Sam Nimmala

Following her graduation from Kent with a Law degree in 2019, Sam Nimmala passed the All India Bar Exam and is now practising as an Advocate in the High Court and the Trial Courts.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduation, I had to take the All India Bar Exam for Indian students holding a foreign law degree and following this, the general All India Bar Exam.

Thereafter I have started practising as an advocate in the High Court and the Trial Courts.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

The Courts here function from 10.30 to 16.00, so I am in the Courts most of the time. After that, I head to the office, meet clients, and finish my drafting works. I finish up work around 20.30.

My major area of work is civil litigation. I am arguing cases and also draft and research. A lawyer in India typically plays the dual role of a solicitor and a barrister.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

When I first entered practise, I wasn't sure if I would be able to argue well and put forth my case effectively. But then, I took a leap of faith and argued my first final hearing of an appeal in the High Court and turned out very well and received appreciations from the Judge.

Ultimately, I won the case and from that point on, there was no turning back. 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent highlighted the importance of learning skills outside of your main subject area. In my third year I was interested in the philosophy of law, skills of argument, and critical legal reasoning. These modules taught me the skills of reasoning and ways of framing of my arguments to present them more effectively.

I owe a great deal to Per Laleng and Dr Stephen Pethick for what I have learnt from them. Per was always encouraging and helped me strive for better arguments. 

The Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) helped me during the early stages of my degree when I was struggling with writing. The first grade I received was a 58 but after constant support from SLAS, alongside discussions with my lecturers, I ended up achieving a first class degree. I am particularly grateful to Hattie from student support for her assistance.

Overall, the three years I spent in Kent gave me so much more than a degree; it was an experience that has made me the person I am today. I would choose Kent any day!

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

My advice would be to not to worry if you are unable to decide which career path to choose within law, because law itself is a huge ocean and you are bound to lose your way. You just need to keep sailing and ultimately the winds are going to show you the way.

I have taken it slow and taken my time to decide what I want to do, and I am enjoying my work today. It is very important to choose a field that suits you, because it will take up so much of your time!

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

My best memories were with the best people I met at Kent, many of whom I am still in touch with even now.

I also still fondly remember going to London for a moot competition on Human Rights at the London School of Economics and attending another moot the next day at the Law School. 

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

If there is anything that I would do differently it would be to get more work experience.