Incoming Student Spotlight: Pragya Sharma, 2021 JAMS Scholar

"I am positive that an LL.M. from Straus will be a crucial step in achieving my goals."

Pragya Sharma was eight years old when she decided she would become a lawyer in India. "I was amazed by the theatrical lawyers strutting in courts in their majestic gowns and the stern, but sometimes humorous, judges," she shared. Upon completing her Bachelor in Law from Indian Law Society's Law College, she received a diploma in corporate law, and joined Shardul, Amarchand, Mangaldas Inc., a premier Indian law firm, where she represented clients across High Courts and arbitral tribunals.

She first became interested in ADR in 2017 when she participated in an international investment arbitration moot court competition. "I became fascinated and engrossed in pursuing arbitration while working with my law firm, where I staffed ongoing domestic as well as international arbitrations. Thus, I was introduced to a world not confined to the four walls of a courtroom, but the possibilities of a speedier and cheaper justice system," Pragya states.

This August, Pragya will be beginning her Masters in Law in Dispute Resolution degree program at the Straus Institute. In April, she was awarded the 2021 JAMS full-tuition scholarship to pursue her education. She chose to attend the Straus Institute for its extraordinary ADR program, which offered one of the most comprehensive curricula in the field. "The rich course offerings, distinguished faculty, a wide diversity of students, and a commitment to the global community cemented my desire to attend the Straus Institute."

She aims to be a public prosecutor and assist the State in effective disposition of justice, adding "Learning from Straus' faculty experts, especially those with experience working in state and federal governments, will provide me with fresh insights into domestic and international law." In the long-term, Pragya hopes to join the Indian judiciary and look forward to taking courses on restorative justice, conflict communication, and criminal law, along with clinical experiences. "I am positive that an LL.M. from Straus will be a crucial step in achieving my goals."