Internship Experience @ Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys, Nagpur

Name

Manav Kirtikumar Thakkar

Name of the Organisation

Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys, HRM Design Space, 90A, Next to Ram Mandir, Nagpur, Maharashtra

Duration of Internship

7th December 2024 to 7th January 2025

How did you Apply?

I applied for an internship at LKS in the first week of August for the December 2024 slot. I submitted my application via email to the HR team at LKS at careers@lakshmisri.com. Additionally, I also filled out the application form available on their official website.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

The first-day formalities were quite simple and straightforward. I was provided with a laptop to use during my internship and was given all the necessary information about it, along with a briefing on the office rules and protocols. The office is located on the first floor and is very well-designed, equipped with all the essential facilities. It strikes a perfect balance between professionalism and comfort. I’ve shared some pictures to give you a glimpse of the space—it’s truly impressive!

As for my first-day experience, it was genuinely amazing. Everyone was incredibly welcoming—from the associates and principal associates to the partner himself. They were approachable, kind, and generous, which made settling in much easier. The warm and friendly atmosphere really stood out and left a lasting impression on me.

Main Tasks

During my internship, I was part of the Indirect Tax Advisory Team, where I had the opportunity to work hands-on with GST and its many intricacies. As a law student, we don’t usually get to explore tax law in such depth, so this experience was both eye-opening and immensely valuable.

My primary responsibilities involved working on real-time matters for various companies. I conducted research on GST-related issues, analyzed tax implications, and contributed to advisory projects tailored to clients’ specific needs. I also dealt with compliance matters—assessing tax positions, reviewing GST filings, and drafting legal opinions on a range of scenarios. Additionally, I reviewed case studies to understand the broader implications of tax decisions on businesses.

Beyond GST, I also explored other tax-related databases, which gave me a deeper appreciation of how tax laws intersect with industry-specific requirements. The exposure to the practical side of tax law was incredibly insightful, and it significantly sharpened my legal research and analytical skills. This internship has truly deepened my understanding of tax law, and I’m grateful for the hands-on experience I gained.

Work Environment

The work environment at the office was incredibly welcoming and supportive, as I mentioned earlier. From day one, everyone—including the associates and partners—made it easy to feel comfortable and part of the team. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between professionalism and warmth.

Lunch was from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, and it offered a great opportunity to relax and connect with colleagues. What I truly appreciated was how, despite their busy schedules, the associates often engaged in informal conversations. They were approachable and always willing to share professional advice, especially regarding career guidance. This blend of casual interaction and insightful mentorship made the environment not just welcoming, but also inspiring.

Overall, my experience was overwhelmingly positive. The team was friendly, and the office culture encouraged both learning and growth. It was the kind of place where you felt comfortable asking questions, exchanging ideas, and constantly learning—making it a genuinely enjoyable and enriching space to work in.

Good Things about the Internship

1. Hands-on Experience with GST and Tax Law: I gained practical exposure by working on GST-related issues for various companies. This allowed me to apply my legal knowledge to real-world tax matters—something we rarely get to explore in depth during law school. It was a truly eye-opening experience.
2. Learning from Experienced Professionals: Working closely with seasoned associates and partners was one of the most enriching aspects of the internship. Their openness to discuss complex legal concepts and share insights greatly contributed to my professional and personal growth.
3. Supportive Work Environment: The team fostered a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. Despite their busy schedules, everyone was approachable and willing to guide. Informal conversations during lunch breaks helped me feel at ease and build meaningful connections within the team.
4. Exposure to Legal Databases and Tools: I was introduced to various tax-related databases and tools, which deepened my understanding of how professionals stay updated and informed about legal and industry-specific developments.
5. Career Guidance and Mentorship: Beyond daily tasks, I received valuable career advice and mentorship from the professionals around me. Their insights into building a successful legal career were both inspiring and encouraging.
6. Development of Research and Analytical Skills: The internship significantly enhanced my legal research and analytical abilities. I worked on complex case studies, assessed tax positions, and translated findings into actionable insights.
7. Building Professional Relationships: Interacting with professionals from diverse backgrounds helped me expand my network and understand the practical intersections between law and business.

Overall, this internship provided a fantastic learning environment and solidified my interest in pursuing tax law further. I’m grateful for the hands-on experience, mentorship, and the welcoming culture that made this journey so rewarding.

Bad Things about the Internship

While the overall internship experience was incredibly positive, one aspect that could have further enhanced it was the opportunity for more direct interaction with clients. Although I gained valuable exposure to tax law and the internal workings of the firm, engaging with clients would have offered deeper insights into the practical application of legal principles in real-time business scenarios.

That said, the experience was immensely enriching, and I’m truly grateful for the knowledge and skills I developed during my time there.

Monthly Stipend

There was no stipend provided during the internship, but the knowledge and practical experience I gained were far more valuable than any monetary compensation. The hands-on learning, exposure to real-world legal scenarios, and professional growth I experienced have been incredibly rewarding in ways that extend beyond financial compensation.

Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office

Since I am a localite, I stayed at home and commuted to the office using my own vehicle. However, for outstation interns, there are several PG accommodations available within a 4-5 km radius of the office, making it convenient for them to stay close by.

Additionally, the office is well-connected to public transport, with a metro station just about 1 km away, providing easy access to the workplace. This makes commuting relatively hassle-free, whether you’re traveling by private vehicle or using public transport.

Anything else you want to share?

Aside from the work, I made sure to unwind and explore a few things outside of the office. During lunch breaks, I often took walks around the area to clear my mind, and occasionally, I grabbed a coffee with some of the associates, which was a great way to relax and chat informally.

The experience taught me valuable lessons beyond just tax law. I learned the importance of effective communication, particularly when discussing complex legal concepts, and how to balance professional commitments with personal well-being. The teamwork and collaborative nature of the office highlighted how essential it is to have a supportive work environment, especially when tackling challenging tasks.

Lastly, I gained a deeper appreciation for adaptability, working in tax law, particularly GST, requires continuous learning and the ability to stay on top of ever-evolving regulations. Overall, this internship was not just a learning opportunity but also a reminder of how important it is to build meaningful relationships and stay curious. It was an enriching experience both professionally and personally.

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