Kulsum Ansari is an Indian advocate and joins us from the IDR LL.M class at Humboldt University Berlin. She graduated in Law from CCS University, India. Kulsum also pursued an LL.M. from UT University, India, and has also pursued a foundational course for preparation for judicial services from an institute, Rahul’s IAS, in India.

She had a long association with Mohan & Co., which began from an internship position to associate advocate, where she earned experience in litigation & arbitration, specializing in commercial & insolvency laws. In 2023, she decided to take a switch to the corporate world, where she has discovered a new side of the legal profession.

Now she has arrived in Berlin for her Master’s degree, breaking barriers, trying to pursue her dreams and ambitions, and joining our firm as a visiting professional.

Kulsum speaks English, Hindi, Urdu and she is also learning German.

We look very much forward to working with Kulsum and have so many questions…

What was your first job?  

I was a typist at an advocate’s office. Though I was not getting paid much, I was working for the experience, not for money. 

Breakfast or dinner?  

A warm breakfast. 

What do you cook when you spontaneously have friends over for dinner?  

An Indian Parantha with sour achaar. This is a kind of Indian bread. You knead the dough, preferably with whole wheat flour, then you take a portion and fill it with clarified butter, but not too much. Then you spread it like pizza bread and fry with a little clarified butter in a pan. Enjoy with some pickles and yoghurt. 

Mountains or Seaside?  

Mountains.  

If you could meet someone famous, dead or alive, who would it be?   

Marie Curie. 

Which was your favorite place to live so far?  

Delhi – because I have grown up there. 

Digital or analogue?  

Analogue and vintage over digital for me.  

Favorite time of day?  

Nighttime, because it relaxes you. 

Window or aisle seat?  

Window because there is always so much happening in the sky. 

Country you wish to visit?  

Switzerland. I am sure I will visit soon.  

What song will always get you on the dancefloor?  

A Hindi song called “choli k peeche kya h”, which literally means ‘what is under your top’. The music & beats just push you to dance. 

Good advice you’ve received?  

99% of things in life come from hard work and only 1% from destiny. Also, in 2013, someone advised me that ‘every request can be accepted, if it is put forward in a certain way’. That has really worked for me. It is really important how you put your word forward.  

Biggest pet peeve?  

People not valuing the time of other people.  

Most played on your music playlist right now?  

A Hindi song called “dekha jo tumko to dil ko kya hua hai”. It is a romantic song from the 2000s and I am never over it.  

Favorite (public) holiday?  

New year. This day has a vibe of itself.  

Last new thing you learned?  

How to make kachori with filling. It is an Indian snack. I tried it once back at home, and it was disastrous. I do not know how, but I just cracked the proper way to make it.  

Which movie can you watch over and over?  

“Waqt”. This is an old Indian movie from 1970s, starring Indian actress Sharmila Tagore.  

Three words to describe Berlin?  

Not possible to describe in three words, but it is inviting, charming & comforting.  

Three words to describe your hometown Delhi?  

Again, will not do it justice but it is traditional, diverse and a foodie city. If you are a food lover, Delhi is for you. 

Night owl or early bird?  

Night owl because I can control for how long I can stay awake.  

Favorite pizza topping?  

Capsicum.