The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021,

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2021 | VOL-07 | ISSUE-01

The

Prominent LAW INSTITUTES of India, 2021

Most

Our vision is to emerge as an institution of excellence known for research, teaching and practice

The Educational Powerhouse, training a Cadre of Cultivated Legal Professionals

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE SHAPING OF LEGAL CAREERS

W

e live in times where unlawful practices are rampant.

But these are also the times when people are more aware about the law and their legal rights.

Fortunately, there are many laws to protect the citizen of India, to render justice to the victim and punish the guilty.

Indian laws are known and respected throughout the world.

Our legal system is reputed to be better than those of many countries. Education in the legal field ensures that there is quality in the observance of law and deliverance of justice. Law education is pertinent to maintain a just society.

Many premier law colleges in the country produce well-trained, intelligent, and efficient lawyers who go on to become the torchbearers of the judicial system. Through extensive exposure to the legal system, training, externship, moot courts and much more the students are thoroughly groomed to become the keepers of a peaceful society. On law schools lie the massive responsibility of developing students with critical analysis in their respective subjects so that they can make necessary impact and change in the social, political, and economic spheres in future.

While earlier, civil, and criminal law were the most chosen subjects of study and practice, today there are several other subjects and allied fields where law can be practiced. In fact, there is a growing need for lawyers in many sectors that were never imagined earlier.

There are various subjects like civil law, contracts, offences, criminal law, evidence, constitutional law, corporate law, property law, administrative law, jurisdiction, labour law, commercial law, cyber law, and many others.

teaching and learning and have produced some of the country's best lawyers.

With a huge scope of career options in the legal field and its allied sectors, studying law is the most promising professional course. Research in the legal field is being pursued in a big way today.

Read to learn more about these institutes, the courses, and the legal profession. T R

Law colleges are shaping legal careers and not just giving degrees to the future lawyers of India. Every law college today provides moot courts that groom the students for research in the subject, presentation of the case, argument and advocacy skills. These also prepare the students with courtroom etiquettes that will help them throughout their career.

In our latest edition of The Knowledge Review, The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India in 2021, we have featured some of the pioneers and leaders in legal education in India that have achieved milestones in

Sumita Sarkar sumita@theknowledgereview.com

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Treading New Ground Post-pandemic Legal Education

Story of Law Evolution of the Legal Profession in India

The Educational Powerhouse, training a Cadre of Cultivated Legal Professionals

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Apeejay Stya University Producing Legal Experts with Global Leadership Skills

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IFIM Law School The Avant-Garde Knowledge Hub Delivering Proficient Legal Professionals

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SVKM’s Pravin Gandhi College of Law Training the Next Generation of World-class Legal Experts!

Ajeenkya DY Patil University School of Law An Innovation University Delivering the Finest Legal Professionals

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Auro University School of Law Training Proficient Legal Experts with an Industry Vantage

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School of Law (SOL), Presidency University, Bengaluru The Exemplary Education Hub for Donning the Black Coat

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JULY, 2021

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10

The

Most

Prominent LAW INSTITUTES

of India, 2021

Name of the Institution

URL

Brief

ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad

ifheindia.org

ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad ensures quality education through interactive teaching

IFIM Law School, Bangalore

imlawcollege.com

IFIM Law School, Bangalore emphasizes on real-time learning while ensuring the holistic development of its students

indoreinstituteoaw.org

Indore Institute of Law has become an institute well recognised for its long record of academic excellence and the innovative learning approaches

Indore Institute of Law, Indore

MIT- WPU Faculty of Law

mitwpu.edu.in

MIT- WPU Faculty of Law aims to promote the culture of peace through value based universal education system

adypu.edu.in

School of Law, ADPU is committed to impart exceptional legal education, which is an impeccable combination of academic rigor and hands-on practical experience

School of Law, Auro University, Surat

aurouniversity.edu.in

The school focuses on developing a critical and usable understanding of the laws of India and international laws extending to related domain areas such as business, international trade and relations

School of Law, Presidency University, Bangalore

presidencyuniversity.in

The school pursues research and development and its dissemination to the community at large

shobhituniversity.ac.in

The school focuses on legal studies with an understanding on how constitutional rules affect political and economic processes

School of Legal Studies, Apeejay Stya University, Gurgaon

university.apeejay.edu

The school imparts a rigorous and transdisciplinary legal education with a view to produce world-class legal professionals, scholars and public servants

SVKM's Pravin Gandhi College of Law

pgcl.ac.in

The school aims to prepare students for advanced studies and promote research into all branches of law

School of Law, Ajeenkya DY Patil University

School of Law and Constitutional Studies, Shobhit University, Meerut

The Educational Powerhouse, training a Cadre of Cultivated Legal Professionals

C O V E R S T O R Y

The ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad has world-class, state-of-the-art infrastructure for the students and the faculty

The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021

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egal system is an indispensable part of a civilised society, the torchbearers of which are the lawyers. They are the legal architects who facilitate social and political justice. To realise this, the judiciary needs dedicated, knowledgeable lawyers and judges. This is possible only with a good legal education that not only helps one understand the framing of laws but also their effective implementation.

The Faculty of Law commonly known as ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad that has been at the forefront of legal education in the country, has been diligently producing competent lawyers and has irrefutably remained the leader in legal education.

The Glorious Law School Excellent education with practical training and world class infrastructure defines the illustrious college.

The ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad, a constituent unit of the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (IFHE), a deemed-to-be University (established under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956) is a premier institute established in the lush-green campus admeasuring about 92 acres, near to the Outer Ring Road, in the vicinity of the well-known historical city Hyderabad.

It offers full-time, campus-based, integrated undergraduate law programs in two different streams - BBA LLB (Honours) and BA LLB (Honours); post-graduate program like one-year LLM in 'corporate and commercial laws', 'tax laws', 'alternative dispute resolution'. It is planning to offer twoyear LLM programs in 'insolvency and bankruptcy law', 'criminal law' from the next academic year. It also offers research programs such as Ph.D. in law in addition to the eight certificate

programs in different areas of law for the benefit of the students.

The law school was established in the year 2010 to impart the BBA LLB (Hons.) and BA LLB (Hons.). The LLM and Ph.D. programs were introduced in the years 2015 and 2016.

Its law programs are approved by the Bar Council of India and designed as per the guidelines of the BCI and UGC. The Inspiring Infrastructure The ICFAI Law School boasts of world-class, state-of-the-art infrastructure. It has more than 40 classrooms equipped with LG digital screens, LCDs, audio systems connected with the network. The entire campus is Wi-Fi enabled and the students can access the library and other facilities from any place in the campus.

It has a well-designed moot court, mediation simulation centre, legal aid centre, library with a good collection of books from national and international publications, digital data

bases, AIRs, law commission reports, national and international reporters etc.

It has an exclusive space earmarked as reading room for the students along with terminals for use of their laptops and computers. It has a well-connected computer lab.

Along with a degree, possessing soft skills is one of the basic requirements.

ICFAI is preparing its students thoroughly well in this regard as well.

