Hall of Fame — Mr Nishooldran A/L Ravindran
Nishooldran A/L Ravindran has never been one to follow a script — he is too busy questioning who wrote it and whether it served any real purpose. From modest beginnings, he rose to become a standout achiever, mastering his studies, dominating mooting competitions, and leaving an indelible mark on campus life. To understand the depth of his journey, let us rewind to where it all began.
Born and raised in the historic town of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Nishool is the youngest of three brothers. Naturally, he admired his older siblings and aspired to match, if not surpass, their successes. Following their footsteps, he enrolled at Bukit Mertajam High School — an institution known for producing national leaders like the late Tun Abdullah Badawi and Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. There, Nishool embraced cricket, representing his school and eventually clinching the state championship.
Yet, what started as a fierce sibling rivalry evolved into something far more personal: a burning desire to blaze his own trail. No longer content with being “the youngest brother,” Nishool set out on a path uniquely his own — one that would eventually lead him to the law.
Has law always been a strong passion of yours, or was there a particular moment or experience that ignited your interest in the legal field?
Contrary to what many might assume, law was not Nishool’s first love. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a microsurgeon. This ambition was deeply personal. When he was in Standard 6, his eldest brother suffered a devastating accident that left his right arm severely damaged. The only surgeons capable of performing the delicate repair were microsurgeons, and at the time, Malaysia had only three qualified specialists. Fueled by a desire to help, Nishool resolved to pursue microsurgery himself, meticulously planning his academic path around the sciences.
However, Nishool is a master of boredom. Once he nailed a subject, his curiosity shifted elsewhere. After acing his A-level sciences, he found the rigid certainty of science stifling — the fixed answers and formulaic solutions no longer excited him. What he craved most was freedom — the freedom to wrestle with ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore perspectives without a single “correct” answer.
This craving for intellectual liberty eventually pulled him towards law.
In true spontaneous fashion, Nishool and Yee Yao decided to dive headfirst into acting, landing a gig in a docu-drama on Sultan Azlan Shah. From statutes to spotlights, why not?
That craving for intellectual liberty found its catalyst in the 2016 U.S. elections. While the world was glued to the political drama, Nishool was captivated by how law, politics, economics, and business intertwined in a fascinating dance, sparking his passion for the political-legal nexus. It was then, amid late-night think pieces and seismic global shifts, that he discovered the freedom he longed for in law: the logic, the strategy, and the power to question systems fit him like a well-worn blazer.
Faced with academic choices to satiate his intellectual appetite, Nishool had two clear paths: political science or law. With political science still a niche pursuit in Malaysia and law offering broader career doors, Nishool naturally opted for the latter.
And so began his journey: not as someone destined for a podium, but as someone who simply couldn’t sit back when there was something worth saying.
How do you find the transition from science to legal studies?
The shift was abrupt. Nishool had zero background in law. He was firmly planted in the world of the scientific method — spot the problem, apply the right formula, and tick the box. Law? Totally different beast. It was like being asked not just to solve a puzzle, but to debate if the puzzle even makes sense in the first place. Multiple perspectives, weighing arguments, questioning what counts as “valid” — it was a mental workout he had not signed up for.
To complicate matters, many of his batchmates had studied A-level law or completed foundation programs. He vividly recalls his first class, where terms like "monism" and "dualism." were casually tossed around like confetti at a party.
To this day, he remains uncertain about their meaning. Rather than being discouraged, Nishool embraced the challenge. He understood that mastering the law was a marathon, not a sprint. Within a few months, he expected the playing field to level as everyone covered the same material. With enough grit and grind, he was confident he could catch up. Yet a crucial question lingered: if everyone is reading the same playbook, how do you make your winning move?
The answer he found was in mooting and extracurricular activities.
You’ve had an outstanding mooting career, with accolades like Best Oralist in international competitions. What got you into mooting?
