Amicus Partners

First Person Accounts (FPA’s) are meant to provide a first-hand account of law graduates who have pursued, or are pursuing, a post-graduate course (an LLM or otherwise) from different universities across the world.

In 2023, Rupal Chhaya graduated with an LLM from the University of Cambridge and is currently working as a legal associate in Dubai. In this FPA, she shares her reasons for opting for Cambridge, pursuing the LLM right after completing law from Symbiosis Law School Hyderabad, and a whole lot more. 

You opted for the LLM right after your law degree. Did you consider working for some time before applying for an LLM? How early did you begin the LLM application process?

I opted to apply for a LLM right after my under graduation because I wanted to complete my studies at a stretch and then start working. This was also because I had known people who had faced difficulties getting back into academia after they had worked for a few years.

I had begun my preparations for the LLM process rights after my 5^th semester at college (3^rd year to be precise).   

What were the schools you looked at, and why narrow down on Cambridge? 

I had applied only to a hand full of universities (National University of Singapore, London School of Economics and University of Cambridge) so that I could focus on each of my applications. I decided to go with the University of Cambridge because I had the liberty of subject choices, I could mix and match subjects and did not have to stick any one particular field in law.

Looking back, what have been some of the most rewarding aspects of the Cambridge LLM? Is there anything that you wish more applicants knew about the Cambridge LLM experience? 

The entire experience at Cambridge has been rewarding and spectacular. Some one of the most rewarding aspects would be the international cohort, the teaching methodologies and being self-independent for the entire duration of the course.

A lot of applicants are unaware of the various scholarships which are available in Cambridge. To be honest, Cambridge is one of the only universities wherein 50 to 60% of the study body is on a scholarship.

And the best part is that there is no separate application for the scholarship, based on our application and academic performance we are awarded a scholarship (this may be partial and full funding). I would recommend that the applicants look up for the relevant scholarships online on the official website of Cambridge (admissions section).

You were a senior editor at the Cambridge Law Review – could you share details about how you applied for this post, and what the position entailed? 

The call for application for editorial positions are sent to our official emails. I had some experience with editing and reviewing during my under graduation and I happened to tap those experiences in my application.

Talking about what the position entailed; we were divided into teams which consisted of one senior editor and two associate editors ideally. This structure could vary depending on the subject area of law in which we were reviewing. The team individually worked on reviewing articles which were submitted for publication in the journal. These suggestions were then sent to the managing editors of the journal by the senior editor.  

Slightly open-ended question, but what would you say are some of the big differences in the learning experiences at Cambridge and SLS Hyderabad? 

One of the biggest differences between the two institutions was the teaching methodology and style. In Cambridge, the study was more self-driven, for instance, we had pre and post readings for lectures (thing was voluntary and not forced).

The lectures were more than often student centric and discussion based rather than a one-sided teaching.

Also, the professors were always open to different ideas and suggestions about a discussion, in their opinion there was no right or wrong (rather there was no straight jacket answers).

At this current stage in your career, how do you find the Cambridge LLM helping you in your professional responsibilities? 

Looking back in time, Cambridge has definitely helped me grow professionally and as a person. I have become more self-driven. I am no longer dependent on others professionally and personally.

I have also developed new skills and improved on many of existing skills, communication is one of them.

Lastly, any advice for the Indian law grad who is considering a master’s abroad? 

I would say start early and do not do a master’s abroad just because everyone in the peer is doing it. A master’s is not just about living in another country, it entails a lot of other things. If you are truly passionate about it, that is where everything starts.

Connect with people on LinkedIn from the universities which you wish to apply and make sure before reaching out to them, you do your own research. Connecting with people with no background on what you want to do doesn’t give a good impression.

Also, think of the long-term goals of pursuing a masters (let that be from India or abroad) because it is a substantial commitment of time, energy and money.

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