Vrinda Nagpal, Senior Associate (Competition Law), Trilegal

Vrinda Nagpal (LLM Competition Law, 2019) has worked for some of India's top-tier law firms, including Khaitan & Co and Touchstone Partners. She has been practising for several years and is currently a Senior Associate (Competition Law) at Trilegal. Vrinda also volunteers her time as the India Lead for the UCL Alumni Recent Graduates Network, supporting and connecting the thriving alumni community.

What motivated you to study the LLM Competition Law at UCL Laws?

I knew I wanted to pursue my LLM at a premier institution, and UCL Laws was the most obvious choice given my strong interest in competition law. The programme’s flexibility to choose specialised modules, taught by exceptional academics like Professor Ioannis Lianos (later head of the Hellenic Competition Commission) and many other leading practitioners, made it an unparalleled programme. The LLM also offered a balance of academic rigour and practical insight, perfectly aligning with my career aspirations.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time at UCL Laws that has had a lasting impact on you?

The programme’s design – with its emphasis on critical reading, analysis, and class debates – sharpened my ability to approach legal issues from multiple perspectives. This skill of holistic, 360-degree thinking has stayed with me and profoundly influences how I approach my work, clients and other matters! More than a single event, it was this training that has had the most lasting impact on me.

How do you believe your experience at UCL Laws differed from other institutions offering similar programmes?

One of the key highlights at UCL was that the LLM programme was taught by professors who were actively practising. This made significant difference because a lot of what we learned was based on real and practical insight, building and contextualising the textbook theory. The programme is highly intensive, with rigorous pre- and post-class demands that push you to be fully immersed in the subject. You end up gaining far more than at programmes with lighter workloads. Its central London location adds immense value – close to law firms, courts, and professional events (many hosted right on campus). This blend of academic excellence and practical exposure makes it truly distinct.

How has your career path evolved since finishing the LLM, and how did UCL Laws prepare you for this?

UCL gave me both rigorous subject knowledge and critical analytical skills, which directly shaped my professional expertise. The classroom experience honed my legal reasoning, while the professors and alumni network have been invaluable for mentorship and guidance. These factors not only helped me secure opportunities at top law firms but also equipped me to handle some of the most sophisticated matters in the field. Now that I’ve practised over half a decade, I can say with some confidence that UCL was one my best decisions.

What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far, or had the biggest impact on you?

One of the greatest highlights has been working on complex merger control cases where the regulator initially resisted clearance. These matters demand deep legal and economic engagement with the Competition Commission, plus close collaboration with clients and stakeholders to find commercially viable solutions. On the enforcement front, right now, tech regulation is one of the key priorities for the regulator, and defending a large technology enabled platform in a matter where the outcome would set precedent in India is quite exciting! Details are, of course, confidential at the moment. Such experiences are both intellectually challenging and professionally rewarding.

What are some unique challenges in your sector/area at the moment?

The biggest new challenges lie in regulating digital markets and AI-driven business models. Traditional frameworks often struggle to assess market power, consumer harm, and innovation in these rapidly evolving sectors. Over the coming years, I see competition law moving towards more dynamic, sector-specific regulation and greater cross-border cooperation, given the global nature of tech platforms.

You’re the India Lead for the UCL Alumni Recent Graduates Network. What do you do in this role, and what are the benefits for other alumni to connect in this way?

One of best assets that a great university offers is its alumni network. UCL has a very impressive alumni community globally, and in India. I am a proud UCL alumnus, and I believe that the value of an alumni network depends also on the effort of its members. So, I took on this role partly out of a desire to give back and partly out of self-interest – I’ve seen firsthand how valuable UCL’s alumni network can be. 

Connecting with fellow graduates, especially those far ahead in their careers, has opened doors and given me invaluable guidance. At the same time, I wanted to help structure the UCL alumni network in a more accessible and structured fashion in India, and have a more vibrant community, so that recent graduates and established professionals alike could benefit from mentorship, collaboration, and shared opportunities. For me, it’s been about building a thriving community as much as it is has been about learning and growing alongside it.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of doing an LLM at UCL Laws?

Go for it! Every alumnus I’ve interacted with – whether my batchmates or senior graduates – shares the same unanimous view: studying at UCL is transformative, both personally and professionally.

What careers advice or guidance would you give to current students or recent graduates who are just starting out?

Be active about seeking real-world experience – internships, moot courts, and volunteering can help reveal what excites you and build credibility beyond academics. Law is known to open doors to consulting, policy, business, and even non-legal roles. So, invest in practical skills – communication, research, and adaptability. These skills are valued everywhere. 

Find out more about Vrinda on LinkedIn.