Legal Aspirations: A Spotlight on Darshi G. Mankad from Karnavati University (Alumni Interaction)

In this exclusive interview with Careers360, Darshi G. Mankad, President, KU Alumni Association and Senior Associate at Y. J. Trivedi and Co. discusses about her journey and experiences at Karnavati University, admission parameters, placements and more. Check the interview here.

About: Karnavati University is a state-private university which was established in the year 2017. The university comprises six constituent colleges that are Unitedworld Institute of Design, Unitedworld School of Business, Unitedworld School of Liberal Arts & Mass Communication, Unitedworld School of Law, Unitedworld School of Computational Intelligence, and Karnavati School of Dentistry. Karnavati University offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across various disciplines.

Careers360: Tell us about your domain and your work profile. At the professional level, did you pursue the same field you were interested or you switched?

Darshi: Yes, I have pursued law along with my passion for being a choreographer. Pursuing Intellectual Property laws was unconventional when I thought of commencing my career, post-graduation. The very essence of IP law is that it yields beautifully to changing technologies.

Presently, working as a Senior Associate at a 52-year-old reputed firm Y. J. Trivedi & Co. which has grown into a premier full-service IP law firm. My expertise extends to drafting and prosecuting all kinds of matters about Trademark law and representing clients before the Indian IP Office. Also, into drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, MOUs and IP agreements of varied nature. At such a young age, fortunate enough to lead the Opposition and Rectification department (Trademarks Law) of the firm and manage voluminous TM opposition portfolios of Corporations as well as SMEs and Startups.

Careers360: Can you briefly tell us about your career path so far?

Darshi: Incipiently, as I cleared my 12th boards, I had two options to step into i.e. Journalism and Law. Both interviews landed me being selected and now, it was my mind vs. heart; where shall I step ahead and shine? Being enamoured by the Retired Judge Ms Jyotsna Yagnik ma’am (who took my interview), I was aware of being a lawyer. Moving along with getting a “Student of the Semester” award and excelling in academics, internships have played significantly a crucial role in choosing an area of law where I wish to make my career.

As I stated before, I’m constantly enamoured by all my seniors in the legal field – the most important of them being Mr YJ Trivedi sir, who I have admired for almost the entirety of my career and still I do!” This was followed by a genuine observation during my internship on how even today, I often feel like a “little girl, trying to step into the big shoe, balancing, standing firm by constantly observing, adopting the traits and believing that show must go on.”

IP goes hand in hand with marketing and business strategy. Hence, along with work, I pursued a Masters in Business Law (Gold Medalists) from Gujarat University, and that added a glance over the fact that ‘if you firmly believe to achieve something, humans have a superpower to make it happen despite being in extremis’. Here I am leading the Opposition and Rectification department (Trademarks Law) of the firm, managing voluminous TM opposition portfolios of Corporations as well as SMEs and Startups, have participated at various conferences and represented the firm on national as well as global levels. Recently selected as ‘PRESIDENT’ of KU Alumni Association and conducting dance workshops in spare time.

Careers360: Is the Industry work different from what you learnt at Unitedworld School of Law College, presently known as ‘KU’?

Darshi: As I said, whatever you learn at college is considered a theory however, internships, active participation in moot courts and debates will play a prominent role in shaping a career at the very beginning of your law school. Honestly, it all depends on your responsibility, and it begins once you choose the right mentor who can push you to the edge, each day & every day.

Careers360: How do you think your time in college has added value to your life, both professional and personal?

Darshi: Without a single pause, it’s my professors who have been on our toes to guide us to the fullest. ‘All work and no play make a Jack a dull boy’ Likewise, all the extracurricular activities organized by KU at regular intervals have given me an additional edge me in who I am today. Needless to say, College has given me some of the best humans for life.

Careers360: What was your initial thought process when you joined the United World School of Law College, presently known as ‘KU’?

Darshi: Like any other student, my nervousness & inner turmoil were at the peak! But today, when I look back to those incredible 5 years at the College campus, I am profoundly grateful for the learnings, supportive mentors, extracurricular activities & exposure, of course; constant motivation to each student personally by the Dean herself at times.

Careers360: You must have spent a memorable time at your United World School of Law College, presently known as ‘KU’. Do you miss being a part of it? Share a few good memories.

Darshi: Undoubtedly, College years are said to be the golden years of life! We carry memories as well as learnings within us today. The first memory right popped up in my mind is when we bunked a lecture for the first time, and Dean herself came to the canteen in search of our group. That Apology letter I believe is as the first & last one in my academic career.

Careers360: Briefly take us through your life at the campus, the activities you used to do and your routine life. Apart from academics, what were the other activities you were involved in and how did it enrich your life?

Darshi: At my time, we were the opening batsman of the University, the first batch of Law at KU.

Most of the time, apart from lectures, I used to be either at the football ground or the library. I used to participate actively in National moot court competitions, and dance competitions and hosting the event at the campus used to be my all-time favourite facet of college life. I have also led various committees. And the same has enriched my life in several ways as it was a 360-degree learning coverage at the campus, I must say!

Careers360: How did you keep updated with the industrial requirements and what was the role of the institute in it?

Darshi: Guest Lectures and training before as well as exposure during various National moot court competitions, debate competitions and MUNs. Internships are a very significant part of a law student’s life. Also, now Alumni are playing a crucial part in imparting practical teachings to the students of KU.

Careers360: You are a proud alumnus of this top College. What is the best part of Unitedworld School of Law/ KU Institute from a student's perspective?

Darshi: Five things without thought: Professors, well-designed Curriculum, Exposure, bridging the gap between practical learnings & theory via well-distinguished Guest lectures and needless to say, Campus.

Careers360: What is your suggestion/guidance for the BBA-LLB (Course) aspirants?

Darshi: The first days are the hardest when you step out of a law school. However, focus on the objective and not on the obstacle. Never join an easy crowd. Once again, be a firm believer in ‘Show must go on”.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by Karnavati University and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.