Lawyers Have An Ability To Change Lives

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Universities are training grounds for struggles of life which toughen students to fight various difficulties and eventually evolve into complete human beings with vision and mission. Law education in India is critical in a country of multiple diversities, and law is the only way to ensure equal justice, freedom and opportunities for them. Indian Law Commission describes legal education thus: “Legal education is a science that imparts to students knowledge of specific principles and legal provisions to enable them to enter the legal profession.”

Hidayatullah National Law University is a public law school and a National Law University in New Raipur, Chhattisgarh, that has been catering to law education since 2003. It has been named after one of the Chief Justices and Presidents of India, Mohammad Hidayatullah.

VC Vivekanandan is the Vice-Chancellor of Hidayatullah National Law University who is leading the institution with his experience and has been leading the institution for three decades.

Counting on the features of dynamic higher education institutions, Vivekanandan says, “For dynamic institutions, attracting and retaining skilled, diverse, and experienced faculty members is crucial. Such institutions should also offer up-to-date, relevant programmes and curricula that meet professional demands. Dynamic universities also need to encourage research and innovation among faculty and students.”

He also emphasises the investment in modern facilities, libraries, labs and technology. Vivekanandan is also convinced that a vibrant campus life, extracurricular activities, and a supportive community is essential for student engagement.

The law needs regular updation, to match the industry’s pace, believes Vivekanandan. He highlights, “We regularly update our legal curriculum to interface with emerging technologies and industry trends. We also focus on skill development in order to provide experiential learning through clinical courses and Legal Aid programmes.”

He also said that to make education more grounding, his institution is partnering with a platform of Jurists comprising retired judges of Supreme Court, high courts, senior counsels and senior academicians to interact with students.

According to Vivekanandan, in terms of exposure, they offer one-credit certification programmes to enhance students' exposure to emerging areas of legal practice. The institution also focuses on providing internships at centres in the research hub and spoke model.

Foreign collaborations

The Indian colleges and universities have a different take on the coming of foreign institutions, As per Vivekanandan, “We view the provision for foreign universities positively as it can promote diversity, bring global perspectives, and enhance the overall quality of higher education in India. Collaboration with foreign institutions can foster academic exchange and innovation. We are open to exploring partnerships and collaborations with foreign universities to offer our students a global learning experience and for mutual reciprocity of Indian Jurisprudence.”

It cannot be denied that coming in of foreign institutions will escalate the competition for the indigenous education institutions. Regarding the same point, Vivekanandan says, “Home institutions need to recruit and retain top-notch faculty members. They will need to allocate resources to research and innovation. For greater exposure, they will be required to promote global collaboration and student exchange programmes.”

Career tips

Embracing a career in the legal realm, Vivekanandan suggests several pointers to aspiring young lawyers. He considers a strong foundation in legal principles and regulations is the most significant element in a legal career.

He says, “An aspiring law professional needs to have the ability to analyse complex legal issues and develop logical arguments. She/He should have effective oral and written communication for presenting cases and negotiations. Apart from language, they should also have proficiency in legal research and stay updated on legal developments.”

Justice is a very sensitive matter that can transform one’s life completely, hence Vivekanandan also highlights the ethical quality in the law profession and says, “We strive to lay a strong and effective foundation of high ethical standards/integrity through curriculum, moot court competitions, legal clinics, and internships for the future jurist.”