Mooting, for him, was never about the trophies. It was about the craft — about storytelling with authority, advocacy with impact, and showing juniors that greatness can be taught, not just born.
The turning point came when he participated in the World Scholar’s Cup (‘WSC’), a global competition combining debating and intellectual challenges. Through WSC, he travelled internationally — to Hanoi and even Yale University for the global rounds. These experiences left a lasting impression on him, offering not just the thrill of competition but the joy of travelling, meeting new people, and working towards a collective goal with teammates. It was during competitions that Nishool felt most alive. Wanting to recreate that spark in law school, he naturally gravitated towards mooting.
Blast from the past. Nishool and his teammates at the Tournament of Champions at Yale University.
Nishool's mooting journey was far from a smooth path paved with trophies — it was a rugged trail marked by setbacks and lessons. Out of nearly eleven competitions, he secured victory only twice. Although he made numerous appearances in finals and semifinals and consistently earned multiple Best Speaker and Best Mooter awards, yet, the ultimate win kept slipping through his fingers.
To cope, Nishool and teammate Ms Cheryl Ng developed a tradition: a “depression session” at Khan’s Indian Cuisine in Bangsar South. Over butter chicken and garlic cheese naan, they unpacked mistakes and frustrations — always focusing on self-improvement rather than blaming judges or opponents.
A pivotal setback came at the 2023 Nuremberg Moot. With a young, passionate team, they secured an impressive top-six ranking in the memorial stage — a remarkable feat that earned them the honor of representing the faculty overseas as only the second team to do so post-COVID. But when the oral rounds arrived, their momentum faltered, and their journey ended abruptly in the quarterfinals. Nishoool felt a heavy burden of responsibility for the loss, particularly since it was during his round that the team fell. Although he was awarded Best Oralist for that round, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he could have done more. Overwhelmed by guilt, Nishool considered quitting mooting altogether. But thanks to the encouraging words of his coach, Mr Nevyn Vinosh, he found the strength to give mooting another chance.
The UM Nuremberg Team, though smiling, are holding back tears after a devastating loss following months of hard work.
The silver lining appeared at his next competition — the Foreign Direct Investment (‘FDI’) Moot. This one was special to him as he was still an emerging mooter, fresh off completing his second year. The team was supported by some of the faculty’s best and brightest, giving him the chance to learn from highly skilled seniors. In the Asia-Pacific rounds, despite having no coach and training for only a few weeks, the team emerged first in the preliminaries — a remarkable achievement. The team was motivated and gunning for the championship.
But as life often reminds us, plans don’t always unfold perfectly. They lost in the semifinals by a narrow 2-1 margin to the eventual champions. Making matters worse, Nishool was the speaker in that round and received a fair share of negative feedback from the judges. The sting of that loss hit him hard. Despite strong performances in previous rounds, the semifinal setback sealed their fate. Though the team qualified for the international rounds, morale was low.
“In moots, all it takes is one bad round, one bad performance. You have to face each round one at a time. Past success means nothing if you’re not at your best in the moment.”
Despite their low spirits, Nishool and his teammates embraced a fresh mindset for the global rounds in India: to live in the moment, savour the experience, and perform their best free from the weight of expectation. This shift proved transformative.
Nishool became the first Malaysian to win the Thomas Wälde Award for Overall Best Advocate at the FDI Moot 2023. A monumental win that put Universiti Malaya — and Malaysia — firmly on the global mooting map.
Surprisingly to many, Nishool delivered the best performance of his career, arguing with confidence, clarity and conviction. To his astonishment, he was awarded Best Oralist in the international rounds, receiving the prestigious Thomas Wälde Advocacy Award. This was unprecedented for Universiti Malaya and Malaysia, as no Malaysian had ever won Best Oralist at the competition despite years of participation.
This achievement firmly established Nishool’s reputation as a formidable mooter, and from then on, all eyes were on him.