The law school has a 'Career Counselling Centre' to train the students in soft skills and make them industry ready. It also has a conference room for conducting guest lectures and seminars, two auditoriums, facilities for sports and games, i.e., cricket, football, tennis, volleyball, basketball, swimming pool, walking track, gym (with coaches), music room and a clinic for medical emergencies with on-call doctor round-the-clock.

The institute has ATM facility, mess facility, single and dual sharing hostel rooms to accommodate more than 4000 students at a time, and canteens.

The law school also provides transport facilities for the day scholars. The central library is equipped with more than one lakh books, digital data banks and information centres.

Vision To emerge as an institution of excellence known for research, teaching and practice.

Mission 'Learning for Leadership'. It aims at developing a cadre of professionals possessing specialized skills having a sense of social and moral responsibility and the ability to address problems from a broader perspective.

Aligning with the vision and mission of the university, the law school is striving to emerge as the 'Centre of academic excellence with a focus on legal research and preparing the new

generation legal professionals embedded with professional ethics and service orientation.'

Aspiring to Make a Difference The ICFAI Law School believes in 360-degree learning and has a road map to instil the 21st century skillsets and encourage students to take part in academic, co-curricular and extracurricular activities as each activity provides opportunities for learning in interpersonal relationships, team management, stress management and time management.

Students are encouraged to learn through activities and simulations such as moot courts, mediation, and client counselling and by arranging competitions at intra-college and national level every year, through a law fest – LexKnot, which is represented by more than 350 students every year.

The ICFAI Law School believes in 360degree learning and has a road map to instil the 21st century skillsets

The law school also strives to instil communication and soft skills by organizing inter-collegiate and national-level competitions such as the ICFAI Conference of Nations (ICON), Asian Parliamentary Debate, VaadVivad, and essay competitions. Around 250 students representing various law schools and Universities from all parts of the country participate in these events. It also organizes national level cultural fests and sports fests. All these programs are managed and organized by the students under the respective faculty guides.

The law school encourages the students to learn the art of legal profession through interactions with leading advocates and judges on a regular basis and it also motivates them to appear for competitive examinations such as of civil services, 'Group I' examinations of the state, Company Secretary examinations simultaneously.

ICFAI Law School arranges special coaching classes free of cost for the interested students.

The law school has considerable networking with international academic institutions. It is a member of the International Association of Law Schools (IALS), US

The law school has 10 student-run active clubs in different areas to widen their theory and practical knowledge base such as the IRA Club for cultural programs, Literary Club, GAIA Club for environmental issues, Moot-Court Club, Vaad-Vivad Club for debates, ADR Club for mediation and client counselling, Photography Club, Student Magazine Club, Legal Aid Club, and Sports-Club.

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Through these clubs, the senior students train their juniors and undertake various community works in providing legal aid and advising the people living in nearby villages.

Through the school, the faculty and students, are regularly connected with the community. They organise many programs like the awareness camps through street plays and songs and training the school children and housewives on various social and legal issues such as health and hygiene, afforestation, domestic solid waste management, Swachhata Abhiyan (cleanliness drives), child abuse, child rights and consumer rights.

Some of the USPs of the law school are:

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‘Packaged program’ which is the blend of theory and practice theory learning through class lectures and practice through project works, case analysis, internships, interaction with the experts and professionals.

Strong, in-depth, dynamic, and quality curriculum which is regularly modified to suit the demands of the industry and profession.

Thought leadership and teamwork irrespective of cadres.

Strong, experienced, and highly resourceful teachers from academia, industry, and profession.

Use of audio-visual tools and flipped classrooms.

Organizing and participation in national and international level conferences, seminars, works, symposiums, and conclaves.

Strong networking with industry professionals, law firms and national level institutions.

Networking with various national and international institutions through MoUs for sharing of the expertise, experiences and exchange of students and faculty.

The Astute Leader Professor (Dr) A V Narsimha Rao, Director of the law school and his faculty work hard for the success of the school. The director has strategized and designed action plans which include the enrichment of curriculum by adding new courses in law program which are of contemporary importance and introducing new programs such as LLM in different laws and disciplines.

He has constantly strived to bring about paradigm shifts in the legal education. The urge to make a difference in the legal education system and moulding students with the knowledge and skills required to tackle social and moral problems, has made him the astute leader that he is. His perseverance went a long way in

Dr.A.V.Narsimha Rao Director ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad

establishing the institute as arguably the best in the country.

The law school, under the stewardship of the Director Rao has organized national and international conferences, seminars, workshops by inviting speakers from various universities from US, UK, Australia, and Dubai.

The strategic decisions of the Prof Rao, with the support of the management and faculty, have yielded successful results in reaching the roots and all corners of the society in India and abroad.

Being Globally Revered After establishing a stronghold in the country, ICFAI Law School spread its wings across the globe.

The law school has considerable networking with international academic institutions. Some of the active MoUs the law school has are with institutes such as Delaware Law School, Business Law Department of New Castle University, School of Law Pittsburgh University, and Asian Institute of Law (Singapore).

The law school is a member of the International Association of Law Schools (IALS), US, and takes part in the annual meetings and global deans' meetings, interacting with the deans of global law schools. The faculty also attended international conferences and seminars organized in Singapore, Indonesia, US, and Brazil and presented their papers.

Some of the achievements of the ICFAI Law School Hyderabad are: Ÿ The Higher Education Review has ranked the ICFAI Law School as No. 1 among the best law schools of India in the years 2018 and 2019. Ÿ Career 360 has ranked the law school as the 7th among the 'Best Private Law Schools/Colleges of India' for the year 2021 and rated the law school as 'AAAA' in Telangana (South Zone) during the best law colleges survey in India. Ÿ CSR GHRDC has ranked the law school as 3rd among the 'Top Leading Schools of Super Excellence in India' during the year 2021 and First among the top law schools in Telangana. Ÿ India Today has ranked the Law School as Top 4th among the Emerging Law Schools in India during 2020.

The Pandemic Times and the EdTech Solution The Covid-19 pandemic has opened opportunities to blend technology with the 360-degree process of learning.

ICFAI Law School has hired three different platforms such as Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams and Flexiquiz for the purpose of organizing the seminars, conferences, discussions, class lectures, and examinations.

Initially, the law school used Google Meet to conduct classes.

During the pandemic period, the law school facilitated amenities to its students to maintain their learning zeal, mental engagement, and IQ levels. The mentors conducted meetings with their mentees every Saturday to gauge their emotional intelligence levels, morale, and challenges they face regarding online learning. All such difficulties pointed out by the students are resolved as soon as possible.

The students were allowed flexibility to pay fees in instalments before the end of the semester, which otherwise was to be paid in advance at the time of taking admissions. Scholarships were given to the eligible students.

Additionally, the law school waived the entire fee payable by the students who lost their parents who were responsible for the family's livelihood, as a result of Covid-19.

Dream Destination of the Future The ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad, within a short time of one decade has achieved great laurels and is standing as one of the most sought-after law colleges in India. With the increased facilities, wide range of choice-based credit system subjects, increased opportunities of selecting the honours programs from good number of focused areas, regular updating of curriculum by including the novel areas of legal arena, like: Ÿ Energy laws Ÿ Communication laws Ÿ Law of Natural Resources Ÿ Law and Economics Ÿ Cyber Law Ÿ Medical and Health law Ÿ Goods and Services tax law Ÿ Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law Ÿ Commercial Courts Law Ÿ Competition Law Ÿ Mediation and Arbitration Law Ÿ Forensic Law Ÿ Law relating to restorative Justice Ÿ Law relating to Prisons and Prison Administration The law school envisions great demand for admissions and will be a dream destination for the new generation of legal professionals.

