More than 60 law students completed a one-month summer internship program organized by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) from July 1 to August 1, 2024.
At a culmination program held at the DC Conference Hall in Kohima, NSLSA Member Secretary Victo Sema, NJS, encouraged the law students to be perseverant and motivated in their legal careers. He explained that the internship program is offered annually to provide students with exposure to various aspects of law, which will be beneficial for their future practice, especially in different legal institutions.
Sema also discussed the purpose of establishing legal services authorities, emphasizing that it is mandated by the Constitution and the Legal Services Act of 1987. These authorities exist at national, state, district, and taluka levels to create legal awareness and provide assistance, particularly to uplift the poor and marginalized sections of society.
The Principal District and Sessions Judge of Kohima and Chairperson of the Kohima District Legal Services Authority also addressed the interns, encouraging them to be persistent and hardworking, and congratulating them on completing the internship.
Retainer Lawyer for NSLSA, Apila Sangtam, shared her experiences in the legal profession, describing it as a noble field where maintaining integrity is crucial. She highlighted that legal services offer young lawyers opportunities to start their practice by engaging in court proceedings and extending legal services. Sangtam emphasized that working in legal services has taught her the value of helping marginalized individuals.
The program was chaired earlier by Cherry Ovung, State Panel Lawyer for NSLSA. The interns presented reports on their month-long experience. A total of 61 interns participated in the program, gaining valuable insights by observing court proceedings at the District Courts and High Court, Kohima Bench, and visiting Lok Ayukta, jails, legal aid defense counsel offices, and various homes and institutions.