What motivated you to return to the Jessup Moot for the second time- a rare feat in itself -and how did this second experience differ from your first?
Nishool isn’t one to wallow in regrets. But even he would admit that his first run at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in 2024 left behind two stubborn “only ifs.”
Firstly, he hadn’t won a single moot. Secondly, his team missed the finals by just three marks, all because of a late memorial submission. Not bad advocacy, not a weak performance — just three marks, lost to a deadline. That sting was sharp enough to leave a mark.
He was determined not to leave law school empty-handed, especially not without a win at Jessup. After nine consecutive competition losses, he even toyed with the idea of quitting, thinking maybe mooting was just not his cup of tea.
But in true warrior fashion, after that tough 2024 loss, Nishool and Ms Cheryl had their classic “depression session”. Over some much-needed venting, they made a pact: the upcoming year would be their "year of redemption". They promised to win every competition they entered from that point on.
They meticulously plotted and planned all year, refining their skills before the next Jessup.
Even as a veteran, Nishool wasn’t afraid to test himself. He jumped into the LAWASIA Moot, a competition often reserved for juniors, to refine his advocacy style for Malaysian judges who appreciate a punchier, more forceful delivery. LAWASIA’s focus on oral advocacy made it the perfect training ground, with plenty of practice opportunities against local judges.
Nishool’s first championship — and it came in spectacular fashion. After UM’s early exit at the national rounds the year before, Nishool’s team clinched the title, with him earning the Best Oralist award in the finals.
The gamble paid off spectacularly. After UM’s early exit the previous year, Nishool’s team not only clinched the national title, but he also earned the Best Oralist award in the finals. They subsequently went on to win the international rounds, defeating Singapore Management University with a unanimous five-judge vote. To add icing to the cake, Nishool snagged the Best Oralist in the finals once again. The team completed a historic three-peat.
Three fingers, one legacy — the UM LAWASIA Team marks a historic three-peat after defeating Singapore Management University (‘SMU’), with Nishool taking home Best Oralist in the final round. Champions for the third year running!
With that confidence boost, Nishool returned to Jessup. Unlike his first attempt, where he wrestled with the basics of Public International Law, he now had a strong foundation. He threw himself into research, left no stone unturned, and played a key role in drafting the memorial that won Best Memorial at the nationals. Adapting to Malaysian judges’ preferences, he refined his delivery — confident, clear, and conversational. He learned to break down complex arguments and engage judges directly, handling even the trickiest questions with poise and conviction.
The team absolutely dominated, sweeping the competition with a flawless victory — Champion, Best Memorial Award, and Nishool taking home the Overall Best Oralist Award. They ranked first overall in the prelims with unanimous victories across the board and capped it all off with a grand finals win — another unanimous decision.
Ultimately, Nishool's perseverance paid off. He brought the Jessup Cup back to UM after a two-year hiatus, marking a milestone for the university. Despite speaking in four out of the five oral rounds — a factor typically lowering average scores — he was awarded Best Oralist. His success restored UM’s mooting reputation, especially after doubts following the departure of the faculty’s official coach.
Having won Jessup and achieved what he set out to do, Nishool felt no regrets, knowing he had accomplished everything he set out to do during his time in law school.
You’ve also coached and mentored mooters. How do you approach guiding others, and what do you find most rewarding about it?
In the early stages of Nishool’s mooting journey, he had no structured coaching. Unlike his seniors, he navigated competitive mooting largely on his own, relying on logic, rigorous research, and countless hours of video analysis. He dissected moot court recordings, studied UM Law Review posts, and refined his arguments through trial and error.
A pivotal moment came when he received a single coaching session from senior mooter, Mr Nevyn Vinosh (a man whom he now fondly calls as “coach”) for the KL Bar Moot. That session was like unlocking a bonus level and snagging a legendary power-up — it sharpened his argumentation, enhanced his logical coherence, and refined his case presentation. More importantly, it revealed to him the power of mentorship, a lesson that would deeply shape his own coaching philosophy.
