Internship Experience @ CLAM Library, High Court, Jaipur

Name

Shireen Khan

Name of the Organisation

CLAM Library, High Court, Jaipur (Rajasthan)

Duration of Internship

August 6, 2024 – August 31,2024

How did you Apply?

I went through an interview process to join the internship.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

First-Day Formalities and Introduction: On the first day of my internship at the CLAMS Library, Jaipur High Court, we began with introductions. Each of us shared a bit about ourselves, which helped foster a sense of camaraderie. Following this, we received a comprehensive briefing about the internship. We were informed about the various sessions that would be conducted by field experts, as well as the rules and regulations we were expected to follow throughout our time there.

Mentorship and Motivation: Our mentor, Rishi Sir, played a crucial role in helping us feel at ease. His motivational words and approachable nature made it easy for us to settle in. He also guided us on how to introduce ourselves effectively, which proved to be quite valuable.

Historical Insight and Environment: We learned that the library was originally the personal collection of Chirnji Lal, who played an instrumental role in framing the 5-year law course. He later donated the collection to the Rajasthan Education Trust, and it now serves as a vital resource for legal research and education. The day was filled with engaging discussions and warm conversations, making for an inviting and informative start to the internship.

Main Tasks

Filing an RTI Request: One of our primary tasks was to file a Right to Information (RTI) request. This involved drafting and submitting a formal application to obtain specific information from public authorities.

Preparing a Report: We were also responsible for preparing and submitting a detailed report. The report focused on addressing real-world issues such as poor road conditions, women’s empowerment, underage driving, garbage accumulation near our college, uneven pavements, or misleading surrogacy advertisements. The objective was to identify a specific problem, analyze it, and propose actionable solutions, with the aim of having the matter taken up by the relevant authorities.

These tasks offered valuable hands-on experience with legal procedures and problem-solving, allowing us to engage meaningfully with societal issues and work towards practical resolutions.

Work Environment

• Atmosphere: The CLAMS Library maintains a quiet and focused environment, ideal for legal research and study. While concentration is key, the atmosphere is also marked by a friendly and collaborative spirit fostered by both the staff and fellow interns.
• Facilities: The library is well-equipped with modern amenities. It offers comfortable seating, ample desk space, and a wide selection of legal texts and journals. Access to online databases and research tools is a major advantage, providing essential resources for in-depth legal research.
• Staff: The library staff are highly professional, approachable, and supportive. They are always ready to assist with queries and provide guidance on effectively utilizing the library’s resources. Their helpfulness significantly contributes to a positive and productive working environment.
• Mentorship: Interns benefit from excellent mentorship. For instance, Rishi Sir’s motivational guidance and approachable demeanor help create a welcoming space where interns feel comfortable and engaged. Such mentorship plays a vital role in both personal and professional development.
• Learning Opportunities: The environment encourages continuous learning through sessions and workshops conducted by experts from the field. These hands-on learning experiences deepen practical understanding and offer valuable insights into the legal profession.
• Community: There is a strong sense of camaraderie among interns and staff. The collaborative setting makes it easy to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and work on projects together, fostering a genuine sense of belonging and teamwork

Overall, the CLAMS Library offers a balanced and enriching work environment that promotes both professional development and personal growth.

Good Things about the Internship

• Expert Sessions: One of the standout features of the internship was the opportunity to attend sessions conducted by leading experts in the field. For instance, we had an enlightening session on the Constitution and the Flag Code of India, delivered by Advocate Surya Pratap Singh, a renowned constitutional expert. These sessions offered valuable insights into complex legal subjects and enriched our academic understanding.
• Diverse Learning Topics: The internship covered a broad spectrum of legal topics, including the Right to Information (RTI) Act, First Information Reports (FIRs), key legal texts, and courtroom etiquette. This diversity ensured a well-rounded exposure to various facets of the legal system.
• Inspiring Interaction: A particularly memorable moment was our interaction with Justice Dave, a retired High Court Judge. His session was truly transformative. He emphasized that the true purpose of a legal career is not simply to accumulate wealth, but to serve society with integrity and earn the respect and blessings of the people. His words deeply influenced my outlook on what it means to be a legal professional.

These elements made the internship not just educational, but profoundly inspiring—offering lessons that extended far beyond the classroom and left a lasting impact on my personal and professional aspirations.

Bad Things about the Internship

One of the drawbacks of the internship was the occasional cancellation of scheduled sessions due to unforeseen circumstances. While these interruptions were sometimes unavoidable, they did disrupt the planned learning schedule and created occasional gaps in our educational experience. Nevertheless, the overall value of the internship remained substantial, as the sessions that did take place were highly informative, engaging, and inspiring.

Monthly Stipend

The internship did not offer a monetary stipend.

Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office

Since the internship was held at the High Court, it was very easy to access. I commuted using my own vehicle, but cabs and public transportation were also readily available. Additionally, several paying guest (PG) accommodations are located nearby, making it convenient for outstation interns to find suitable lodging in the vicinity.

Anything else you want to share?

The internship was not only educational but also immensely enjoyable. The 15 of us interns often spent time together exploring local cafés and savoring street food, which helped build strong friendships and a sense of community. Every Saturday, we gathered at the Coffee House in Jawahar Kala Kendra for engaging and interactive sessions with our mentor. These discussions were focused on brainstorming ways we could contribute meaningfully to society.

The LIP program also offered a variety of dynamic groups, such as the Legal Aid Group, Know Your Constitution, Youth Parliament, and Mock Court. These activities were not only intellectually stimulating but also encouraged creativity and collaboration.

To wrap up the experience on a high note, we went trekking on the final day—a memorable and fun-filled conclusion to an enriching internship.

Are you interested in sharing your internship experience with the community? Click here to submit your internship experience today on Lawctopus.