Today marked a significant step forward for the budding legal minds at KIIT School of Law, as the Legal Services Clinic hosted an engaging and insightful Orientation and Client Counselling Workshop. The event aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of legal aid, client relations, and the advocacy skills essential for navigating the complex world of law. Aspiring law students gathered to explore the practical aspects of client counselling and to grasp the critical role legal aid plays in fostering justice for underserved communities.
The workshop was skillfully hosted by Neetisha Mohanty, Editor-in-Chief, and Ananya Sinha, the PR Regional Sub-Head, who set the stage for an afternoon of learning and collaboration. The session kicked off with an inspiring presentation by Student Convenor Ashish Kushwaha, where he highlighted the clinic’s achievements, its journey so far, and the impactful role it plays in bridging the gap between law students and real-world legal challenges. His presentation sparked a palpable sense of pride among attendees, many of whom were eager to contribute to the clinic’s ongoing mission.
Swostik Nayak, the PR Regional Head, followed with a concise introduction to the clinic’s existing departments, outlining how each department functions cohesively to achieve the clinic’s objectives. This segment provided participants with a clear understanding of the organizational structure, encouraging them to find their niche within the clinic.
One of the key highlights of the workshop was a comprehensive briefing by Neetisha Mohanty on the much-anticipated Client Counselling Competition. Neetisha walked participants through the competition’s guidelines and format, building excitement for the upcoming challenge while underscoring the value of empathy, active listening, and critical thinking in client interactions.
The session seamlessly transitioned into a live demonstration, with Pranav Das, the Secretary, and Mayonk Prakash, the Deputy Secretary, stepping into the roles of Counsel 1 and Counsel 2, respectively. The client role was convincingly played by Sara Upadhaya, a second-year student member. Their demo showcased a mock client counselling session, offering the audience a glimpse of how to approach real-life legal issues with professionalism, tact, and empathy. The demonstration was not only informative but also interactive, as students observed the practical application of legal theories they had previously studied.
Faculty Convenor Professor Prateek Mishra then took the floor, initiating a reflective discussion with the students. He engaged them in an exploration of the demo session, encouraging critical analysis and feedback. His approachable demeanor fostered an open environment where students felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and learning from the experience.
Professor Mishra closed the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT, and Dr. Rose Varghese, the Director of KIIT School of Law. He also extended his gratitude to the student members and participants, whose enthusiasm and engagement ensured the success of the workshop.
In essence, the Orientation and Client Counselling Workshop was not just an introduction to the basics of client interactions but a powerful reminder of the transformative potential that lies within legal aid. It inspired future advocates to approach the profession with compassion, skill, and a commitment to societal justice. The workshop concluded with a sense of purpose among the participants, setting the foundation for their journey toward becoming advocates of change in the legal field.