Fast forward, and Nishool stepped into the coach’s shoes for the KL Bar, Tun Zaki and Nuremberg teams. He blended Mr Nevyn’s structured approach with his own scientific, analytical mindset. Nishool distilled countless methods and formulas adopted by different mooters and curated the ones that actually worked.
“At its core, a winning submission necessitates a smooth flow of logic. Sure, there are many ways to build an argument, and each speaker’s style is unique, but the logic has to be watertight.”
Unlike traditional coaching, which only tweaks strategy and structure from the sidelines, Nishool takes on a more hands-on approach, researching side by side with his juniors. He believes that to truly grasp a mooter’s challenges, you have to walk their path with them. With that understanding, he dives deep into case law, crafts strategic arguments, and fine-tunes every word and gesture, even down to the perfect delivery of the opening statement. For Nishool, coaching is not just about prepping a team; it is about levelling them up and unlocking their full potential.
For Nishool, mooting is a vital rite of passage for any law student, not just memorising rules but understanding the logic that underpins them. Laws may change, but the reasoning behind them remains a constant that shapes legal practice. Mooting develops this critical thinking early on, giving students a serious head start in legal reasoning and analysis.
But mooting also shapes presence and confidence. Nishool noticed that seasoned mooters carry themselves with poise, handle pressure, and captivate judges with their gestures and composure. It’s a training ground for real-world advocacy — one that opens doors for him, including job offers from competition performances. While the learning curve can be steep, he believes anyone can thrive with hard work and the right guidance. Just take that first step and embrace the journey.
“Mooting isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. But to succeed and go far, passion for advocacy and a drive to improve are essential. I couldn’t have lasted this long myself without a genuine love for the craft and a relentless desire to do better.”
Leadership seems to be your forte — you’ve taken on so many roles. How would you describe your approach to leadership across these different areas?
Nishool is best known for two standout roles at Universiti Malaya: his trailblazing directorship of the UM Consti Team (‘UMCT’) and his dynamic partnership with Mr Dhaman Surein during a record-breaking term in the UM Law Society.
His journey began with a strategic decision: to build leadership skills before contesting for UMCT Directorship. To prepare, he volunteered as Project Director for one of the university’s Jalinan Masyarakat initiatives. Under this banner, he launched Project FLARE, focused on advocating against abuse in schools. This cause was deeply personal. Every year on his mother’s birthday, Nishool’s family would visit an orphanage — sharing meals and time with children. These experiences nurtured his empathy and concern for children lacking educational opportunities and vital guidance. FLARE was born from this passion, aiming to empower vulnerable youth. Managing FLARE gave Nishool his first real taste of leadership — understanding the challenges of project management and team coordination.
Armed with this experience, he took a leap and ran for Director of the UM Consti Team. He won by a nail-biting single vote. Determined to make an impact, Nishool restructured the team, introducing new bureaus, eliminating outdated ones, setting clear KPIs, and creating efficient communication. Weekly concise updates and inclusive planning workshops ensured that every member felt valued. The results spoke for themselves: record sponsorships, a 250% surge in social media followers, and a brand-new website designed over semester break with Ms Yee Yao.
During Malaysia’s 15th General Election, Nishool seized the moment to elevate UMCT’s profile with a Voter Awareness Campaign. He partnered with UNDI18 and Parliwomen to produce a standardised infographic that clarified essential voting information, cutting through the confusion of inconsistent election posts online.
Always innovating, Nishool also introduced a unique mooting case dissection session, challenging members to re-examine a landmark case’s logic through an “appeal” court format — an unexpected hit that energised the team.
Nishool and the UM Constitutional Team made history with a landmark visit to Seremban Prison — the first by a student body from the UM Law Faculty in over 20 years.
