Cityscape

Varsha Aithala

What were you doing before the MCL?

I was working as a senior associate at Samvad Partners, a national law firm in India advising on investment transactions. I have international practice experience in corporate and commercial laws of more than 8 years, having worked in law firms both in India and in the United Kingdom.

What were your impressions of the MCL?

My main objective in applying to the MCL programme was to gain a wholesome understanding of the conceptual framework and economic rationale governing corporate transactions and their interaction with finance and law. Unlike a general LLM degree offered by other universities, the MCL has been specifically structured to cater to corporate legal professionals due to its flexible course curriculum and specific emphasis on corporate and commercial laws.

The Deals course has been the cornerstone of the MCL programme. It is of critical importance for international transactional lawyers and not just limited to those who intend to practice in the UK. The course module is taught by a mix of distinguished faculty and practitioners from reputed English and international law firms.

Outside of curricular activities, I have gained a lot in terms of lasting friendships and strong professional networks which I will cherish for life.

What are your post-MCL plans and have they changed due to taking the MCL?

I intend to return to India to continue with private practice combined with academic, teaching and policy work.