Ajeenkya DY Patil University School of Law An Innovation University Delivering the Finest Legal Professionals

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here are no shortcuts to success. Similarly, there is no shortcut to become a good lawyer. For law aspirants who wish to make it big in the legal profession, it is critical that you select the right law school.

Due to the increase in demand for law professionals, thousands of law schools have sprouted all over the world.

That is why it is important that one carefully chooses the law school that is proficient and provides an allencompassing legal education. The faculty of the school, the faculty-student ratio, the library equipment, the quality of the curriculum are just the start of a tall list of factors that one needs to keep in mind while opting for a worldclass law education.

Our next pick for 'The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021' is the embodiment of the above-mentioned factors and more, and is an exemplar of what a world-class legal education looks like. This is the Ajeenkya DY Patil University School of Law (ADYPU School of Law).

July 2021

The Ajeenkya DY Patil University School of Law is an ideal fit for the students who are looking to create a successful career in law. The institute is committed to impart exceptional legal education with an impeccable combination of academic rigour and hands-on practical experience. It is established under the umbrella organization, Ajeenkya DY Patil University. The institute is residing inside the 110 acres of lush green landscape of ADYPU. ADYPU is committed to deliver knowledge through premium ranges of academic programs and create a studentcentered learning environment with a high emphasis on intellectual achievement and employability.

Following the aim of ADYPU, the School of Law believes in laying a strong foundation to ensure a successful, secure, and redefining future of students. Through comprehensive, customized, and individualized instruction, the curriculum underscores analytical thinking, drafting, writing skills,

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The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021 teamwork, communication skills, negotiating, and oral advocacy. The institute focuses on creating an innovationoriented Indian society by directing academic excellence in teaching, research, and quality of service. Its purpose is to transform students into thinkers, dreamers, and innovators of tomorrow, and it is proud to call itself an Innovation University.

Standing Apart At ADYPU, a highly progressive and innovative course of study ensures the constructive practice of law and imparts lawyering skills in the context of a evolving society and polity. The curriculum offered in the institute covers every aspect of modern law practice and strives to develop legal reasoning and argumentation, critical analysis, and the ability to make sound and ethical judgments. It helps students to gain a broad understanding of how legal institutions function and how to build relationships through service.

“The students of law at ADYPU get numerous opportunities to learn from leading legal scholars and earn credits for their work in the field,” said the Vice-Chancellor of ADYPU – Prof. Hrridaysh Deshpande.

Prof. Hrridaysh Deshpande Vice-Chancellor

The Veteran Educator and Leader Hrridaysh has been in the field of education for over 27 years. Presently, Hrridaysh is the Vice-Chancellor of Ajeenkya DY Patil University and a member of Governing Body and Board of Management of the University. He is the Director of Ajeenkya DY Patil Group and Grand Port Hospital, Mumbai.

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He has been associated with the India Design Council (IDC) as its Consultant Advisor. IDC is a national strategic body of the Government of India established under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion.

He has been the jury member for the world's largest student design competition – Taiwan International Student Design Competition in 2015 and 2017.

Over the years, he has acquired proficiency in business innovation strategy and design-driven innovation. He focuses on structured innovation practices for organizational innovation via appropriate tools, methods, www.theknowledgereview.com

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The school facilitates interaction with judges, attorneys, and potential employers to extend education beyond classrooms. The students get exposure to a variety of legal settings through activities such as moot court competitions, undertaking socially relevant projects, etc.

Prof. Hrridaysh is an experienced, enthusiastic, and energetic educator and innovation facilitator. He is passionately committed to innovation, design, and education and is capable of expanding the limits of traditional thinking through the development and realization of aggressive and ambitious projects.

Thriving on Challenges Under visionary leadership and with a team of highly qualified educators, the School of Law overcame all the beginner's challenges and commenced functioning seamlessly. With strategic planning, the university was able to regulate learning and meet targets.

However, in the current scenario of covid pandemic and educational institutions' lockdown, it faced little difficulties in going digital for law education, especially for final year students.

Prof. Hrridaysh Deshpandey comments: “The pandemic was critical. But for us, the education of students was also important. Hence, we quickly took all the measures that needed to maintain the teachinglearning continuum while keeping student safety paramount.”

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Interplay between Innovation and Academic Rigour Ajeenkya DY Patil University is focused on the pursuit of innovation in all its activities and offerings.

Extending the same tradition, the school of law is committed to the world of ideas.

In times of rapid technological evolution, the rise of new forms of business enterprises is now in the picture which was unheard of till now.

The end of an era for many successful companies increased global interdependence. The pursuit of innovation and entrepreneurship is the only way to find answers to social, political, and economic challenges. In this complex world of new ideas, products, and services, law has a key role to play.

In response to this revolutionizing landscape, the school of law is converging the domain of business and

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and processes. He has worked on several committees on innovation and has been a speaker at many prestigious forums. Through his work, He has assisted leading companies across a range of industries. He edited a compilation of 4 volumes of Indian innovation case studies for the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.

law. To prepare students for a globalized environment, students are provided with exposure to the international implications of what they learn. It gives special attention to niche areas such as business and finance law, compliance and enforcement, international and comparative law, intellectual property, labour and employment law, land use, laws relating to information technology, exchange of information, technology management, and similar areas. The course work examines the interplay between law, business, and public policy within the context of an innovation economy while benchmarking similar practices in other countries of the globe.

Noteworthy Achievements The ADYPU has bagged many prestigious awards that include: Ÿ Best Education Brand 2018 - 19 by Economic Times Ÿ Education Technology Innovation Award for the ‘Competency-based transcript’ system Ÿ Education Technology Innovation Award by Express Computers (Indian Express Group) Ÿ Best Private University 2018 at Education Excellence Award by ASSOCHAM Pandemic Time With the outbreak of the pandemic and lockdown, the entire ADYPU quickly adopted the online learning platform. It continued the learning, training, and placement drives with digital engagement activities. The school is providing online classes, conducting semester examinations regularly.

Recently the ADYPU commenced Digital Convocation for the students of the academic session 2020-2021. The institute is also starting a digital learning video platform for all the students who wish to take lessons from educators of ADYPU.

Aspire to Make a Difference The innovative approach employed

by ADYPU will prepare students to pursue careers at the intersection of law and business.

“We envision that with our robust curriculum and global outlook, our students will gain positions to advise, create and lead ventures, form a better society that will drive the innovation economy,” added Prof. Hrridaysh Deshpande. This fusion of customized and traditional

learning will create graduates that will be most desired by entrepreneurial ventures, start-ups, venture firms, technology-centric companies, IT companies, and leading business consultancies. In alignment with the future of Ajeenkya DY Patil University, the School of Law envisions to provide world-class pedagogy, in conjecture with a global infrastructure that will make its students the creators of the future, and the institute one of the best law schools in the world.