Nishool’s impact did not stop at advocacy. He organised a prison visit to Seremban for 30 committee members — the first such visit by a faculty club in over 20 years. The experience was nothing short of eye-opening. The group toured workshops where inmates spent their days and later participated in a roundtable discussion. During that conversation, Nishool was forced to confront his own complacency about privilege. A young inmate, close to Nishool’s age and serving time for drug distribution, asked what it was like to study at university. This encounter deepened Nishool’s appreciation for education as a privilege that many of us all too often take for granted. The team also visited PUSPEN Sungai Besi, conducting sessions for individuals recovering from drug addiction. They provided basic legal rights education and information on legal aid, offering companionship and support that touched the residents deeply.
These hands-on, community-focused initiatives defined Nishool’s tenure, which would later on fuel his passion for legal aid and inspire his involvement with UM Legal Aid and Yayasan Tan Sri Profesor Ahmad Ibrahim.
For Nishool, leadership is a journey, not a title. It’s about sharing challenges, leading by example, and empowering others. He values clear communication, humility, and listening — ensuring that every team member feels heard and respected.
By his third year, Nishool had amassed extensive event management through various roles. But something was missing — a piece of the law school puzzle he had not quite found yet. He kept hearing from seniors, “Your law school experience isn’t complete until you join the Law Society.” So, naturally, he decided to jump in and see what all the fuss was about.
Prepared to contribute, Nishool threw his name into the executive committee race. Recognising that Mr Dhaman Surein was the natural candidate for President — having witnessed and acknowledged his vision and leadership — Nishool chose collaboration over competition. Together, they became a dynamic duo, complementary in every way, united by big dreams to shake things up and reshape the society’s future.
One aspect that Nishool missed as UMCT Director was close interaction with members, as his role focused more on policy, task distribution, and oversight. At UMLS, he got to dive into the trenches with a smaller, tight team. He poured his energy into mentoring the Academics Bureau, helping members sharpen their event management skills. To this day, Nishool still cares deeply about their growth and success.
The 2023/2024 UM Law Society’s AGM celebrated a tenure of record fundraising, the revival of key initiatives, and a steady stream of new ideas, highlighting the achievements of the year.
Nishool’s tenure was marked by impactful initiatives that shaped students’ academic and professional journeys. One such highlight was Lex Facilis, a program that demystified examiners’ expectations. By submitting their work early, students received targeted feedback on strong and weak responses, gaining rare insights into improving their performance.
To tackle the anxiety of pupillage interviews, Nishool launched a mock interview program, collaborating with law firm partners and a recruitment agency. Participants received real-world advice on CVs and interview techniques, with some even landing internships and pupillage placements.
The crowning achievement, however, was the inaugural UMLS Legal Summit. When Nishool and Mr Dhaman took the helm of the Law Society, they aimed to revive the faculty’s standing as an academic hub. The Legal Summit was their answer — restoring intellectual discourse at the faculty, once home to the prestigious Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture Series.
The night before the summit, Nishool and Dhaman rehearsed at a hotel until 1 AM. In that quiet moment, it hit them: they had turned their vision into reality. Overcome with pride, they shared an emotional embrace. The summit’s success exceeded expectations — over 250 participants attended, including former ministers, lawmakers, and distinguished lawyers, representing 23 clubs and societies, 3 NGOs, and 6 law firms.
You are currently attached to Yayasan Tan Sri Profesor Ahmad Ibrahim. What inspired you to get involved with the Foundation, and how did you first become connected with the organisation?
After wrapping up his third year of law school and stepping away from most extracurricular roles, Nishool found himself facing a far more unfamiliar challenge — stillness. The rush of last-minute event planning, the chaos of competitions, the caffeine-fuelled nights before submissions — all of it had stopped. In its place? Boredom.
But that boredom didn’t last long.
