In Conversation with Advocate Nisa Fasil

By Anisha Adithya

A true stalwart in the field of law. An inspiration. A professor every student looks out for. Advocate Nisa Fasil is an academician, a columnist, an author for CLAT book for Lexis Nexis. She has taught at Institute for Management in Government (IMG) for Civil Service Aspirants and IAS Officer Trainees besides scoring in many other avenues. Here is an exclusive tete-a-tete with her. 

1. Back in the 90s, very few females chose to graduate as lawyers. You walked the path less traveled.  Why did choose to be a lawyer?  

In the 1990s there were influx of females to graduates as lawyer and so it was not a path 

less traveled. I choose to be a lawyer because i want to work as part of society and i found law as the best medium for fulfilling such a dream.A lawyer is a social Engineer.

2. You are a Gold Medalist in International Law from Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram . Tell us about the scope of International Law.

World has transformed into a global village after the advent of rapidly accelerating globalization and expansion of technology. Every living being is linked with another, so also countries. From International Economic Law to Humanitarian Law, every branch has attained much significance after the post cold war era. I think more students must come forward to study International Law.

3. You have authored many books, the latest being on women and law. What is your overview about the incrementing significance of women on law?

Law alone is the Savior of women in society against all type of atrocities.India is a country having most number of legislation for the protection of women.My new book "Women and Indian Legal System" contains 20 chapters exclusively covering women related laws in India.    

4. Women always have to balance their role as a mother and wife with their professional front. Being an academician, an advocate, a columnist, a member of the panel of nationalised banks and a wife and the mother two children, how do you equilibrate it all? 

Many wonder at multi-tasking. I would like to say that it always depends on individuals. How you manage your time and set priorities in life. Family is the first priority. With the support of family, everything is possible.

5. Your students include Judges, Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Senior Law officers, etc. How is the experience of teaching members of the justice system itself?

The role that i  cherish and enjoy the most is that of a teacher   It’s great to teach persons who tomorrow decide the fate of a fellow human being. I give importance to impart values and quality, in my students than teaching just substantive and procedural laws. They are all performing really well at their benches and desks.It is a great experience to mold them to occupy key positions in the justice system.

6. Tell us about your journey as an academician of the legal fraternity so far.

I think Academic side of law must be approached in a pragmatic way. I started as an academician and then practiced law and now balancing both.

7. You are also a columnist for magazines in Malaylam and American Malayli newspaper. What impact do you aim to leave on your readers? 

Your legal learning should not do well for students and clients alone. Common man should also get the fruits. For which we need to bring things before them and empower them with knowledge of law. My latest article on child adoption gave hopes to many and many got an idea as how to do the same. This gives a lot of personal satisfaction.

8. Last but not the least, what is your message for law students?

"Law is a jealous mistress".Law needs your constant care and attention so love law passionately by working hard.Law will be there in your life as a counter point to help you to conquer greater heights.

(Originally published at http://lawschoolsterrace.blogspot.in/2013/07/in-conversation-with-advocate-nisa-fasil.html)