Laws are crucial for maintaining order, safety, and security in any civilized society. Lawyers play a vital role in interpreting these laws and protecting citizens’ rights. Their work is both challenging and fulfilling.
Main Areas of Specialization:
- Civil Law: Focuses on the private rights of individuals and related legal proceedings.
- Criminal Law: Deals with crimes and their punishments.
- Labour Law: Concerns workers, their unions, and their rights and duties, often mediating between management and employees.
- Tax Law: Covers various taxes, including income, commercial, and indirect taxes.
- Other Branches: Family Law, Constitutional Law, Company Law, Excise and Customs Law, among others.
Personal Attributes Needed for Lawyers:
- Strong logical reasoning and quick thinking.
- Powers of concentration, patience, and perseverance.
- Ability to communicate with diverse people, self-confidence.
- Good communication skills and expressive abilities.
- A good speaking voice.
Course/Training:
To pursue a legal career, one needs a law degree (LLB). This can be obtained through:
- A three-year LLB program after graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
- A five-year integrated BA LLB program after completing the +2 or equivalent examination, designed to attract young talent to the field.
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, established by the Bar Council of India, is a premier institute offering a five-year BA LLB program. Admission is through an entrance exam testing numerical aptitude, English, general awareness, and legal aptitude. The curriculum includes a high level of teacher-student interaction and practical training, with campus placements as a significant feature.
Several other universities also offer five-year law programs, including Symbiosis Society’s Law College, Pune; Osmania University; University of Kerala; University of Madras; and Delhi University, among others.
Postgraduate studies in law lead to an LLM degree after two years of study.
Job Opportunities:
The legal profession is growing and lucrative, offering roles such as advocate, magistrate, judge, counselor, teacher, social worker, and legal correspondent. The entry of multinational companies has increased job opportunities, with law graduates often being hired as law officers with attractive perks. Self-employment opportunities are also plentiful, with graduates able to practice law after enrolling with their local Bar Council. There are also opportunities in the Defense Services and roles that span national and international boundaries