Uncovering The Myriad Career Paths in Law: A Guide for Law Aspirants

Studying law opens a wealth of opportunities, each having its own set of challenges and advantages. The School of Law, The NorthCap University enables the law students to map the legal terrain with efficacy and efficiency by offering a combination of theoretical and experiential learning. A brief of career paths in law is described below to deliver an understanding of the possibilities.

1. Litigation and Courts:

The conventional understanding of a layman for a law degree holder is to practice at the courts or tribunals. This conventional career has evolved with the increase in number of specialized laws like real estate regulation, e-commerce and consumer protection, insolvency and bankruptcy etc. to name a few. Typically, job of litigator involves an exciting decorum of the courtroom where every lawyer researches, drafts, and presents her case. Each case appears to be a layered mystery which the lawyers attempt to solve for securing justice. Broadly, the practice areas are civil cases and criminal trials, where the lawyer has to demonstrate their art of convincing and legal acumen.

2. Corporate Compliance:

Stepping into the hustle-bustle corporate law involves transactions and compliance. While the former includes structuring banking transactions, mergers, acquisitions etc., latter comprises ensuring that the client organization compliances with the appropriate laws of the industry. Corporate lawyers solicit legal advice to businesses which often involves wading through a complex network of regulatory laws that deal with legal framework within which a business has to operate. Be It transactional or compliance service, corporate laws are dynamic and offer a balanced blend of business and legal acumen.

3. Public Interest Advocacy

Public interest advocacy encircles advocating for the rights of the vulnerable and marginalised sections of the society. Lawyers work untiringly to pursue public causes and advance social justice such as environmental protection, women’s rights, civil rights cases etc. In fact, law schools actively engage in such advocacy through their legal aid clinics. Here at The NorthCap University, recognized as one of the best private universities in India, we take pride in offering a comprehensive legal education that extends beyond books and classroom. Our commitment to produce holistically developed professionals fosters an experiential learning and legal aid is an indispensable cogwheel in this endeavor. It is made a part of curriculum through legal aid clinics such as one at the School of Law, The NorthCap University, Gurugram.

Another segment of advocacy for public causes is the field of public policy formulation. Lawyers work with various think tanks that in turn make concrete recommendations for public policy and legal reform. These involve drafting of laws, regulations, policy map, suggesting amendments to the bills. These tanks work in close association with the legislature, executive branch of the government, and other offices. It serves as an opportunity to bring a large scale meaningful change in law and governance methods.

3. Specialized Legal Fields:

The hot breads of the legal field are the interface between technological advances and law. There is an acute demand for technology and IPR legal experts who provide specific solutions to the concerns of artificial intelligence, patents, copyrights, nanotechnology etc. It naturally involves maneuvering creatively through legal regulations.

Environmental law and regulation is another strongly emerging specialized area. Environmental lawyers ensure compliance with environmental laws, pursue litigation for heavier environmental protections and entail cases on land use, pollution, climate change, river and natural resources management. These legal experts play a crucial role in shaping the future of planet and the law.

The recent enactment of the new criminal laws yet again offer an illustrious and specialized career for the future lawyers. A lawyer with specialized expertise can carve out a niche for herself while making impactful contributions to the society. In any domain of the legal profession, be it IPR, constitutional law, corporate law etc., specialized legal knowledge and skills enable the lawyer to address the novel issues and bring about a positive change in the respective specialized area. The flexible curriculum at the School of Law, The NorthCap University, Gurugram facilitates specialization in Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Rights, and International Law depending on the student’s choice. These specialization courses are supported by elective courses which are based on recent areas of law such as RTI, Health Law, International Commercial Arbitration, Insurance Law etc.

4. Academia:

After pursuing a master’s degree in law and qualifying UGC-NET or holding a Ph.D. makes one eligible for a solid career in academics. The field involves producing scholarly output and shaping the future landscape of the country. Legal academicians pursue research, publish articles, papers, and are involved in teaching law courses. The contribute to the development of law through critiquing the law and precedents and enable the students.

Remember, your journey from law school is only an initial step for beginning your journey into the enriching world of law. Throughout the law school one has to cultivate apt skills, and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. Perseverance in academics and professional life ensures the continual success of the students.

By Himangshu Rathee