10 Reasons to Join ADYPU School of Law 1. Customized Education for students.

2. Global Immersion for international exposure of learning.

3. Standards-Based Curriculum to deliver the best.

4. T-shaped Professional for complete development of students.

5. Innovation Factory to embrace creativity and new ideas.

6. i-Lead to craft leadership in students.

7. Innovation is in our DNA to make higher education future-ready.

8. Strategic and high-level placements to enable a secure and successful future.

9. Teaching & Learning with new technologies and methodology.

10. Rich Student Experience to make learning seamless and enjoyable.

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The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021

APEEJAY STYA UNIVERSITY

T

he legal education system is thriving with an array of choices in the discipline and the need for legal experts to deal with various issues of the public.

But merely providing sound legal courses is not enough for the learners to stay afloat in the cut-throat competition once they bag their degrees. Overall development of future legal experts is the key to succeed in the global market.

One such institution that focuses on trans-disciplinary approach and research and that offers the internationally prevalent credit-based system is Apeejay Stya University.

It provides not only education for a livelihood but also empowers students with a fundamental foundation in leadership and professional skills to face the present-day global challenges.

The University with a Difference Established in 2010, Apeejay Stya University is spread over a wide campus with lush green sprawling lawns. It has a large building, fully and centrally air-conditioned. It has a separate hostel for girls and boys inside the campus and a rich library. Besides, it has a residential facility for the university administrative staff.

Producing Legal Experts with Global Leadership Skills

Mission and Core Values Apeejay School of Legal Studies has been established to impart Liberal Arts legal education. The institution aims to nurture young minds with traditional and contemporary laws, its rationality, and reasonability with shifting trends.

Well-designed Courses Apeejay Stya University offers a wide range of academic and co-curricular activities to produce well-rounded lawyers. The programmes offered include - B.A. LL.B. (H) (five years), BBA. LL.B.(H) (five years) and LLB (three years). Further to clearing their class XII exams, students from any stream can join the five-year programmes, subject to the admission process. The three-year programme is meant for graduates.

The School of Legal Studies at Apeejay Stya University was established in the year 2015 at Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram, as part of Apeejay Education, under the aegis of Apeejay Stya Group which is one of the leading and oldest business conglomerates of India.

The institute was awarded Outstanding Law College, 2020

by EdTech Review Award 2020.

Mission, Vision, Core Values Vision To legally equip future generations by professional ability, social commitment with moral values.

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Dynamic Leadership The towering personality behind not only the School of Legal Studies but the entire Apeejay Stya University is Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Co-Founder & Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University. She is also the Chairman, Apeejay Education and Co-Promoter & President, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group – a leading business conglomerate. A multidimensional personality, Mrs Berlia is a leading entrepreneur, industrialist, and educationist who has devoted her life to nation-building. Daughter and only child of Dr Stya Paul, she has played a stellar and pivotal role in shaping up the University in its present innovative and dynamic form.

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Apeejay Stya has employed two strategies to succeed in the cut-throat competition of the legal sector - Competence with sincerity of action, and Highly adaptive and adopting different modes of pedagogy

Mrs Sushma has won numerous awards and accolades for her immense contributions to academia and industry. She was felicitated by the Skill Tree Knowledge Consortium at the House of Commons, London for her contribution to

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The USP of the law school is that courses are designed to educate as well as to fulfill employment needs. The law school ensures lectures from practicing advocates and subject experts, besides research-oriented learning. Liberal Arts and core value-oriented education pedagogy give an edge to the students. Some of its value-added features include moot court exercises, regular internship, and placement assistance.

Indian education and industry. She was conferred the ‘Hall of Fame Award’ by the Asian Leadership Awards, Dubai, and the prestigious ‘Udyog Rattan Award.’ She was the recipient of the 'Lifetime Achievement Award for Promoting Education for Social Cause’

by ASSOCHAM, the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Samman’ at the House of Commons, the ‘ET-Inspiring Entrepreneur of India’ by Economic Times and was recently recognised and honoured the ‘Most Promising Business Leaders of Asia’ by the Economic Times for demonstrating exemplary leadership qualities, amongst others. Very recently, she has received the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of Dainik Jagran’s Iconic Awards 2021.

Challenges Then and Now The law school faced numerous challenges during its initial days and has emerged victorious. Earlier the challenge was the competition that they had from fellow schools, but they add that it was healthy competition with established public and private universities. The challenge now is coping with the pandemic and adapting to the changed teaching-learning environment.

Secret to Success Apeejay Stya has employed two strategies to succeed in the cut-throat competition of the legal sector competence with sincerity of action,

and highly adaptive and adopting different modes of pedagogy.

Adapting to the Changing Times Like every other academic institution, ASU has also faced the challenge from the front even in the most difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have successfully conducted online classes and exams online. We have adapted fully to the changed scenario and are prepared for future challenges. We adopted new and available technological ways such as regular class sessions on Zoom and Moodle and with individual interactions on phone and online,” said the management.

Looking Ahead ASU is working towards bringing excellence to its teaching-learning process and is sure to become the leading Law School in the country.

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Post-pandemic

Legal

Education

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Treading New Ground

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aw schools are the poster child for higher education's existential dilemma. Even before Covid-19, the law school business model, teaching, culture, faculty composition, marketplace alienation, unsatisfactory student results, and ever-escalating costs were all criticised harshly. The pandemic has heightened the problems facing law schools and has hastened their reckoning.

Dr Amit Singh – Associate Professor of Law, School of Legal Studies, Apeejay Stya University – weighed in on the matter stating, “Undoubtedly, we all are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis of our lifetimes. Every sphere of life has been severely affected due to the Covid19 global pandemic. Similarly higher education is also facing enormous challenges to cope up with and adapt to the changing needs of the time and situation. Heavy reliance on technology necessitated for the online teaching and learning has catapulted the education sector 360 degrees.”

Law schools had been adamantly opposed to online learning until Covid-19 made it necessary. The crisisdriven, tech-enabled shift from classroom to online instruction happened at breakneck speed, pervasiveness, and seamlessness.

Prof. Hrridaysh Deshpande, the Vice-Chancellor of Ajeenkya DY Patil University, elaborated on the hesitation to the shift to online delivery of legal education, by saying, “Law School is one of the educational institutions that are hard to regulate based on online classes. As it is called “practice” in the profession and that students cannot do while watching lectures. The whole functioning of teaching, learning, and training highly depend upon one-on-one interaction.”

“That’s why law schools have strongly resisted online learning until the Corona outbreak in 2019. Thanks to the tech-enabled world and the concept of democratized learning, the transition from classroom to online education has occurred swiftly and seamlessly. The paradigm shift in law education invented new ways to deliver and consume legal education and training,” Prof. Hrridaysh Deshpande added.

The shift revealed technology's hidden potential for supporting new types of legal education and training delivery and consumption. The Dean of IFIM Law School Prof. Padmanabha Ramanujam – commented on this gradual transfer, “Online education began as a mere and only fallback option to the traditional F2F model of teaching and learning. However, this belief seems to be shifting towards the direction of considering online education as an alternative rather than a substitute. With new efficient designs of the LMSs and teacher’s training to adapt to the new normal the critical problem of 'student engagement' is gradually fading.”

