Law as a Career in India: An Exploration

“If there were no bad people, there would be no good Lawyers”

-Charles Dickens

Introduction

The heritages of our country have the work of great lawyers involved, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Madan Mohan Malviya, Dadabhoy Naoroji, Motilal Nehru and others. Even the first Prime Minister of Independent India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and now our honourable Minister of law and Justice, Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal has the legal background. These inordinate lawyers not only experienced law but also made enormous contributions in the freedom struggle. The lawyers then and now have always been pedantically serving in regulating the Legal system of India.

Also, law has always been considered honourable and respectable profession in India and is in huge demand in contemporary world. This is because of fluctuating social and economic surroundings and an increasing regulatory role being carried out by the government there is an intensifying demand for the lawyers today. Moreover, being financially profitable, Law is also an exploratory and stimulating career option. 

Important Career options after Completion of Law

To embark on a legal career in India, one must complete an undergraduate law degree (LLB) from a recognized institution. Afterward, passing the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE) is essential to practice law.

In day-to-day life people come across circumstances where advice of lawyer is needed and, in that context, lawyers have high respect in society.  Moreover, the person in legal profession confirms that legal machinery is regulated and thereby helping society. Further, assist members of society by representing the victims of child and women trafficking, forced labour, elderly people, domestic abuse and others whose social economic position is very week. Also, they support the sections of society by assisting them in other different kinds of cases, by filing Public Interest Litigations by providing them Legal Aid and most importantly delivering Justice. Those in legal profession are at all times treated with paramount esteem and consideration. 

The person completing degree in law can become Legal Analyst, Legal Advisor, Document Drafting Lawyer, Legal Journalist, Social Work Lawyer, Academicians, Human Rights Lawyer, Environmental Lawyer, Labour and Employment Lawyer, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Cyber lawyer. In addition to these, graduates in law still have a choice of selecting the conventional careers in law be it Litigation or Judicial Services.

Emerging Opportunities in the field of Law

• Legal Tech

The intersection of law and technology offers new career prospects. Legal tech professionals develop software solutions to streamline legal processes, making them more efficient and accessible.

• Arbitration and Mediation

Alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration and mediation are gaining popularity in India. These roles involve resolving conflicts outside traditional courtroom settings.

• Government Legal Services

Government legal services offer careers in various government departments and ministries. These roles involve drafting legislation, advising on legal matters, and representing the government in legal proceedings.

• Legal Aid and NGOs

Working with legal aid organizations and NGOs provides an opportunity to use legal skills for social good. These roles often involve advocating for marginalized communities and ensuring access to justice.

Moreover, with the increasing requirements of regulations in diverse aspects of life, today a legal professional can opt MBA, appear in Exams of Civil Services, and select a course of social media or in Social Services to understand the brass tacks of every industry. Likewise, individuals from other occupations are also studying law so as to comprehend legal facets of their concerned industry. Thereby the role is Vice-Versa. 

Law at School of Law, The NorthCap University

The School of Law at The NorthCap University offers 5-year BBA. LL.B. (Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Legislative Law), 3-year LL.B., 1-year LL.M. (Master of Laws) and Ph.D. programmes through which students are equipped to face the new challenges and dimensions of the legal profession, current trends and demands of the industry. The school has continually strived to achieve excellence in legal education through interactive teaching learning process, opportunities in clinical legal education, exposures to the legal profession through internships and externships, industry ready curricula and innumerable opportunities to interact with the stalwarts in the legal profession. The school offers structured internship followed by placement and provides opportunities to diverse range of sectors from corporate to government to public and social sectors. Besides it, school has a tie with various firms, agencies, NGO’s, Government offices, corporate sectors etc. which gives exposure to our students to various fields.

ConclusionThe legal profession in India is vast and varied, offering numerous pathways for those passionate about law. Whether one chooses a traditional courtroom role, a corporate position, or a niche specialization, the opportunities are plentiful and diverse. Our students at School of Law, The NorthCap University not just understand the law but to navigate and excel in the dynamic world of legal practice through exposure to various opportunities having under collaborations. In fact School of Law, The NorthCap University is one of the private universities in India which evolves, the practical skills cultivated through exposure to various reputed agencies via internships/ workshops etc. in shaping competent and effective advocates.

Authored By

Dr. Unanza Gulzar
Assistant Professor
Department of School of Law
Centre-in-charge, CIPRART, The NorthCap University