Internship Experience @ Human Rights Law Network, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh): Learnt How Litigation Can Mean Social Work

Name of Organisation, Location city, Team Strength

Human Rights Law Network, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh)

Application Process with contact details

The application process is simple. You need to send your CV and SOP to the Internship Incharge, Ms. Rajni Soren. They usually revert back in a week. The details are as follows:

Contact No. : 8982844625

Mail ID: rajni_soren@yahoo.com

Duration of internship and timings

December 17, 2015 – January 15, 2016

First impression, first day formalities, infrastructure

It was a small office, stuffed with books and people moving around busily. It is a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

On the first day, you will be briefed about the nature of your job. Though they have an office,most of their work is done from the High Court. So you get to visit the High Court daily.

Main tasks

Initially, you will be dealing with primary research work for the cases. After some time they will involve you in client counselling, drafting and even filing.

Field visits are comparitively less. But you will be asked to attend the court hearings where you learn a lot of things like court mannerisms, court craft, etc.

Work environment and people

It’s amazing. The people are really nice. They have experience and they guide you well, but you are also given the independence you need for working.

Most of your interaction will be with Rajni Ma’am or Samisthi Ma’am, both of them will tell you about the practical aspects of the things.

Also, you will have a lot of interaction with High Court lawyers, it’s a good learning experience to go to the Bar Rooms or visit the Court rooms.

Best things

The best part is the first hand experience of court rooms. If you are interested in litigation and want to work for an NGO, then HRLN is the place for you.

You get to experience the life of a lawyer, at the same time you help less- privileged people. You get to learn a lot of things including client counselling, drafting and filing.

Bad things

Food. If you are staying in a PG or a hostel, the food will not be good and there are not many places around to grab a bite from.

Stipend

No stipend.

Biggest Lessons

It taught me a lot of things. I worked with people who had tremendous knowledge and amazing skills, but they always stayed humble and down-to-earth.

I learnt that in order to do social work, you don’t need to go to slums and teach people, but can help them through litigation.

It helps you interact with people at ground level. It also helped me in learning court mannerisms and being empathetic towards the clients.

It helped in understanding that you have to be very patient and empathetic with your clients, but at the same time, you can’t get carried away in emotions because you have to provide best possible advise to your client.

Any Other Thing

Overall Rating 10

Accommodation Home.

Office Timings 9:30 – 4:30

The timings are relaxed, but punctuality is a must. The best part about the office is that if you complete your target early, you can leave early.