BACK
| Though the legal profession is a very old one,
there have been some changes in the role of legal experts, opening the
doors for differenteople to seek this career. Traditionally, a person
who did his studies in law would be seen with a black coat arguing cases
in courts. Today legal officers and advisors are required in companies,
NGOs, banks, export organizations. They are increasingly being used
in preparing agreements, conveyance documents, in matters of property.
Many organizations dealing with financial matters prefer to employ managers
with a legal backgroundUniversity (NLSIU) at Bangalore has given a boost
to the legal profession in terms of quality of education. There is
tremendous competition for admission to this university, and successful
graduates either find employment immediately, or go abroad to specialize
and pursue further studies.
ENTRY: Admission to most prestigious law colleges is for a five year LL.B. course after 10+2 (with any optionals). It may be better for those aspiring to take up law, t they opt for arts or commerce subjects at the +2 level. Prestigious institutions like NLSIU hold their own entrance examination around April/ early May, and the competition is getting tougher by the year. A few colleges still offer a three year law course after graduation (in any subject). Those desiring to specialize can go on to do an LL.M. in a particular area of law, while others may choose to do an MBA to gain managerial ability. APTITUDE: A legal person needs to have good concentration ability, an eye for detailed and consistent reading, articulation to express one's viewpoint and argue a case, a level headedness to stay cool in conflict situations, and a good memory. THE FUTURE: As mentioned earfor
legal personlier, the scope s is widening steadily, mostly in the business
and commercial sectors. One can opt to be a practicing lawyer in
the civil or criminal courts, and those who are good can aspire to be allowed
to practice in the High Court of the state, or even the Supreme Court of
India. Income depends on the number of cases one is handling, and
the reputate a clean record, and a good reputation, are eligible to be
appointed directly as judges of the High Court.
Alternatively one can take up employment in government or private organizations handling the legal department. Starting as a legal officer or assistant manager, one can go on to become the chief of legal affairs, and evolve towards gent also. If one desires one can make a reputation and become an independent consultant, after which the earnings can be very high. A law degree combined with an MBA or other managerial qualifications can further enhance promotion prospects. An eminent judge of a high court once said "the judiciary is the last post which upholds the government, justice and equality to every citizen. There is a tremendous responsibility when one sits on the bench, but along with it comes the satisfaction that every decision has a far reaching effect, not only for the present case, but as a precedent for others." SOME ADDRESSES: National Law School of India University, Jnana Bharathi campus, Bangalore 560056 Bangalore University, Central College Campus, Bangalore 560001 |