Grad takes next step to practice law, make an impact

Amrita Vyas is graduating from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University with a Master of Laws (LLM), bringing her one step closer to resuming her legal career.

Vyas received her LLB in India, the equivalent of a JD in the United States, and worked as a corporate attorney specializing in banking and finance. She paused her legal career after moving to the U.S. with her husband and spent the past nine years away from practice to fulfill her visa requirements.

Now, with her LLM from ASU Law, Vyas is preparing to take the bar exam in Connecticut.

“It sounds cliché, but I want to make a difference through the tool of law,” she said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean I need to be on a ‘40 under 40’ list, but I want to make a positive impact, no matter where life takes me.”

Note: Answers may have been lightly edited for length and/or clarity.

Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I loved reading books and believed that all an attorney ever does is read books. Hence, I decided to take up law. Business law became a natural extension of this decision, as I was surrounded by people related to the business world one way or another.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU Law — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: I attended a speed coaching event during fall 2024, where an alumna told me to never stop advocating for myself. As an immigrant who sometimes thinks it’s easier to be in the shadows and let things be, this was very motivating.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I was living in Tempe when I decided to apply for an LLM, and ASU Law is a well-recognized school.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Professors Michael Selmi, Bradley Forst and Jessica Berch.

Each of them is vastly different from the other, but all are equally inspiring. I couldn’t choose just one.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Be kind to yourself and to others. Law school — and life — is fraught with its difficulties; do not add to those if you can help it. Of course, work hard as well. 

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: Student lounge area on the sixth floor and the study cubicles in front of the library reception desk on the third floor — though it can get a bit noisy there.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I am moving to Connecticut, where I plan to appear for the Connecticut Bar Exam. Fingers crossed!

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I’m not sure if it is a specific “problem,” but I’d want to spend that money on child development. 

By providing accessible mental and emotional support resources, support for young families and food security, children grow and shape our society; we must take care of not just their physical but mental and emotional well-being as well. I’ve seen enough instances of childhood events making or breaking individuals. We need to do better for the children and our society.