Lost in Law School? Arush Agarwal’s Advice to Law Students Across India
Law school can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to connect dense theory with real-world practice. In this interview, we speak with Arush Agarwal, founder of Lawlevelup, a legal edtech platform changing how law is learned and taught.
Drawing from his own journey and thousands of student interactions, Arush talks about the gaps in India’s legal education, common struggles faced by students, and how practical training and mentorship can make all the difference.
Whether you’re from an NLU or a Tier-3 college, this candid conversation offers clarity, confidence, and career direction for every aspiring lawyer.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey through law school and what experiences shaped your understanding of legal education in India?
Honestly, like most law students, I entered law school with a lot of excitement and very little clarity about where it would lead. In my first couple of years, I was focused on grades and internships, but somewhere along the way, I realised that legal education in India often feels disconnected from real-world lawyering.
The gap between classroom theory and what’s actually expected in internships, courtrooms, or law offices was huge. I did internships, and there was zero context as to what was taught in law school. That’s when I realised this gap is not just my story-it’s the story of most law students in India.
I started focusing on practical education from the 3rd year. I personally learnt ways through which I can gain those practical skills. In this endeavour, I read various books, talked to legal experts, participated in many competitions, and opened UPES Student Law Review to promote critical thinking.
If I have to sum up my journey in law school, it was an enlightening journey where I discovered one of the biggest problems of the legal industry and developed a keen interest in solving it.
Two things stand out-lack of guidance and lack of confidence. Whether the student is from a top NLU or a Tier-3 private college, the confusion is the same: “What should I do next?” Some are struggling with bare concepts; others are struggling with how to apply them in real life.
Another big issue is the fear of judgment-students hesitate to ask basic questions because they’re scared they’ll sound stupid. And unfortunately, very few colleges offer structured, practical career guidance. It’s a lot of trial and error for most students.
What led you to start Lawlevelup, and how has that journey shaped your views on what legal education should look like today?
Lawlevelup honestly started out of frustration and hope. Frustration with how inaccessible, outdated, and one-size-fits-all legal education was. Hope that if we could break down complex concepts into simple, practical modules, students would feel empowered and not intimidated by the law.
After interacting with thousands of students now, I feel even more strongly that legal education should focus on skills, application, and mentorship. It’s not just about reading bare acts; it’s about understanding how law works in real situations-whether that’s drafting, arguing, or even understanding business law from a client’s perspective.
Many students struggle with choosing a career path-litigation, corporate, judiciary, etc. What’s your advice for those feeling lost?
First, it’s okay to feel lost. Most people fake clarity-they don’t really have it. My advice: try small experiments. Intern with a litigating lawyer. Do a virtual course on corporate law. Volunteer for legal aid. Write articles. Attend webinars. Expose yourself to different areas before making a choice.
Also, talk to people actually working in that field-not just seniors who passed out a year before you. And most importantly, understand your own personality-some people thrive on courtroom action, others love the research and writing life. There’s no one-size-fits-all career in law.
How can students gain practical exposure when internships are often limited or low-value in terms of learning?
You have to create your own learning sometimes. Start small freelance research gigs. Contribute to legal blogs. Assist lawyers with drafting, even if it’s unpaid at first. Join legal workshops and practical training courses-there are platforms now (like ours and others) doing great work in that space.
Also, build your LinkedIn profile and start networking early. If you show initiative, many lawyers and law firms are happy to give small research or drafting assignments remotely.
What should a student focus on in the first three years of law school vs the final two years?
First three years: Build your base. Focus on understanding core subjects like Contract, Constitution, CPC, CrPC, Evidence, etc. Strengthen your legal writing and research skills. Build a habit of reading case laws.
Final two years: Start specialising. Explore areas like IPR, Corporate Law, Criminal Litigation, etc., based on your interest. Do internships with a clear learning objective. Build a portfolio-whether it’s research papers, moot court wins, client work, or even a blog showcasing your expertise.
What do you wish someone had told you when you were in law school?
What you learn in law school is 20-30% applicable in the real world. If this reality had been clear from 1st year, the planning to progress in the legal field could have been a lot better for everyone.
If you had to give three golden rules for law students to thrive, what would they be?
- Start early, stay consistent – Small daily efforts in reading, writing, and networking add up.
- Build skills, not just a CV – Focus on actual drafting, research, and communication skills.
- Be resourceful and proactive – Opportunities rarely come gift-wrapped. Reach out, ask for work, and take initiative.
What advice do you have for a student from a Tier-2 or Tier-3 law school who feels they’re at a disadvantage?
I get this question a lot. And here’s the truth: yes, there’s a perception gap. But skills speak louder than college names, especially today. Focus on building a strong online presence-write LinkedIn posts, publish articles, attend virtual events, and connect with mentors.
If you can show that you’re sharp, reliable, and skilled, many people won’t care about your college tag. I’ve seen students from Tier-3 colleges land internships and jobs at top firms just because they were proactive and had proof of their work.
What is Lawlevelup?
Lawlevelup is a forward-thinking legal education platform designed to help law students and professionals bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice. Recognising that traditional Indian law education often prioritises theory over application, the platform offers hands‑on workshops and courses in skills like Legal AI, contract drafting, and tech-driven legal practice.
In short, Lawlevelup equips its users with the practical skills, mentorship, and confidence needed to excel in an evolving legal industry.
How to Enrol on Lawlevelup Courses?
Explore Lawlevelup’s practical and career-focused legal courses on LawBhoomi by clicking here and grab some exciting discounts!
Whether you’re looking to upskill in Legal AI, contract drafting, or cyber law, these courses are designed to bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice, so you don’t just learn law, you learn how to use it.
