Why “Just Showing Up” Might Be the Most Important Lesson in Law School

“Everyone in law school looks like they have it figured out.”

"LAW" often looks like thick books of statutes, sections, and case laws that needs tons of vitamin C of courage and confidence to sustain. Lawyers are often admired for their knowledge and quality of convincing the mindsets to accept their viewpoint. They carry sheer determination and perseverance throughout their professional journey because lawyer not only weaponize facts in courtrooms, but they articulate words almost every second from the moment they enter law school.

But do they really?

Behind the polished LinkedIn posts, competition wins, and internship announcements is a reality most students quietly deal with — self-doubt, pressure to constantly perform, and the fear of falling behind. Taking our conversation series ahead, Anushka Sharma, a penultimate-year law student at GLS University, talks about choosing law despite conventional expectations, discovering intellectual property and mediation through practical exposure, and why simply “showing up” can change everything.

 1. Law is often seen as a very serious and demanding field. What personally keeps you motivated and connected to it even during stressful phases?

Law is definitely a demanding field, and I do not think anyone in law school would deny that. But for me, it has never felt like a burden because I genuinely enjoy what I am doing. Growing up, I was surrounded by people preparing for the conventional paths like engineering and medicine. I was part of that race too until Class 12. But deep down, I always knew that becoming a doctor was not something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. What really interested me was law. I remember loving civics in school, and looking back, that was probably my first introduction to legal concepts, rights, and governance. So choosing law was less of a sudden decision and more of a realization that this was what I had wanted all along. That is what keeps me motivated even during stressful phases. When things get overwhelming, I remind myself that I chose this path because I truly enjoy it. And somehow, I always find my way back.

2. You’ve explored litigation, corporate internships, mediation, and client counselling. Was there any experience where you felt, “Yes, this is why I chose law”?

I would not say there was one dramatic “movie moment,” but there have definitely been experiences that made me feel that I was in the right place.
Through competitions and internships, I discovered that Intellectual Property and mediation are two areas I naturally gravitate toward. Whenever I worked on matters related to these fields, it felt engaging and surprisingly effortless. That is usually a good sign. You know you are doing something you genuinely enjoy when it does not feel forced. I am still exploring different practice areas, but those experiences reassured me that law was the right choice for me.

3. A lot of your experiences involve communication and understanding people, not just legal knowledge. Do you think being a good listener is underrated in the legal profession?

Absolutely.At the end of the day, law is not just about knowing sections and case laws. It is about understanding people and their stories. As a lawyer, you are representing someone who is trusting you with an important part of their life. To do that well, you need to listen carefully, understand what they are really saying, and notice details they may not even realize are important. Of course, empathy is essential, but so is professionalism. You need to understand your client’s emotions without letting your own emotions cloud your judgment.
So yes, being a good listener is one of the most underrated yet essential skills in this profession.


4. Competitions and internships look exciting from the outside, but they also come with pressure and self-doubt. How do you handle moments when things feel overwhelming?

I was a fairly average student in school, so when I started winning competitions in law school, it felt both exciting and unexpected.
But success comes with its own kind of pressure. Once you start doing well, you feel like you have to keep proving yourself. And if you lose even one competition, it can feel much heavier than it should. Over time, I realized that the best way to deal with that pressure is to stop focusing only on winning. The moment I started being myself rather than trying to fit into what I thought people expected, the process became much more enjoyable. Now, I participate for the experience, the learning, and the memories. And ironically, that is when I started performing my best.

5. Your journey reflects both professional growth and social awareness through legal aid and outreach initiatives. How important is it for young law students to stay connected with realities beyond the classroom?

I think it is absolutely essential. Law cannot be learned through PDFs, study material, and PowerPoint presentations alone. They help you understand the concepts, but the practical world is very different. Whether it is litigation or corporate practice, there are so many things you only understand when you actually start working drafting, strategy, client interaction, and how legal principles operate in real-life situations. That is why internships, legal aid work, and outreach initiatives are so important. They show you the human side of law and help you understand how the profession works beyond what we study in college.

6. Many students enter law school with one image of the profession, and then it changes over time. What’s something about the legal field that surprised you after gaining practical exposure?

Coming from a family with no legal background, I initially thought that law was straightforward: know the facts, cite the right sections, and you win. Practical exposure completely changed that perception. I realized that law is just as much about presentation as it is about knowledge. Drafting, courtroom etiquette, body language, strategy, and persuasive speaking all play a huge role. Two people may know the exact same law, but the one who can present it more effectively will almost always have an edge. That was one of the most eye-opening lessons for me.

7. Looking back at your first year in law school, what’s one mindset or lesson that helped you grow the most?

If I had to sum it up in one line: just show up.
Take part in competitions, apply for internships, volunteer for opportunities even if you feel like you have no idea what you are doing. You do not need to be fully prepared to start. Most of the learning happens after you say yes. I also want to give credit to one of my closest friends, who participated with me in almost every competition. We ended up winning most of them together, and that experience taught me that company matters a lot. When you have the right people around you, people who motivate you, support you, and grow with you, the journey becomes much more meaningful.

8. For students who want to start building their profile early but feel intimidated by competitions, internships, or networking, what would you genuinely tell them?

Stop overthinking and start showing up. Opportunities rarely come to you on their own. You have to put yourself out there, apply, network, and take initiative. Yes, there will be moments when you feel awkward, underprepared, or like everyone else has it figured out. That is completely normal. My biggest advice is to do everything you can while you are in law school. Participate in client counselling competitions, moot courts, debates, mediation competitions and even dancing competitions if that is what you enjoy. You only get five years of law school, and they pass much faster than you think. Build your profile, of course, but also make memories, meet people, and enjoy the journey. When it comes to internships, I strongly believe in quality over quantity. It does not matter how many internships you have listed on your CV if you did not actually learn anything. Even one meaningful internship where you gain substantial practical exposure can make a huge difference. So, stop hesitating, say yes to opportunities, and make the most of these five years. They will shape you not only as a law student, but as a person.