The pros of the online method are outweighing the cons given the cut in transaction costs in the form of time, commute, logistical, physical and other infrastructure required for the F2F model.

Dr Amit Singh commented on the changing dynamics of the legal education sector in the country saying, “These technological interventions have disrupted legal education in a big way. At the same time, the pandemic has also presented an opportunity to rework the teaching methodologies and curriculum and introduce innovative teaching-learning pedagogy.”

“It is in this context, the Apeejay Stya University made a tectonic shift from the classroom sessions to online learning by adopting the learning management system enabled by Moodle. This has certainly paved the way forward to a new kind of teaching-learning ambience in post-pandemic times.

It is expected that the new pedagogy will help in instilling flexibility, experience-based learning and make the subjects much more interesting,” remarked the proud Prof. Singh.

“Some of the big corporations today have done away with their physical infrastructure and made work from home the new normal. Similarly, prestigious universities like the MIDS Geneva have begun offering full-time degree programs via a totally online model. Thus, the online method would play a significant role, be it purely online or a hybrid model, in the future of education at large, let alone legal education!” concluded Prof. Padmanabha Ramanujam.

- Aditya Umale

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AURO UNIVERSITY

School of Law

Training Proficient Legal Experts with an Industry Vantage

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s beautifully quoted by Sri Aurobindo – True knowledge is not attained by thinking. It is what you are; it is what you become.

At Auro University, they strongly believe in bringing the best in every student, guiding them to be the finest version of themselves in this everchanging world.

School of Law is the constituent part of Auro University located in Surat – the diamond and textile city of Gujarat.

The institute was started in the year 2012 with BBA-LLB program, but has now grown vertically with LLM and PhD programs, as well as horizontally with BA-LLB program.

The school was started with a vision to contribute to the development of a just society. Since its inception, it is working tirelessly preparing outstanding lawyers, researchers and policy makers who are legally trained to serve the local, national and global community with responsibility, integrity, commitment, and professionalism.

A New Perspective on Legal Education The academic curriculum is designed in a way that it touches the mental,

physical, vital and spiritual growth in the lives of the students. Modules like 'Foundation of Indian Culture' introduced to the law students not only educate them about the rich cultural heritage of our nation but also throw light on the jurisprudential aspects of the socio-legal issues.

Law is always been a strong force in bringing social transformations, and the same intersection is understood by the students when they go through the subjects like 'Law and the Social Transformation' and 'Law and the making of modern India'. As this is an era of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies, students at the Auro University School of Law enjoy the liberty of choosing the courses like 'pottery', 'chemistry for business', 'politics', 'web designing' and many more under the University's Choice Based Credit System.

As the focus is on developing the critical and usable understanding of the laws, internships at varied legal entities have been made an integral part of the curriculum. Students are trained under the hands of renowned lawyers, law firms, policy-makers, corporate entities during their credit-based internships after every semester.

July 2021

Industry Immersion The 'Industry Immersion' program is the latest pedagogical innovation introduced in the school making it stand apart from other Institutions. The program is designed to amalgamate the needs of all the four stakeholders of the university – students, faculties, industry and community – to transform the students from learners to leaders.

Students of the final semester are provided with the opportunity to work in the Industry under the mentorship of faculties and the industry leaders. It gives the students an opportunity to get on-field experience and ready for the profession even before entering it.

The school is offering the LLM and PhD program through its Center for Post Graduate Legal Studies. The capacity building programs and the training programs organized by the center stimulate the academic environment intellectually and can contribute in the transformation of a student as a global leader in the field of law.

The teaching-learning pedagogy is based on the 20-30-50 principle where only 20% of the teaching is done through instructions in the class room setting. 30% of the updating of

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The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021

knowledge is done by observations of the relevant legal procedures and rest 50% is the practical application of the content in the situations resembling the real world. Thus, the pedagogy adopted at the School of Law is a blend of classroom lectures, moot courts, case studies, judgment review and analysis, projects, research assignments and field visits. Each course is monitored by a module leader, who provides a teaching plan well in advance, containing course outline, assessment pattern, reference material and other guidelines.

The school carries forward its mission with the help of four fully active clubs namely Auro Litigious Club (ALC), Legal Aid and Community Development (LACD), 'Jus Gentium' (Latin: 'law of nations') and 'LawSpective'.

AURO Litigious Club (ALC) ALC which is the mooting society of the institute is comprised of students and faculty mentors and supported by a Moot Court Hall with the sitting capacity of 200. ALC helps the students in acquiring the lawyering skills and brings forth an opportunity to the students to manifest their oratory, cognitive and research skills.

The club has facilitated the planning, organizing and executing Auro National Moot Court Competitions.

Till date, it has organized 7 moot court competitions participated by many institutions of repute. ALC also aims at inculcating an interest in mooting within the university by organizing extensive workshops and demonstrations with experienced professionals from the legal fraternity as well as experienced mooters and litigators from previous batches. It's the

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The pedagogy adopted at the School of Law is a blend of classroom lectures, moot courts, case studies, judgment review and analysis, projects, research assignments and field visits

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efforts of ALC that the students from School of Law have been adjudged as the winners and best speakers/researchers in various national moot court competitions organized by institutions around the nation.

Legal Aid and Community Development (LACD) LACD upholds the goal of Justice, Liberty and Equity enshrined in the Constitution by promoting legal aid, legal education and research. LACD which runs in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority has a dedicated team of faculties, para-legal volunteers and a team of experts to provide legal awareness as well as preand post-litigation services to the community. It has undertaken projects such as Road Safety Campaign, Indian Mediation Drive and Gender Sensitization Project.

Jus Gentium Jus gentium organize activities that helps the students in maintaining the balance between emotional, intelligence and spiritual quotient through the activities that are not only based on academics but the development of life skills in the students. Auro School of Law runs a newsletter ‘Communique’ managed by Jus Gentium in which varied aspects of the personalities of the students are manifested.

The school is backed by a dynamic alumni association. Alumni contributed to the development of their alma mater and the students through regular interactions and guidance sessions for career development.

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Living Principles: The 12 Core Values of Auro University Satyam – Sincerity Namas – Humility Kritagyata – Gratitude Dhriti – Perseverance Abhipsa – Aspiration Samjnana – Receptivity Pragati – Progress Viryam – Courage Svasti – Goodness Audarya – Generosity Samata – Equality Shanti – Peace

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“My experience at Auro University has been no less than being home away from home. It has been an immense privilege for me to live in an environment with holistic growth being the epicenter of our BBA-LLB Curriculum. The faculty at Auro University are proficient, dedicated and dynamic in nature, which strengthens the students with the skills to pursue and achieve greater success in life.

For me, Auro University has been some of the best moments in life, which not only involved academic development and co-curricular advancements but also focused upon my individuality and opinions.”

Advocate Dhwani Vivek Thakkar (Alumni, BBA-LLB 2013-18)

Some testimonials from the alumni of the School of Law “Auro University has really helped me in developing good understanding of the subject matter, social etiquettes and is helping me to become a responsible citizen. I believe that the School of Law plays a pivotal role in the life of every student.

