LLM Spotlight: Vishva Bahl
Colorado Law is proud to highlight some of our newÌýMaster of Laws (LLM) students. The LLM program fully immerses students in Colorado Law and offers inclusive access to programming, courses/modules, and the greater University of Colorado Boulder campus. LLM students have unique and diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our community of scholars and students, while advancing Colorado Law’s intellectual leadership across the globe.
ÌýIn this edition, meet the LLM Class of 2026’s Vishva Bahl! Vishva is from Amritsar, India, a city known for its rich history, culture, and spiritual heritage.Ìý He earned a Bachelors of Law from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab and enrolled as an attorney in 2016. Since then, he has been working as a trial attorney and appellate court attorney primarily focusing on criminal law. Ìý
Read more about Vishva in the Q&A below.Ìý Ìý
What inspired you to pursue an LLM degree?Ìý
VB: The fast-growing Indian economy and its vibrant technology sector inspired me to pursue an LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Laws. Over the past nine years of my practice, I have seen how technology is reshaping industries and even the legal landscape.ÌýI began to sense a shift, not in the courtroom, but in the kinds of legal challenges emerging outside it. With the rapid growth of Indian start-up culture, questions about data privacy, algorithmic accountability, and platform liability were no longer theoretical in tier 2 cities; they were pressing issues faced by real clients. In parallel, my involvement as an early-stage startup investor exposed me to the legal architecture behind innovation – how a founder navigates IP protection, regulatory compliance, or data governance long before their product reaches the public. These two perspectives, as a litigator and an observer, made one thing clear: the law was rapidly evolving, and I needed to evolve with it. It also made me realize that my traditional legal expertise needed expansion.Ìý
I was well-versed in reading people in the courtroom, but now I wanted to learn howÌýÌý
to read code, contracts, and compliance obligations in the tech space. As technology-related disputes increase, I want to be at the forefront of assisting courts in handling complex litigation in this emerging field. With this LLM, I aim to transition my practice towards technology laws and contribute to shaping a legal system that supports India’s growth while upholding accountability. Ìý
Can you talk more about your career in criminal law prior to coming to Colorado Law? Ìý
VB: During my practice, I handled a wide range of criminal matters, including serious offences such as homicide, narcotics, financial crimes, white-collar offences, and cybercrime. I have also been involved in drafting and arguing writ petitions, election petitions, appeals, and other related matters before the higher courts. This experience has provided me with a strong foundation in advocacy, procedural law, and courtroom experience, which I now aim to expand into the field of Intellectual Property and Technology Laws.ÌýÌýÌý
Why did you choose to attend Colorado Law?Ìý
VB: My wife introduced me to the University of Colorado. She graduated from the CU School of Dental Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, in December 2024. Through her journey, I vicariously became a part of the CU community and saw firsthand how supportive and inclusive it is. Every person I interacted with was willing to help, and the community is truly diverse. What impressed me most is that Colorado Law is deeply invested in the success of its students. It provides guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to ensure you reach your career goals. This made Colorado Law a natural choice for me to continue my professional and academic growth.Ìý
What are your hobbies outside of work/school?Ìý
VB: Outside of school, I enjoy playing squash and badminton. I have a deep interest in relaxing and inspiring music. Apart from this, I enjoy learning about history and geopolitics.Ìý
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?Ìý
VB: This year, I am looking forward to participating in the Technology Law Clinic and gaining hands-on experience in technology laws. I am also excited to explore Colorado, meet new people, and build a supportive community here in the US. Additionally, I look forward to networking with peers, professors, and attorneys of the Colorado Bar and learning more about American culture, which will help me grow both personally and professionally.ÌýÌý
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