Over a casual makan-makan session with Dato’ Edwin Paramjothy, and Dr Sheila Ramalingam, Nishool and two of his closest friends — Mr Dhaman and Mr Davidson — were introduced to something that immediately sparked their interest: Yayasan Tan Sri Profesor Ahmad Ibrahim (‘YTSPAI’). The foundation’s vision was bold — to create Malaysia’s first Community Justice Center, offering legal education and aid to those who needed it most.
Joining YTSPAI felt like a natural progression for Nishool. Previously, he had served as a student advisor at the UM Legal Aid Clinic, where the clinic was reactivating post-COVID to serve real clients. Through firsthand experience in client consultations, he learned the art of reading between the lines; recognising clients’ real needs, delivering practical advice, and managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with legal struggles.
One consultation, countless convictions (of purpose). After helping a client through KBGUM, Nishool caught the legal aid bug — and hasn’t looked back since. Today, he champions those in the “grey area” through YTSPAI, because justice shouldn’t be a luxury item.
Though YTSPAI had strong institutional backing and credibility, it faced challenges common to new foundations: establishing structure, securing funding, and gaining visibility. Nishool quickly realised that while his experience in UMLS and UMCT had prepared him for event planning, building a foundation was a different challenge. Unlike government-backed initiatives, YTSPAI depended heavily on private-sector engagement. Nishool and his team actively reached out to law firms, encouraging them to contribute both funds and expertise.
To raise the foundation’s profile, they rolled out a series of legal aid talks. To kick things off, they started with the very first Malaysian Law Students Legal Aid Convention 2024, which drew over 400 participants and was officiated by none other than Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, with a keynote address from Chief Justice YAA Tun Tengku Maimun. The event also saw participation from a star-studded lineup of international legal experts from Singapore and a King’s Counsel.
The YTSPAI family making the journey to Singapore to support our partner, Pro Bono SG — building meaningful connections and learning from our amazing counterparts.
Nishool and the fellows did not stop there. They organised one of the biggest events at UiTM, sparking vital conversations on justice reform and access to legal services. Later, a landmark moment came with a student-led event featuring the Chief Justice at UM — executed so flawlessly it earned high praise from both judiciary and university brass. This success opened doors to a collaboration with their Singaporean counterparts, even leading to an invitation to visit and learn from their approach to legal aid. Soon after, they expanded their reach to connect with state legal aid initiatives across Malaysia.
The YTSPAI family — whenever Nishool needs a break from the grind of law school, he turns to YTSPAI to reconnect with the very purpose that made him choose law in the first place!
Today, Nishool plays a key role alongside other YTSPAI fellows in shaping the foundation’s long-term strategy. Looking ahead, YTSPAI aims to broaden its fundraising efforts and expand outreach initiatives to secure financial sustainability and maximise impact.
For Nishool, this work is more than just an extracurricular pursuit — it’s a commitment to making legal aid a fundamental right, not a privilege.
You were also a research assistant of Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi. What was it like to assist him with constitutional research?
When asked about his favourite subject in law school, Nishool immediately names constitutional law. So the opportunity to work closely with one of Malaysia’s brightest constitutional scholars — Professor Shad Saleem Faruqi — was an exciting prospect. One of the key reasons Nishool ran for the directorship of UM Consti Team was to collaborate with Prof Shad.
Working alongside Prof Shad, Nishool assisted in updating Prof Shad’s seminal book, "Document of Destiny" — a primary authority on Malaysian constitutional law. During his work, Nishool quickly realised that research at this level wasn’t about quoting case law or reciting provisions. It was about understanding the Constitution as a living document — shaped by history, politics, human rights, and the hard choices that come with nation-building. Professor Shad didn’t just ask for sources. He asked for a synthesis. He challenged assumptions. He taught by example — calm, methodical, razor-sharp in intellect, yet always warm in spirit.
What made this experience particularly enriching was the intellectual exchange. Being selected as a research assistant to Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi — one of Malaysia’s foremost constitutional scholars — was more than an academic appointment. It became a profound learning journey, an immersion into constitutional law guided by a mentor who challenged and inspired him.
