A Moment That Changed Everything

• Sanya highlights the pivotal role Girl Power Talk played in shaping her legal career.
• Contributed to expert witness reports for U.S. legal cases, gaining hands-on experience.
• The experience has been nothing short of transformative, fostering both personal and professional growth.

I remember my first major task here: “A priority task, for an important case.” I was asked to go through deposition transcripts for a major new case. As I was sipping coffee and going through the hundreds of deposition pages, it hit me—I was doing real work!

I had just started the third year of my five-year law degree and was already working on major US cases. This wasn’t a hypothetical classroom exercise or a moot court scenario—this was real. My contributions mattered. At that moment, I knew this experience was going to be more than just an “internship.” It was going to change everything.

A Leap of Faith

Before joining the legal team, I was passionate, eager to learn, and driven—but unsure how to take the next step. And so, much like my peers, I would spend hours endlessly scrolling through opportunities on Internshala. This is where I found a “legal intern” opportunity from Girl Power Talk. At first, it looked almost fake—too dreamy, too utopian.

After a bit of research, I discovered it was indeed real, and my excitement grew. However, I hesitated. Do I have what it takes? Am I ready? The thought of applying thrilled me, but it also made me nervous. I remember feeling the weight of self-doubt before my interview. I was not sure whether I was truly prepared for something of this magnitude.

But I took the leap. From the get-go, I was welcomed with utmost warmth and kindness by the team.  A team that believed in me before I learned to believe in myself.

The Work That Changed Me: From Learning to Leading

When I joined the team, I quickly learned that we don’t just have interns—we’re all young leaders, co-contributors, and equals. Over the past two years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work on exciting projects. I have worked on tasks I could have never dreamed of tackling at such a young age.

For context, here are some of the things I have been afforded the opportunity to contribute to:

Expert Witness Reports

I primarily work on expert witness reports for U.S. based cases. This includes case research, damages assessment, rebuttals, and legal writing. Some of our notable cases include: Golo LLC v. Goli, LLC (My very first report here—the case with the priority task!), Providence Capital Funding Inc. v. Lozamira Inc., Dutch Clips LLC d/b/a Dutchware Gear v. Ripstop by the Roll LLC, and Maximized Marketing, LLC & Brad Pender v. Richard Baldwin, Jennifer Baldwin & Ring-A-Ding. I’ve also worked on cases where we have collaborated with major law firms like DLA Piper, Barley Snider, and Ginsberg Jacobs LLC.

Legal Writing & Publications

I regularly contribute to several legal articles, including one published in the ABA Journal!

Research Projects and Practical Training

I’ve also worked on exciting research projects alongside US professors and attorneys, expanding my understanding of key legal issues. For instance, every Wednesday we meet with Doug Ryder, a US-based IPR attorney. These meetings allow us to gain firsthand insights into US patent and trademark law and to apply our learnings!

CLE Programs

My work here is not only intellectually stimulating and thrilling but also extremely rewarding. I recently was able to support a Continuous Legal Education (CLE) program delivered by Mr. Sameer Somal and Ms. Aashna Duggal. The program received high praise from the NY State Bar Association and was very well received by the community. 

Experiences like these reaffirm the impact of our work and the invaluable experience I’ve gained along the way. Each day is an exciting new opportunity. The experiences I’ve had here have not only sharpened my skills but have helped me grow into a confident leader. I went from hoping I could handle advanced legal work to knowing I could!

The Impact

The diversity and nature of work in the legal team have honed my skills. They have inculcated in me the ability to think critically, write persuasively, and show up with confidence. This has prepared me for things I could have only dreamed of doing. Not only has it changed my mindset, but it has also brought me closer to my personal goals. 

One of the most significant ways this team has impacted me is in preparing me for my LL.M. The skills and insights I’ve gained here have undoubtedly contributed to my growth. They have also helped me secure admissions to three of the top universities in the U.S. with merit scholarships!

The depth of legal research, analytical thinking, and case strategy I’ve worked on here has given me a strong foundation. Thereby making me more equipped and ready to take on the rigorous academic and professional demands of an advanced legal degree. My constant exposure to US law through expert witness work has provided invaluable real-world insights that will aid my academics.  

One of the most profound and biggest shifts, however, has been in my mindset. Before this, I had a clear idea of what I thought was “possible” and “achievable” for me. I have now realized that I was unknowingly setting limits for myself. The legal team hasn’t just reinforced my ambitions—it has made me dream bigger and louder. More importantly, it showed me that with support, dedication, and the right mindset, I’m capable of more than I believed.

The Mentorship That Made It All Possible 

None of this would have been possible without the relentless support and mentorship of Sameer Sir and Aashna. Their guidance has not only shaped my growth and progress here but also transformed my career trajectory and approach. 

Aashna is the chief legal officer at Girl Power Talk and the best boss one could ever ask for. She doesn’t guide; she uplifts. She is incredibly supportive and brings out the best in each team member. What makes her leadership style most impressive is that she doesn’t believe in micromanaging; she trusts us to take charge. Aashna lets us lead, make decisions, and take ownership of our work. She recognizes the potential in the team and leads by example. She pushes us to take on challenges while making sure we always feel supported.  In Aashna, I’ve found not just a mentor and leader, but a friend and confidant.

Sameer sir, despite being the CEO, has always been remarkably approachable and down to earth. He leads not with authority but with respect. I’ve worked with him on several projects, and his kindness and compassion allow us direct access to his guidance and insights. His ability to balance intelligence and ambition with humility makes him an extraordinary role model and mentor. 

He encourages us to think bigger and strive for excellence. Not just because the work demands it, but because he genuinely sees our potential. His vision and genuine faith in us have opened doors to incredible opportunities and introduced us to unimaginable projects. Moreover, his support has been invaluable in helping me achieve my personal goals. This includes helping with my applications for LL.M. Through him, I’ve learnt that ambition should always be paired with kindness and that leadership is about lifting others up. Aashna and Sameer are not just bosses; they are mentors and inspirations. And I am incredibly grateful. 

A Dream Opportunity for Aspiring Legal Professionals

In many countries, it is extremely difficult to contribute to meaningful work as a student or a young lawyer.  The opportunity to work on major US cases, therefore, is incredible. You’re in the thick of it, handling important cases and contributing to things that really matter.  

The legal team at Girl Power Talk has supported me in innumerable ways. The team is special,  kind, supportive, inspiring, fun, and global. The work I’ve been doing here is incomparable. Even as a law student, you’re not just watching—you’re doing. We work in groups and handle all aspects of these reports with Aashna’s support. There is a deep-rooted culture of trust where you are encouraged to take on challenges and push yourself. 

The work is high-level and diverse. I’ve been involved not just in core legal work but also in PR, content creation, case analysis, interviews, and research projects. The chance to grow is faster and greater than expected. For anybody thinking about joining, I say this without any hesitation. If you want to be challenged, inspired, and transformed, this is where you need to be!

As I reflect back at my journey with the legal team at Girl Power Talk, I feel immense gratitude. The experiences, mentorship, and challenges I have encountered here have not only shaped my legal career but transformed the way I see myself and my future.