Every lawyer has a reason for stepping into the courtroom. For Dalia Das, it has always been the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. That purpose has now brought the Shoolini University alumna to National Law University (NLU) Delhi, where she has been appointed as a Legal Fellow after a rigorous national selection process.
Selected among just eight candidates from across India, Dalia will now gain first-hand experience in litigation, legal drafting, prosecution, courtroom proceedings, and case management through one of the country’s most sought-after legal fellowship programs.
Originally from North Bengal, Dalia wanted to pursue law in Himachal Pradesh. While searching for a leading university in the state, she came across Shoolini University. The strong academic reputation, coupled with its peaceful surroundings, made it the ideal place to begin her legal journey. So, she joined BA LLB program at the School of Law.
Like many students moving away from home, adapting to a new environment came with its own challenges. She said, “Moving from North Bengal to Himachal was a completely new experience for me. In the beginning, even speaking Hindi confidently was a challenge, but my teachers and classmates supported me at every step. Their encouragement helped me grow not just as a student, but also as a future lawyer.”
She credits much of her personal and professional growth to Associate Professor Renu Pal Sood and Assistant Professor Palak Sharma, whose guidance helped her navigate university life and encouraged her to make the most of every opportunity.
At Shoolini, Dalia believed that learning law meant going beyond lectures. She became an active member of the University’s Para Legal Team, which organises awareness programs on important legal and social issues. Through these initiatives, she interacted with communities, learnt about real-life legal challenges, and came to understand the importance of legal awareness in society.
Beyond academics, Dalia was actively involved in student life. She served as the Club Secretary of Katha Club, Shoolini University’s fashion club, and as the Vice President of Prism, the University’s LGBTQ+ support and awareness club. These leadership roles helped her develop confidence, strengthen her communication skills, and work with diverse groups.
She also played an important role in organising the Law Fest, where she gained practical exposure to areas such as crime scene investigation and other aspects of criminal law. These experiences strengthened her interest in litigation and gave her a better understanding of how the legal system functions beyond the classroom.
Determined to broaden her perspective, Dalia did several internships throughout her law degree. She worked with the North East Law Network, where she engaged with marginalised communities and learnt about grassroots legal interventions. She also interned with the Himachal Queer Foundation, contributing to initiatives that promote the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Her internship experiences included the Punjab and Haryana Human Rights Commission and the UN Women Leadership Project, where she researched victim rights and public policy.
After graduating from Shoolini, Dalia began her litigation career with a private law firm in Delhi under a senior advocate practising at the Delhi High Court. It was during this time that she learnt about the Legal Fellowship opportunity at NLU Delhi through one of her seniors and decided to apply.
The selection process involved analysing a hypothetical legal situation and presenting recommendations as part of the application. Shortlisted candidates were then invited for an interview before the final selection. Competing with applicants from across India, Dalia secured one of only eight fellowship positions.
Growing up, Dalia was inspired by a family deeply rooted in public service. Her father serves in the defence forces, while her mother is involved in politics. While both professions influenced her perspective, she realised that her own calling lay in the legal profession, where she could work towards securing justice for marginalised communities and those whose voices often go unheard.
Today, as a Legal Fellow at NLU Delhi, she is gaining first-hand exposure to litigation, prosecution, legal drafting, and courtroom proceedings. The fellowship allows her to work on live cases, understand litigation procedures, observe court hearings, and develop practical advocacy skills. One of the cases she is currently involved in concerns a dowry death investigation, offering valuable insight into the complexities of criminal litigation.
Looking back, Dalia believes that aspiring lawyers should look beyond the classroom.
“Many students think studying law ends with earning a degree, but that’s only the beginning. Step outside the classroom, join legal aid initiatives, work with communities, and explore different areas of law. The more practical exposure you gain, the more clarity you’ll have about the kind of lawyer you want to become.”
Her appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one that reflects the power of perseverance, practical learning, and a passion for the law.
Shoolini Team
31 July, 2026
