Bhawna Motwani

Who are you? Tell us about yourself!

I grew up in Bhopal, India, a city renowned for its greenery and lakes. As a child, I loved learning about how things worked, which led me to pursue physics in college. Inspired by the astronaut Kalpana Chawla, I sought to delve deeper into the cosmos and immigrated to the United States to pursue graduate studies in astrophysics at Caltech. Prior to law school, my research focused on modeling astrophysical phenomena at different spatio-temporal scales, from the formation of solar systems to the evolution of galaxies. As a scientist at heart, I’ve always been drawn to understanding the intricacies of complex systems. Now, as a law student, I seek to unravel the complex world of law, and in the long term, apply my unique scientific perspective to shaping policies that can anticipate and address the challenges of the digital age.

What drew you to the Tech Law Scholars program?

Honestly, curiosity. The intersection of law and technology has always intrigued me. My background in physics has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of mathematical models and their ability to explain complex phenomena. I believe that law shares a similar approach, utilizing legal doctrines as frameworks to analyze and understand human interactions. I really enjoy pressure testing the primitives underlying the doctrines we are learning about, and their robustness in a technologically advancing society. As part of Georgetown’s Tech Law Scholars program, I hope to gain an understanding of the legal landscape surrounding emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and its impact on other areas of law such as intellectual property.

Tell us about your summer internship at Crown Castle! What tech law experience did you gain from your work?

My summer at Crown Castle provided me invaluable insights into the nuances of telecommunications law. I gained a deeper understanding of the complex regulatory landscape that governs the industry, particularly in cellular infrastructure deployment, including the patchwork of federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, I had the opportunity to explore the legislative process in this domain, and learn how to engage directly with lawmakers as well asregulatory agencies like the Federal Communications Commission. I had a fantastic mentor, who really took me under his wing and connected me with several influential attorneys in the field. Overall, the experience really solidified my interest in pursuing a career in tech law.

How did the FCBA Diversity Pipeline Program help you in your internship search?

The FCBA Diversity Pipeline Program was instrumental in helping me land my internship. The program not only included access to fantastic employers, but also learning opportunities like the Telecommunications, Media, and Technology (TMT) Law & Policy Certificate Program which helped me develop a solid foundation in TMT law prior to the start of my internship. Additionally, the DPP Summer Series lectures gave me a platform to connect with other interns and served as a source of continued guidance throughout my internship, ensuring that I had the tools I needed to succeed in the legal profession.

What do you hope to get involved in during your second year at Georgetown Law?

This year, I am excited to deepen my understanding of AI policy and digital governance. I am particularly looking forward to my externship at the Center for AI and Digital Policy, where I’ll be directly involved in Congressional engagements on AI-focused policy proposals. Additionally, I’m thrilled to be working with Professor Julie Cohen on regulatory frameworks for digital platforms and decentralized blockchain networks. Aside from these endeavors, my hope is to continue enhancing my legal knowledge and writing skills throughout my second year, and make friends and memories while I’m at it.

What interests do you have outside of law?

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have a fondness for the arts and nature. Growing up, I trained in Indian classical dance, and my love for dancing further flourished as I picked up Salsa and West Coast Swing during my time in California. During the pandemic, I discovered I had a green thumb and started gardening — so much so that my patio had over thirty varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers, and my house today continues to be chock-full of plants and gardening tools. When I’m not immersed in law or hobbies, you might find me enjoying jazz music with a cup of tea, or challenging my husband to a friendly board game paired with a glass of bubbly.