Law is one of the most basic social institutions of any civil society. On one hand, it upholds the rights of an individual and on the other hand, it states how the government shall enforce the rules and penalties. Our constitution provides complete independence to the judiciary. In fact, the judiciary represents one of the three wings of governance, the other two being the legislature and the executive. Judiciary guards the rights of a citizen and as well as upholds the principles of the Constitution.
The legal profession has always been held at a high esteem in our country. With the increasing awareness among the masses about their rights and subjects like environment and human rights gaining prominence, the profession has become even more sought after and glamorous lately. Economic liberalization has also created its own demand in the legal profession. Specialists in patent law, tax law and corporate law are in great demand nowadays. The legal profession, like any other profession, has areas of specialization like criminal law, corporate law, civil law, patent law, labour law and tax law etc.
After graduating a lawyer have several professional options. Law firms employ fresh graduates as apprentices or assistants. After gaining few years of valuable experience and honing the skills, one can start private practice. They can also find employment as solicitors or consultants in the private industry. Solicitors attached with private companies are involved in matters regarding transfer of properties in purchase, sale, mortgages, or in company mergers, joint ventures, take-overs and corporate taxations.
There are equally good opportunities in the government sector. Central Government recruits law professionals through UPSC. The State Public Service Commissions recruit judicial officers for various positions with the state police, revenue department and judiciary (sub-magistrates, public prosecutors etc). Being one of the optional subjects in civil services law graduates can also compete in the exam.
Apart from the above, law professionals are also in demand by the public sector companies, multinationals and banks. A law degree can be an asset in career progression for Management graduates, especially for those specializing in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations. It is also an extremely desirable combination with Company Secretaryship.
Those with a flair for writing have even the option of taking up journalism as a career and use their professional training as a lawyer in reporting various legal issues. Most of the leading newspapers and newsmagazines have legal correspondent with proper law background. Teaching is another viable option open for law professionals. However, a masters degree is essential for taking up a full time teaching job, though many universities also appoint practicing advocates as part-time faculty.
Educational Qualification:
Candidates interested in pursuing law can either opt for a three-year law course after graduation, or a five-year course after 10+2 leading to B.A., L.L.B. (Hons). Almost all universities offer three-year part-time LLB course for graduates. Eligibility is based on marks obtained in graduation, although some universities also hold entrance tests.
National Law School of India, Bangalore, the premier law institution in the country, offers five-year course leading to the BA LLB (Hons). Intake for the course is through an all India based entrance examination. The full time five-year course incorporates a lot of practical training, which includes court attendance, legal research projects as well as assistance in legal aid centers.
After a 5-year law course (BA LLB) or a three-year (LLB) course there are opportunities for further studies in areas related to law. These studies could be a full time post graduation (LLM) or 2 years duration or various diploma courses of 1-year duration. There is also possibility for studying abroad.
To qualify for legal practice, a year’s apprenticeship in a firm is required. This can be done even during the final year of the course.
