Paritesh Royal
Paritesh Royal
As a child, I aspired to become a military officer, then a businessman, and later considered the Civil Service. My journey took a turn when I attended a military school and realised that subjects like maths and science weren't my strengths. Instead, I gravitated towards history, political science, and geography. A seminar during my A-levels sparked my interest in law, leading me to pursue it as a career.
Growing up in various cities across India, including Delhi, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Manesar, gave me a broad perspective from a young age. This diverse upbringing led me to pursue a comprehensive five-year integrated bachelor's degree in law from Jaipur. Upon graduation, I decided to further my studies in the UK as the UK's legal system, sharing common roots with India's, seemed a natural fit for further studies in international law.
At UEL, the expert faculty and engaging lectures deeply enriched my understanding of international law. These experiences, coupled with participation in human rights clinics, connected me with the legal industry and prepared me for a career in international law. I established my own consultancy, addressing issues like the Ukraine refugee crisis and nationality cases, which allowed me to contribute meaningfully to international law.
Reflecting on the field's challenges, I believe there's a significant gap between established professionals and emerging lawyers passionate about international law. Many top lawyers lack ground-level awareness, which is crucial for dealing with current issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict or the Ukraine-Russia situation. More inclusivity and understanding are needed to make international law more accessible and justice-oriented.
I came across a story that a person shared with his students, which has a simple but powerful moral I’d like to pass on to you. The story goes like this: Two people had different tools—one had a bow and arrow, while the other had a spear. The person with the bow and arrow shot a rabbit and was content, but the person with the spear aimed for an elephant and failed. Who is the achiever out of the two? The person who came back with the rabbit or the person who aimed for more but came back empty handed? The lesson here is that winning something easy isn’t a success. Even if you don't achieve your target immediately, the journey makes you an achiever. Be persistent and dedicated, and success will follow in time.
