LJRF Young Talents 2026: Neethu Nizar

Neethu Nizar is a law graduate from Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram, with a strong foundation in legal research, drafting, communication, advocacy, and leadership. With particular interests in contract law, intellectual property rights, data protection, and technology law, she has actively engaged in legal internships, moot court competitions, Model United Nations, academic conferences, legal writing, and volunteering throughout her academic journey. She is currently working as an In House Counsel at the Infosys Limited.

She has gained practical exposure to corporate and commercial legal work, constitutional and legislative research, litigation, and emerging areas of technology law through internships with organisations including Infosys Limited, corporate law firms, the Supreme Court of India, and the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

Education

Completed B.A. LL.B. from Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram (2021–2026), with training in legal drafting, including affidavits, pleadings, and contracts. Her areas of interest include Contract Law, Intellectual Property Rights, and Data Protection. She has also actively participated in extracurricular activities and Model United Nations tournaments.

Completed Class 11–12 (CBSE) from Abu Dhabi Indian School, U.A.E. in 2020, securing 91%, where she served as Magazine Editor and Event Coordinator for the “Voices – Debate Club”. Completed schooling at Shining Star International School, U.A.E., securing 90% and serving as House Vice Captain.

Academic Excellence & Research

Neethu Nizar has actively participated in academic conferences, legal research, competitions, and scholarly activities, with interests extending across constitutional law, contract law, commercial law, technology law, and emerging legal developments.

Some of her notable academic and research engagements include:

  • “Local Self Government” — Paper presented at a National Conference organized by Mar Gregorius College of Law.
  • Research and academic engagement in areas including the EU AI Act, GDPR, Digital Personal Data Protection, arbitration, commercial contracts, and Indian federalism.
  • Core Coordinator for a paper presentation on “Emerging Trends in Indian Federalism: Issues and Challenges” organized by Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram.

Moot Court & Legal Competitions

  • Semifinalist, National Trial Advocacy Moot Competition organized by Surana & Surana and School of Excellence in Law, Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai.
  • Quarterfinalist, National Moot Court Competition organized by Government Law College, Calicut.
  • Finalist, Mozhi Debate Competition.
  • 3rd Place, Kiffeyah Elocution Competition.
  • 2nd Place, NSS Day Story Writing Competition.
  • Participated as a Judge/Vice Chair in the 2nd Edition MUN organized by the Indian Institute of Science and Technology.
  • Served as Judge for the 1st and 2nd Edition MUN conducted by Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Served as Judge for the flagship MUN organized by Rajdhani Institute of Management.
  • Received Special Mention in an MUN conducted by SB College, Kerala.
  • Received Honourable Mention in an MUN organized by the College of Engineering, CET.

Internships

Infosys Limited

At Present she is an In House Counsel at the Infosys Limited.

  • Drafted, reviewed, and redlined Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SoW), and developed a negotiation playbook for an MSA covering limitation of liability, indemnities, and termination clauses.
  • Conducted research on the EU AI Act, GDPR, and Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), including DORA’s implications for IT service providers.
  • Developed an understanding of Open Source Licensing, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and liquidation preference in M&A transactions.

Draft and Code – Corporate Law Firm | May 2026

  • Researched HR analytics, AI hiring tools, and privacy compliance under the DPDP Act.
  • Gained exposure to the fundamentals of contract drafting and Open Source Licensing.

Menon and Pai – Corporate Law Firm | October 2025

  • Researched commercial, corporate, and civil law issues including cancellation of tenders after procurement, State of Punjab v. Rafiq Masih, and recent judicial trends.
  • Researched issues under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, including arbitral awards beyond liquidated damages and setting aside of arbitral awards.
  • Drafted counter-affidavits and legal notices for ongoing litigation matters before the High Court.

Supreme Court of India | April 2025

  • Interned under the Standing Counsel for the State of Kerala, Adv. C.K. Sasi, Advocate-on-Record.
  • Analysed significant cases, prepared case reports, and observed proceedings before the Supreme Court.

Sreekumar Associates – Law Firm | May 2024

  • Analysed civil and criminal cases and assisted in client consultations.
  • Researched relevant legal provisions and cases and gained exposure to Kerala High Court proceedings and procedures.

Kerala Legislative Assembly | August 2024

  • Conducted legislative and constitutional research through library, museum, and archival resources.
  • Researched the Constitution of India and the Rules of Procedure governing the Kerala Legislative Assembly, gaining an understanding of the structure, functions, and legislative processes of the State Legislature.

Additional Work Experience & Leadership Engagements

Neethu served as an Editor at the Law and Justice Research Foundation (LJRF) Journal from 2021 to 2024, writing, editing, and publishing legal content relating to constitutional law, contract law, and legal reforms. She has also served as Joint Convener of the 17th edition of the All India Moot Court Competition at Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram, Core Organising Committee Member of the 19th edition, Executive Committee Member of the Model United Nations Club, Moot Court Society Member and Mentor, and Student Coordinator of the National ADR Competition 2025.

Voluntary Experience

Neethu has been actively involved in legal literacy and community-oriented initiatives. Through the Legal Aid Clinic, she participated in surveys, flash mobs, teaching activities, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing legal literacy.

As a Leader at U & I, a children’s education NGO, she led groups of teachers, assisted in mapping students to teachers, participated in interviews and recruitment activities, and delivered motivational speeches. She has also worked as a Public Speaking Coach at Brightside English and Matha College, Thiruvananthapuram, helping college students overcome their fear of communicating in English through practical strategies.

Additional Courses & Professional Development

She has completed certificate courses and professional programmes including:

  • Certificate Course on IP Basics
  • Certificate Course on EU AI Act – Foundational Course
  • Certificate Course on Overview of GDPR
  • Certificate Course on Negotiation Skills
  • Course on SOW and MSA Clauses
  • Add-on Certificate Course on Law, Science and Technology
  • Certificate Course on Leadership – Ultra Leaders

Interests & Expertise

  • Areas of Interest: Contract Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Data Protection, Technology Law
  • Core Legal Skills: Legal Research, Legal Writing, Legal Drafting, Public Speaking, Advocacy, Negotiation
  • Professional Skills: Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Languages: English, Malayalam, Hindi, Arabic