You have also interned at Shearn Delamore & Co. Could you share what your typical day as an intern looked like?
While Nishool gained exposure in several prestigious law firms, it was his six-week internship at Shearn Delamore & Co. that left the biggest mark. During this period, he was attached to Mr Indran Shanmuganathan, a distinguished figure in Malaysia’s Intellectual Property (‘IP’) legal scene.
Nishool was amazed at how Mr Indran consistently challenged accepted wisdom — spotting IP issues in everyday life, dissecting cases with precision, and questioning decisions that seemed solid at first glance.
IP law felt like uncharted territory to Nishool, with fresh problems and arguments around every corner. Tasked with research on these complex puzzles, he felt both challenged and motivated. With guidance from his seniors, he quickly learned to identify first principles, connect issues to them, and apply rigorous analysis across different jurisdictions.
This period was eye-opening — Nishool realised how much more there was to learn and developed a new respect for the blood, sweat, and brainpower his mentors poured into their craft. He aspired to one day match their skill and dedication. It solidified his view that law is more than just a career — it’s a field that rewards curiosity, creativity and hard work.
From courtrooms to copyright — Nishool wrapped up his stint with the IP Litigation team at Shearn Delamore & Co., under the sharp eye of Mr Indran Shanmuganathan, one of Malaysia’s top IP minds. Safe to say, he came out IP-pressed.
With such a busy schedule, how do you unwind and recharge? What’s your go-to activity when you need a breather?
Behind the sharp suits, case law, and courtroom swagger, Nishooldran has a surprisingly soft (and animated) side — one that is filled with anime, K-dramas, and K-pop. He is a huge anime fan, clocking in over 300 series. His love for entertainment doesn’t stop there; he’s a devoted ONCE and enjoys keeping up with K-dramas, often ending his nights with an episode or two as a way to unwind. Watching something before bed has become a small but essential routine for him, helping him switch off from the demands of the day.
When Nishool craves a different kind of escape, he turns to Football Manager. While he doesn’t consider himself a hardcore gamer, this one game has remained a constant refuge during moments of burnout. As an Arsenal fan, he knows all too well the emotional rollercoaster that comes with supporting a football team. But at least as Football Manager, he gets to strategise and “fix” his team the way he wants. It’s a fun way for him to take a mental break while still engaging in his problem-solving mindset.
Beyond entertainment, Nishool is a social butterfly and thrives on interacting with people. He rarely stays at home for long stretches, making it a point to go out and meet friends, whether it’s catching up with high school buddies or spending time with new acquaintances. To him, socialising isn’t just about having fun — it’s also about keeping life balanced and making sure law school doesn’t become overwhelming.
Who are the people you are most grateful to for supporting you throughout your legal studies?
At the heart of Nishool’s journey is a tight-knit circle known affectionately as Puvior & Co. — a group of three remarkable individuals who have been his steadfast pillars.
Ms Cheryl Ng Wen Xuan has been his indispensable partner in nearly every competition; someone he leans on without hesitation. In every moment, whether challenging or triumphant, she has proven time and time again that she will stand by his side, offering not just advice but a sense of reassurance that he is never alone.
Ms Lam Yee Yao, his best friend. She has been there for Nishool since day one, and someone he can be completely open and honest with, trusting her without a second thought.
And then there’s Mr Davidson Lawrence Junior, who is more like a brother, having stood by Nishool through thick and thin. Whether offering wisdom or stepping in without hesitation, he’s been a true pillar, always ensuring Nishool never faces an obstacle alone.
Puvior & Co keeping up with their annual tradition — one last shot in front of the iconic UM sign before the year wraps up.
Another cornerstone of Nishool’s path is UntukMalaysia, an NGO he co-founded with Mr Dhaman and Mr Davidson. Through Mr Dhaman, who was once merely an acquaintance, their shared journey through UMLS forged a close friendship filled with laughter, learning, and meaningful conversations. Over time, Nishool came to deeply respect Dhaman for his integrity and unwavering support. Dhaman is someone Nishool trusts completely, not only for his insightful advice but also for his genuine character.