So, for me it is not only for academics but also for my overall development.”

“From just a principle to the living principle, life at Auro University has evolved with closer understanding of its founding principle i.e. sincerity, humility, gratitude, perseverance, aspiration, receptivity, progress, courage, goodness, generosity, equality and peace. Auro has provided me with vantage of progressive professionals with the best facilities to be proactive rather than reactive in the field of law and it also provided us with the environment of conducive growth. Hence as an 'Aurorite', it empowers us with intellectual and spiritual growth too.”

Saloni Patel (Alumni, LLM 2018-19)

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| 31 | July 2021

Aditya Mistry (Alumni, BBA, LL.B 2015-20)

The Avant-Garde Knowledge Hub Delivering Proficient Legal Professionals LAW SCHOOL

India’s 2nd Most Outstanding Law School of Excellence GHRDC Survey 2021

Be a Global #SMARTLawyer MoU with ISDE Law School, Spain for learning European Legal Systems and Competition Law in the EU

IFIM Law School is one of the most promising legal institutions in India, situated in India's IT hub, Bengaluru.

IFIM Law School is affiliated with Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) and is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI). It was founded in the year 2014 and has since revolutionized the legal education system by utilizing novel teaching practices, technological tools and industry connections. IFIM Law School believes in nurturing holistic, socially responsible, and continuously employable legal professionals. The Law School aims to deliver not just quality education, but also develop the students' overall personality.

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he institute fosters curriculum, research, and collaborations of the highest standards, and with a global perspective, through a faculty with international educational credentials from universities like the University of East Anglia, Queen Mary University of London, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Zhejiang University, Guanghua Law School, Maurer School of Law, Indiana University, ISDE and Football Club Barcelona, University of Toronto, University of Hamburg.

IFIM Law School is technology forward. In its arsenal, it has Impartus – a unique live lecture capturing technology. The institute works with Mettl an online exam platform on which exams are conducted.

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Awards & Recognitions GHRDC (Global Human Resource Development Centre) Survey 2021 India’s 2nd Most Outstanding Law School of Excellence Ÿ QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) ERA India Pvt Ltd: I-GUAGE E-LEAD Certification – 100/100 scoring in the ELearning Platform - 2020 Ÿ ISO 9001 : 2015 Certification - 2020 Ÿ Careers360 – Ranked 10th Best BBA LLB Program 2019 and 15th Best Law School in India - 2019, 2020 & 2021 Ÿ

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The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021

Academic Programs Offered B.B.A., LL.B. (Full time: Five years: Affiliated to KSLU and approved by BCI)

LLB. (Full time: Three years: Affiliated to KSLU and approved by BCI)

This full-time, five-year integrated program offered by IFIM Law School is the result of a collaborative effort of two renowned institutions – JAGSOM Management School, an AASCB accredited institution, and IFIM Law School. The specially designed program helps students to develop a deep understanding of the corporate world, equipping them to navigate the labyrinth of law. Integrated courses are also hailed by recruiters and academicians alike for their ability to make students industry-ready.

IFIM Law School offers three years LLB. Program. This course can be pursued after finishing any graduation degree, from BA, BSc to BEd. This course is a unique opportunity for most students to join a professional course. No other professional field allows for a transition into the field after the under-graduation course is completed.

IFIM aims at imparting a rigorous and interdisciplinary legal education with a view to producing excellent well trained legal professionals, scholars, leaders, and public servants. For this, our students and faculty engage in various interventions like: Personality Enhancement Program: The Personality Enhancement Program helps our students become #SMART Law Professionals. The law school offers lifestyle & life skills-based training which helps in developing traits that shape the inner and outer being of a person.

Mentorship Program: The program partners a student with an industry expert who guides the student on their career options, their choices in education etc. The mentors help the students to create a vision, goal, and methodology for their professional growth.

Research Incubation: IFIM Law School understands the value of legal research and through its novel and unique initiative, the Research Incubation programme inculcates in the students of law culture for conducting research and publishing papers through a Student Research Colloquium.

Enhanced Elective Courses: IFIM law school provides lective courses to its students in order to explore new and developing areas of the legal field. The institute also offers a host of interdisciplinary courses to develop a skill of critical analysis of law.

Social Immersion Program: Through this program, students are submerged into a certain social segment to understand the challenges and social issues that the segment is facing. The student then identifies a solution which he/she then implements ensuring that the challenges that the social segment was facing dissipates.

Internship Program: At IFIM Law School, students are assisted to secure industry internships. Students are also coached on how to improve their internship experience, ask for feedback etc. Students are encouraged to build a network that will aid their transition into the legal field.

Centres for Excellence: To bring together people from different disciplines and provides shared resources, IFIM has Centre of Excellence for Consumer Laws, Centre of Excellence for Women, Child and the Law, Public International Law Research Centre, Alternate Dispute Resolution Cell, Legal-Aid Clinic at IFIM Law School and The Imagination Lab.

IFIMLAWCOLLEGE.COM

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SCHOOL OF LAW (SOL)

Presidency University, Bengaluru The Exemplary Education Hub for Donning the Black Coat

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awyers are the guardians of the justice system of a country.

Being a lawyer is not merely a vocation, it is a public trust. A lawyer sports a black coat because black is the colour of authority and power. Just like priests wear black to show their submission to God, lawyers wear black to show their submission to justice.

Teaching and guiding the aspiring law professionals are big responsibilities, to say the least. A law school has to not only ingrain the knowledge, a vast array of skills, and various practices in the minds to students but also have to develop a sense of public responsibility and a moral fibre. To arm the next generation of proficient legal professionals, there is a law school in

Bengaluru where aspirants go to in the hopes that someday, somehow, they will make a difference. Welcome to the School of Law (SOL), Presidency University, Bengaluru.

Built on a sprawling campus of over 65 acres with a salubrious, pollution-free ambience, the Presidency University has excellent infrastructure and outstanding academic fraternity drawn from reputed institutions like the NLUs, IIMs, IITs and leading international universities. Committed to quality and academic excellence, the university has redefined the learning process by adopting a state-of-the-art pedagogy and curriculum, which is built on academic content that is both global and contemporary.

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Vision Statement School of Law prepares outstanding lawyers and legally trained professionals to serve their local, national, and global communities with excellence, integrity, and professionalism; and through its research and innovative teaching techniques and strives to contribute to the development of the law and a more just society.

Mission Statement Teaching and Student Development – School of Law provides an outstanding legal education for future leaders in our society. The school combines innovative teaching approaches with individualized and focused attention in a collegial and collaborative learning

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The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021 environment. The school ensures that its graduates have acquired the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to serve their clients and provide leadership in their local, national, and global communities.

School of Law proactively assists in placing students on the path to success in a wide range of possible careers.

Refining Modern Legal Education School of Law, Presidency University offers all courses in strict compliance with the regulations of the Bar Council of India (BCI). In addition, the industry demands are kept in mind while identifying the elective courses, honours papers and skill development courses. A balance has been maintained in structuring the lecture and practical hours considering the theoretical and practical structure of each of the courses thereby creating an industryready teaching-learning experience in the School of Law. The teaching fraternity who has the right industry and courtroom experience brings the required quality assurance for the same.

