KATHMANDU, July 10: Semanta Dahal, 28, has been practicing law for the past three years. He completed his bachelors from National Law School of India University and his Masters from University of Nottingham in the UK.
“I am still in my transition phase from a student to being a professional lawyer, but it’s been fun so far,” says Dahal, who works in a law firm in Kathmandu. According to him, being a lawyer was his second choice but now that he is one, he does not regret he studied it.
Republica caught up with Dahal and asked him about being a lawyer and the many aspects of it.
Why did you choose to be a lawyer?
It’s interesting how I chose law. It was during the State of Emergency in Nepal that I was looking for a course to study. I used to question my father a lot about human rights, the constitution and the acts and all. I was actually trying to get into medical school but I didn’t get the scholarship. Then my father said that I should apply to National School of Law University in India and if I didn’t get in, then I should not become a lawyer. I applied, I got in and here I am today practicing law.
What’s the fun thing about being a lawyer?
That’s an interesting question. I think the fun part of being a lawyer is that you meet a lot of people from different backgrounds. Say for example someone from the corporate world to people who are desperate for your help. I have no fun incidents to share but the lawyers during a hearing in the court, mock each other and that’s funny sometimes.
How difficult is it being a lawyer?
There are two sectors in law; the litigation and non-litigation sector. Litigation sector means that you’ll be practicing it the court defending your clients and to be at it, it will take some time. However, if you get a good job in an organization and you start working there, its non-litigation. Financially one will be more stable with non-litigation and litigation is also difficult. But I practice both at the moment.
Your perception on the youth today.
I think the youth today are very much aware of what they are doing and what they want to be, career wise. They are choosing subjects beyond medicine, engineering and law. I think they are heading in the right direction.
Suggestion to aspiring lawyers in Nepal.
More than suggestion, what I would like to say to the aspiring lawyer or the law students is that there are many avenues one can opt once you are a lawyer. One fine example would be that a law graduate can become a good politician or a lawmaker. Lawyers have a large public life and one should be ready for that too. It’s not an easy ride but it’s worth it.
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