What began as a humble buddy line of 3 blossomed into a chaotic, loving family of 15.
Law school is challenging, but Nishool was fortunate to have mentors and seniors who guided him. His buddy line, which started with just three people, has since grown into a family of fifteen. He is proud of how far they’ve come and hopes the tradition continues.
The Academics Bureau successfully pulled off the inaugural Legal Summit at the Wyndham Hotel — their very own flagship brainchild.
He is also grateful to the Academic Bureau of the UMLS — Ms Soh Zoe Lynn, Mr Malvin Njau Pulo, Mr David Lian Leu, Ms Nor Husna Binti Ahmad Shukri, and Ms Ong Yi Xuen — for their growth and contributions. Watching them grow, learn, and succeed has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey.
His UM Consti Team high committee — Ms Lam Yee Yao, Mr Shafiq Zafran, Ms Wong Chi Ying, and Mr Hoe John Weng — also holds a special place in his heart, as the best team he has ever worked with. Their exceptional teamwork, dedication, and unwavering support made this experience one of the most fulfilling of his life, creating memories and bonds he will always cherish.
The people Nishool has spent more than a decade of his life with. Whenever he feels lost, time spent with them always brings him back home.
Outside the demanding halls of law school, Nishool finds comfort in the company of his high school friends — his second family. Their annual trips serve as much-needed escapes, moments to breathe, reset and reconnect.
Nishool and his loving family — the unwavering support system that’s been his rock through every challenge and triumph. Home is wherever they are.
Above all, Nishool acknowledges the unwavering support of his family — his mother, Mdm Malar Kandersamy, his father, Mr Ravindran, and his brothers, Mr Thashvindran and Mr Darshendran.
He also extends heartfelt gratitude to his mentors — Dr Sheila Ramalingam, his beloved lecturer and a guiding friend. Nishool frequently seeks her advice, which has had a profound impact on his academic and personal growth; Mr Nevyn Vinosh Venudran, without whom he wouldn’t be the mooter he is today; and seniors Ms Charmaine Denisha Lionel and Ms Nur Irdina Jailani, who are the ones he always turns to for advice and guidance, offering unwavering support throughout his journey.
One piece of advice Nishool always gives to juniors is to utilise the alumni network. Seniors are more than willing to help — he himself has benefited immensely from their guidance.
You’ve achieved so much already, but I’m sure you’re dreaming even bigger! What’s next for you as you finish law school and step into the professional world?
As Nishool nears the completion of his law studies, he carries bold ambitions for the future. One of his greatest aspirations is to argue a constitutional law case at the Federal Court — alone. Not as a junior counsel, not as part of a legal team, but as lead counsel, standing solo in court. More than just winning a case, he hopes to contribute to shaping constitutional law in a way that leaves a lasting impact on the legal landscape and how society interprets constitutional rights.
Beyond law, Nishool envisions a future in politics, where he hopes to play a role in reforming the education system to make it more efficient, accessible, and forward-thinking. He strongly believes that education shapes a nation, and he wants to be part of the policymaking process to drive meaningful change.
At this stage, Nishool is taking the time to explore his options and navigate his next steps. As a scholar, he has commitments to fulfil, but rather than rushing into decisions, he views this as a period of growth and discovery — one where each experience will bring new insights and direction.
"Everyone's law school journey is different. Walk your own path and take your own time."
This is a phrase Nishool often tells juniors, a belief he holds close to his heart. To him, law school is a deeply personal experience — one that external pressures shouldn't dictate. Whether someone chooses to be highly involved in activities or prefers a quieter path, it’s all about doing what works best for them.
Written by Angus Chieng.
Reviewed by Wong Xin Lin and Yap Ern See.