Internship Experience @ Chamber of Advocate Shinod .A

This Internship Experience has been submitted Anonymously.

Name

Anonymous

Name of the Organisation

Chamber of Advocate Shinod .A , Opposite JFCM Court; Ponnani, Ponnani Nagaram P.O, Malappuram

Duration of Internship

April – May

How did you Apply?

ChatGPT said:

I called the advocate’s office regarding an internship, and they asked me to come to the office with an internship letter.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

My first day at the law office was, as expected, a vibrant and busy affair. The atmosphere buzzed with activity, a clear sign of the dynamic work being done. Taking the initiative, I introduced myself to one of the advocates, who offered a wonderfully warm welcome and promptly introduced me to the senior advocates—a fantastic start to building connections.

A crucial piece of advice followed: our firm has another office where the junior advocates work, and it’s the ideal spot for anyone looking to study case files.

This guidance felt like a direct invitation to dive deep into the practicalities of legal work, providing a clear path to understanding the firm’s cases and immersing myself in the day-to-day operations. This immediate insight has set a promising tone for my journey into the legal profession

Main Tasks

My office hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, I begin by reviewing the pre-assigned case files, whether civil or criminal. My analysis focuses on identifying key facts and relevant legal provisions. In the case of the First Information Report (FIR), I note the oral statement, the place and date of the incident, and details of the informant.

I also examine supporting documents such as medical certificates, post-mortem reports, seizure reports, and driving licenses. Copies of all important certificates are maintained in the case file.

Additionally, I study how to draft advance petitions and absent applications, keeping in mind that the time stamp on these petitions is critical, as its absence can result in cancellation. I also observe court proceedings, paying close attention to commonly used case abbreviations such as O.S. (Original Suit), Cr.P. (Criminal Petition, including variations like Cr.M.P. for Criminal Miscellaneous Petition), and M.C. (Maintenance Case). During these sessions, I carefully follow the processes of cross-examination, witness examination, and final hearings.

Work Environment

In my office, there is one super senior advocate and two senior advocates. The super senior advocate does not usually attend court, whereas the senior advocates are responsible for court duties. The office also has two junior advocates, who are freshers, and one clerk.

The advocates and the clerk maintain a friendly and approachable work environment, making interactions comfortable.

When it comes to court visits, the proceedings are held in old buildings with a poor environment and limited facilities, lacking proper convenience for lawyers and visitors.

Good Things about the Internship

From my perspective, my ability to study diverse legal areas—including contract matters, rash and negligent acts, criminal cases such as robbery and affray, ownership disputes, banking issues, and POCSO matters—has been a significant asset. Additionally, my experience in client handling and building effective communication with advocates, police officers, and other officials has strengthened my practical understanding of the legal system.

I am particularly interested in examining how frequently these various types of cases emerge in local areas, as such insights would add valuable real-world context to both my academic learning and practical experience.

Bad Things about the Internship

The current state of court facilities poses significant challenges for interns. The lack of proper dining areas and designated seating within courtrooms, combined with outdated infrastructure and aging buildings, creates an environment that is far from conducive to effective learning or overall well-being.

It is disheartening to witness how such basic inadequacies can affect the practical training of aspiring legal professionals, limiting their ability to observe proceedings closely and participate meaningfully.

Monthly Stipend

There is no monthly stipend, but the experience I gained is invaluable.

Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office

In my knowledge, a notable aspect of the court’s location is the complete absence of accommodation facilities directly nearby. However, this is somewhat offset by the proximity of a famous tourist location, which inherently means that very good transportation services are readily available.

Anything else you want to share?

While this location might be excellent for general exploration due to the prominent tourist attractions and robust transportation network, it is not ideal for law aspirants seeking a comprehensive internship experience directly at the court. In my view, the intrinsic value of observing real case studies and court proceedings remains undeniable for gaining practical legal knowledge.

During my internship, I learned how to draft an advance petition and understood the importance of affixing a ₹20 stamp; without it, the petition may be rejected. I also learned that in certain cases, we can submit an e-file without stamping.

In another case involving negligent driving that caused someone’s death, the deceased person was riding a bike but did not possess a driving license. Since the deceased was elderly and did not have a valid license, no legal action was taken in that particular scenario.

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