School of Law, Presidency University is planning to introduce the concept of a ‘flexible system’ in the course offering within the Choice Based

Credit System (CBCS) prescribed by UGC. Considering the needs of the industry/society, the university has also adopted the concept of “Outcome Based Education” as prescribed by the international/national accreditation agencies.

A new curriculum structure is designed for implementation for the students to be admitted from the academic Year 2021. The valuable feedback from the stakeholders has been obtained before structuring the CBCS. The Scholarly Leader Prof. Dr Mohammed Shamiulla Arab is a Doctorate from the University of Mumbai. He is an innovative and performance-driven professional offering 16 years of rich and qualitative teaching and six years of industry experience. He has taught courses of law viz., law of contracts, criminal law and criminology, arbitration, research methodology, international law, human rights, etc. and is a recognized PhD supervisor for PhD scholars. He has headed research centres in the Institute of Law, Nirma University. He is a visiting faculty at Adani Institute of Infrastructure Management (AIIM), Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

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He serves as an external expert for the Department Council, School of Law & Justice, Adamas University, Kolkata and is an excellent organizer, motivator and a decisive leader with skills in public speaking, motivating students to excel and win. He has published many research papers in reputed national and international journals including journals indexed with Scopus, Web of Science, and UGC approved journals and has authored three books on contracts, arbitration, and criminology.

Additionally, he has published editorial/opinion pages in prominent daily newspapers.

School of Law prepares outstanding lawyers and legally trained professionals to serve their local, national, and global communities with excellence, integrity, and professionalism; and through its research and innovative teaching techniques and strives to contribute to the development of the law and a more just society

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Becoming a Household Name In its initial years some of the challenges faced by the School of Law, Presidency University was the creation of an identity as a centre of excellence in legal education. With the best faculty from premier law schools and a rigorous curriculum that meets the demands of the legal professions today, the institute has positioned itself among the top private universities in the country.

Training Grounds for the Black Coats The School of Law, Presidency University is emphasizing on preparing the students to achieve all their career aspirations. The academic curriculum, learning environment, and skills acquired during the course are preparing the students to pursue their ambitions in the judiciary, law firms, corporates, government services, litigation and higher studies. Courses like cyber laws, sports laws, corporate finance laws, air and space laws, women and child right laws, international criminal law and infrastructure project laws are some of the courses taught to enable students to pursue a career of their choice.

The School of Law focuses on the higher semester students for internship opportunities with the top-most law firms in India. Presently the students are doing internships with such premier law firms. The dedicated team of internship coordination headed by a senior professor demystifies the conversion of pre-placement offers (PPO) from top-notch law firms.

July 2021

The EdTech Solution With the emerging technology and the prevailing situations especially during pandemic and the lockdowns, the faculty members and the management team have quickly engagingly adopted online classes. At all times of online engagements, the faculty members have not compromised on academic honesty.

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The Edhitch platform used as LMS and the Knowledgepro used as the ERP for the university - this perfect system of assessments and evaluations of the students' performances is possible only with the help of Presidency University's technologically friendly faculty members.

Scaling the Future With the implementation of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), the students' autonomy and freedom can be exercised fully. There will not be an imposition system on the student instead it would be a choice-based credit system. Complete autonomy is given to students in choosing courses and to decide as to when he/she should study a particular course.

The School of Law team is on a mission to take the school to new heights of the top law schools in India.

Achievements and Accolades The School of Law, Presidency University emphasizes much on the extracurricular and co-curricular activities of the students.

Some of the major achievements of the School of Law are: 1. Internship conrmations from topmost law rms in India.

2. Hosting of the Prestigious BCI Moot Court Competition.

3. Conducted two National Moot Court Competitions.

4. International Seminar with UN. 5. Moot Court Achievements.

6. Research Achievements.

7. Legal Aid Programme.

8. Research Methodology Workshops.

9. Faculty Development Programs on Arbitration in Construction Industry.

10. Mediation Workshops.

11. Expert Lectures by eminent personalities.

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July 2021

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Story of Law

Evolution

Legal of the

Profession in India H

erbert Spencer, the English philosopher and biologist, once coined the term 'Survival of the fittest', suggesting the domination of powerful creatures in life. This law is also applicable for the human history where powerful people always dominated the society. They bullied others to serve them, differentiating the social status. This system resulted in the exploitation of weak ones, creating demand of laws and regulations for their rights.

India has a rich history of civilization where people used to live with some

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regulations. From Bronze age to Vedas, and Mahajanpadas to the modern age, these regulations updated with the time according to the changes in lifestyle. But the modernization of the laws in India took place when British conquered India. They made amendments in existing laws and restructured them in a democratic manner, building base for the Indian constitution.

Legal Advancement in British India In 1672, Governor Gerald Aungier established the first British court in erstwhile Bombay, laying the foundation of Indian legal profession. There were no legal practitioners until the establishment of Mayor's court in erstwhile Madras and erstwhile Calcutta in 1726. Though Mayor's court included practitioners in its working, there was no educational criteria for practitioners or any training regarding the profession.

Later in 1774, Supreme Court was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata), based on provisions of the Charters Act,1773. This was the first time when British legal system was implemented in India. Establishment of supreme court started the juggernaut of Indian judicial process. However, only Englishmen were allowed to take part in the legal practice. Indian people were kept away from practicing the legal processes.

After stabilizing the British Government in India, British parliament passed legislation for establishing high courts in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras in 1761. This move led to the expansion of British judiciary system in India. There were three types of practitioners in courts i.e., Attorneys, Advocates and Vakils.

Advocates were from Britain and the Vakils were Indians.

Previously, Vakils were not allowed to plead from the Original Side, but it changed with the course of time.

Further in 1926, The Indian Bar Council was formed based on the recommendations of Chamier Committee. With this formation, the difference between Advocates and Barristers was erased.

of the laws were based on colonial structure. Constituent Assembly carried forward the British laws.

There were timely modifications in the legal procedures. In 1961, Indian parliament passed the Advocate Act which had some important provisions in it. As per the provisions, the State Bar Council should be autonomous, while the AllIndia Bar Council should include representative of State Bar Council. This Act abolished the different categories of legal practitioners and made a single category of 'Advocates'. This was the most important and decisive step for abolishing the monopoly of barristers.

Travelling into the 21st Century Advancement in 21st century expanded the never-ending law-making procedure. Technology introduced new fields like corporate world and social media. Digitalization of every aspect created some problems and it fertilized online fraudsters. As a result, cybercrimes increased significantly.

Hence, new laws were made for the protection of people and their wealth.

Addition of various sectors created revolutionary changes in the legal education process. Rapid globalization gave birth to laws for the international businesses. Growing awareness towards ecosystem forced to make laws to save it. New taxes were induced and so did the improvement in property laws. Various sectors such as data security and online money transfer evolved and needed to be protected by the law.

George Orwell, an English novelist wrote a famous line in his book – The Animal Farm, all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. This statement was made for those who twist the laws with power and money. Though laws are there for better life and peace, there is a space for improvement too. Laws will only be effective if they are implemented strictly. They are made for the people and people believe in them to live in the society.

Afterall, human being is a social animal, isn't he?

