary, and whether advocates fall under the Consumer Protection Act.
- Drafting RTI applications to various public authorities.
- Drafting Bye-laws for a Mutually Aided Cooperative Society (MACS).
- Preparing cross-examination questions for a case under the POCSO Act.
I primarily worked on areas involving labour law, criminal law, cooperative society law, and general civil procedures.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- What were the most valuable legal skills you developed during the internship?
I developed critical legal skills such as:
- Drafting precise legal documents and applications.
- Conducting effective legal research and analysis.
- Observing court proceedings and understanding litigation strategy.
- Mention any new software/tools or legal databases you learned to use (e.g., Manupatra, SCC Online, etc.)
While I had prior exposure, this internship enhanced my hands-on usage of legal databases such as SCC Online and introduced me to state-specific court portals.
- Describe a challenging task or assignment and how you approached it.
One challenging task was researching the enforceability of employment bonds across various sectors. It required studying multiple High Court and Supreme Court judgments, comparing private and public sector approaches, and preparing a structured note on when such bonds may be considered unreasonable or violative of Article 19(1)(g). I approached it by breaking down the legal tests laid out in case law and summarizing the evolving judgements.
PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
- What did you observe about the work culture and client management at the firm?
The firm maintained a supportive and learning-centric work culture. Interns were encouraged to ask questions and were regularly involved in actual legal drafting. The exposure to client interactions and case preparation offered insight into practical aspects of client management.
- Were you given constructive feedback during the internship?
Yes, I received constructive feedback on my research structure and drafting style. The partners and associates were approachable and guided me on how to improve clarity and legal reasoning.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE & SUGGESTIONS
- What did you enjoy the most during your internship?
I particularly enjoyed the court visits — observing real-time proceedings at the Telangana High Court, City Civil Court, and Criminal Court of Secunderabad, as well as family and trial courts across Hyderabad, which helped bridge theory and practice.
- What improvements would you suggest for the internship program at the firm?
A more structured and periodic check-ins could enhance the experience further. Additionally, a brief session on legal writing workshops would be helpful for new interns.
