CLOSE-UP WITH DR. VRINDA NARAIN

Interview conducted by Nour Rashid, Student at McGill Faculty of Law.

Q: What is your current research focus?

A: Currently, I am conducting research on post-colonial constitutionalism, exploring the transformatory potential of constitutions.

Q: How do feminist legal theory, social diversity, postcolonial studies, and critical race theory enrich your study and interpretation of law?

A:  It encourages me to consider a variety of different perspectives and to engage with different realities.

Q: What were the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your lawyering experience before joining the faculty at McGill?

A: Providing free legal aid and ensuring access to justice.

Q: What is your personal teaching philosophy?

A: I want to teach my students to learn how to question.I would like my students to become critical thinkers and engaged citizens.

Q: What are some ways you would encourage your students to engage in learning outside the classroom?

A: Participate, organize, get involved with the wider community.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring young women entering the field of law and wanting to create social change through the legal system?

A:  I think it would be a bit presumptuous of me to offer advice! But I would encourage them to Reclaim their space, and never be afraid to speak truth to power.