- Vinayak Ghorpade

Constitution and Legislature India got freedom on August 15, 1947, and a Constituent Assembly was formed for preparing the Constitution. Along with drafting Constitution, Assembly had another task of making laws for the country. Both the tasks were carried out on alternate days. G. V. Malvankar was the president of Assembly (for legislature). Finally in 1950, India became a republic country and laws were implemented officially all over the country. Though new laws were introduced, most July 2021

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The 10 Most Prominent Law Institutes of India, 2021

SVKM’S PRAVIN GANDHI COLLEGE OF LAW Training the Next Generation of World-class Legal Experts!

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he development of lawyers as a class of legal professionals can be attributed to the need for proficient, trained professionals who can form a competent interface between the judiciary and the laypersons. The role of this interface comes with a lot of responsibility and something whose value should not be understated.

To be a competent lawyer, one must have proficiency in a multitude of skills like researching, debating, critical analysis, reasoning and logical thinking ability, communication skills, public speaking skills, decisionmaking skills, comprehension skills. In addition to that, lawyers also need to have a good understanding of the client's life and business; they need to be organised, responsive, patient, and emotionally balanced. In short, going by the variety of disciplines one needs to be good at, to be a good lawyer is nothing short of being a polymath dealing with high stakes.

To train such a cadre of legal professionals, we need institutions that go far and beyond the basic educational offering to help aspirants develop a cognitive framework to deal with issues concerning the law whilst learning, i.e., a trainable mindset. Institutions who sport scholarly and cultivated faculty who play an active role in the judiciary, and an infrastructure to make this rigorous learning process maximally engaging and optimally challenging. We need institutions like the SVKM's Pravin Gandhi College of Law. Marcel Proust once said, "The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

This observation clearly enunciates the goals and objectives of SVKM's Pravin Gandhi College of Law. The institution recognizes the fact that every student has a spark of creativity within them, which is the essence of individuality.

July 2021

Where Excellence is the Norm The college's learning curriculum is built on this premise, with the goal of identifying, honing in on, and unearthing this reservoir of creativity. To this effect, the college harnesses modern methods of teaching which encourage students to learn inside and outside the classroom. PGCL institution provides the students with varied platforms to develop their skills; by way of debates at the intra- and inter-collegiate levels; Seminars, workshops, trial advocacy through moot competitions, the Juris-cine club, 'L'avocat' – an in-house student's newsletter which enables students to air their passionate concerns on issues, topical or otherwise, and innovative interactive methods of study in the classroom create an ambience that fosters intellectual growth.

This methodology intersects a legal education with a contextualization that embraces social, political, and economic systems. An excellent faculty serves as a facilitator in helping students materialize this vision. It is this holistic approach to education that justifies the claim SVKM's Pravin Gandhi College of Law makes, of being a law college with a "Difference". For at the end of their voyage of self-discovery students emerge confident, positive thinking individuals, ably equipped to discharge their assigned roles responsibly on a world stage.

The college library, with its vast and eclectic collection of books and journals, satiates the thirst for knowledge of both staff and students and gives utmost attention to the overall development of the personality of students.

Students are also encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities and sports. While ensuring academic and cocurricular facilities to a vibrant student community, the institution is conscious of its role as a constructive and responsible component of the larger society. Its consistent and unstinting efforts in this direction are borne out by the fact that students enter the college, young, immature, uncertain, bewildered, but leave its portals still young, but much more mature, self-confident, and focused, ready to lead rich lives of their own even while enriching that of society.

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PGCL’s focus is to train the student to think and act from the very inception with a legal mind, acquiring

SVKM Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVKM) is a Public Charitable Trust registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and The Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950. SVKM has always been committed to the cause of providing highquality education at various levels. From its humble beginnings in 1934, when it adopted the Rashtriya Shala, a school established in 1921 in the wake of the National Movement, the Mandal today has grown into a large educational enterprise imparting high-level education to more than 32,000 students.

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lawyering skills for varied legal services in the modern world

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The ethos of the Mandal is marked by patriotic fervour, selfless service, and the spirit of indigenous enterprise, has its genesis in the days of India's struggle for freedom.

While ensuring academic and co-curricular facilities to a vibrant student community, the institution is conscious of its role as a constructive and responsible component of the larger society

Training the Legal Acumen The interactive teaching methods are designed to aid comprehension and retention and aid for a lifetime. PGCL's focus is to train the student to think and act from the very inception with a legal mind, acquiring lawyering skills for varied legal services in the modern world. The teaching methods provide rapid socialization into the standards of legal thinking and blends training with knowledge management.

The Inspiring Infrastructure Pravin Gandhi College of Law has a vantage location on the eighth floor of the Mithibai Complex in Vile Parle West; the heart of Mumbai city. This location facilitates its connectivity to the various courts and the offices of major law firms in Mumbai.

Pravin Gandhi College of Law is renowned for its infrastructure; an infrastructure that goes a long way in

July 2021

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facilitating numerous services. This includes a state-of-theart moot courtroom, Wi-Fi enabled library, computer laboratory, fully furnished air-conditioned classrooms with multimedia facilities. It also has auditoriums, seminar halls as well as conference halls. Closed-circuit television systems contribute to the enhanced security of the college environs in the college corridors and library. Additionally, the college also has dedicated counsellors for the students.

The World-class Library The well-stocked, Wi-Fi enabled library is designed for comfort and its spaciousness creates a conducive environment for research. Students have access to legal and non-legal journals, subject related reference resource and a wide range of online services and programs which support and supplement the syllabus, enables unhindered continuous research, hence promoting legal scholarship.

Leading international and national law journals, law reports and magazines are subscribed by the college and are available to students. In addition to print collection, the library has electronic resources and databases accessible to students through links. The use of laptops is permitted in the library.

Where ideas battle Pravin Gandhi College of Law has on its premises a simulated courtroom in which the dignity of the institution of the judiciary is upheld and revitalized by mooting students. Mooting nurtures students' analytical skills indispensable to courtroom advocacy. Thus, students learn doctrine through real-world context skills, a 'learning by doing' approach.

equipped twin computer labs with its seating capacity of more than thirty students.

Courses offered The institute facilitates the B.L.S. (Bachelor of Law Sciences), L.L.B (Bachelor of Legislative Law) which is a five-year course. Entry into this law specialization is completely merit-based, but the intake capacity is limited to 120 students per batch. On completion of this course, students acquire the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the cut-throat legal sector and pursue careers in practicing law, corporate sector, judicial services, defence services, LPO's, NGO's, academics and more.

Word to the Wise Students have benefited vastly from the opportunities afforded by PGCL of exposure to interaction with eminent personalities from the legal and allied fields. This has contributed to widening their perspectives. The institution also hosts regular lecture series, featuring luminaries from amongst judicial officers. These judicial officers field questions on law students at 'Q&A sessions'. At the annual event SHASTRARTHA – a Legal Philosophical Discourse, leading lights of the industry, the legal fraternity, governance, media, and entertainment are invited to deliberate.

The Computer Lab Computers facilitate research for moots, presentations, projects, and syllabi related queries. Internet access assists in this endeavour. Pravin Gandhi College of Law has all this and more available at the click of a mouse in the well-

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