Internship Experience @ Menon & Pai, Kochi: We were treated as professionals

Name of the Interns

Tasha B Joseph, Shabna Stephan, Koshy Mammen, Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat, NCR Delhi. 2nd year law students.

Name of the Law Firm

Menon & Pai Advocates, Cochin

Duration

4 weeks

About the Firm

The office is pretty big and can accommodate around 15 interns at a time.

The team in the office consists of 6 partners and 14 associates.

Application Procedure

Sending in your application along with your CV to the intern officers.

Schedule. Timing

6 days a week. Sundays are off. Timings are from 9 am to 5 pm but are flexible.

Accommodation

Hostels nearby which provide comfortable accommodation.

Work Environment

The environment is professional and serious. We were introduced to the associates and were given our first assignment to work on.

The dress code is strictly formals and on court days, black and white.

We were made to understand that we were to work sincerely and take things in a serious manner.

Main Tasks

Research Work: We were assigned to research on issues of law pertaining to Service Tax Act, VAT, Constitutional law, CPC, CrPC, IPC, IPR, Building Tax Rules, FSSA, Transfer of Property Act, Company Law , Consumer Protection Act to name a few.

Moot: A moot was conducted in the firm and we were allotted counsels for the respondent and the petitioner. The partners made time out of their busy schedule to serve as judges in the moot scenario. The associates were of great help in preparing for the moot which was given in a short notice.

Drafting Work: We were taught to draft Execution Petitions, Legal Opinions and Case Analysis.

Case Law Study: We were made to look up on cases on specific topics and understand the various principles that were discussed in the case.

Court Visits: We were taken to the Court once in a while to attend proceedings of special cases.

People

Though the associates may appear to be stern and demanding, they try to bring out the best in us by providing all the necessary inputs to the work assigned.

They give us sufficient time and sincere work is always appreciated. The office is well equipped and the legal team is very friendly and supportive.

Best Things

Air conditioned cubicles and conference halls were provided for the interns. An extensive library spreading over two floors.

Located in the heart of the city with good eating joints and malls in the vicinity. Lunch break is for an hour.

Free coffee vending services are provided which can be availed as and when you need a break.

We were treated as professionals and no restrictions were placed on cell phone usage and other gadgets as long as time was spent wisely.

Bad Things

Some of the associates have high expectations which may be pressurizing at times. We also feel that the office hours could be reduced for the interns.

Any Other Thing

Cochin Biennale was held during the period of our internship which was extremely fun.

Food joints and malls nearby.

Highly recommended for all law students.

Stipend

No stipend but the experience and the knowledge one gains is priceless.

Biggest Lessons

Think freely; be accurate in analysis and able in argument. One should not lose one’s soul in the process of winning an argument. Experiment with life and look at things holistically.