Guiding Law Students from Classroom to Courtroom

The School of Law at Shoolini University is dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. The goal is to nurture future leaders in law who can make a real impact with their sharp analytical skills and creative thinking, whether in the courtroom or as legal scholars. Leading this effort is Prof Nandan Sharma, the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Legal Sciences at Shoolini University. With over 15 years of experience, he is passionate about shaping the next generation of legal minds. In a recent interview, he talked about his journey into academia and how the Law School at Shoolini stays ahead by embracing new trends and interdisciplinary approaches in legal studies. Here are some highlights from the interview for the aspiring law students. 

What inspired you to take up a career in academia, especially in the field of law? 

After graduating from Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla, I didn’t initially see myself in academia despite being a top student. I continued at the same university for my master’s in Intellectual Property Rights. In 2007, I began teaching as an Assistant Professor at the LR Institute of Law. Over the next 15 years, I worked at several universities, including IEC University and Maharaja Agrasen University, before joining Shoolini University in 2017 to help establish its law department. Here, I truly discovered my passion for teaching and research, and I am committed to making impactful contributions to the community and the university through my expertise in Legal Sciences. 

How is Shoolini University’s School of Law different from other legal institutions? 

Shoolini University is recognised for its practical approach and real-time educational experiences, which is why it has been ranked No.1 Private University in the QS and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. Its law courses, approved by the Bar Council of India, set a benchmark in legal education. 

The School of Law, established in 2017, began with a five-year Bachelor of Law Course BA LLB for 10+2 students and a three-year LLB program for graduates from any discipline. These courses quickly gained popularity, especially the BA LLB, which attracts numerous applicants from the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). 

In 2020, Shoolini expanded its legal education offerings to include an LLM program with specialisations tailored to current societal needs and a PhD in Legal Sciences for those interested in legal research. These programs are overseen by the Bar Council of India and guided by esteemed legal professionals and judges. 

This comprehensive approach confirms Shoolini University as a top choice for students pursuing careers in Legal Sciences. 

What are your views on the emerging trends and challenges in legal education, and how is the School of Law adapting to these changes? 

In this country, undergraduate students often pursue law courses in India with aspirations for higher education in emerging legal branches like Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Business Law, Arbitration, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Criminal Law, and traditional Constitutional Law — areas where our faculty members excel. Shoolini University’s reputation for quality publications in Scopus-indexed journals further reinforces our academic standing. 

Our law courses equip undergraduates with the latest teaching pedagogies to prepare them for real-world challenges, aligning with our vision and mission. Given the competitive landscape, students are keen on trending topics such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, Automation, ADRs, and IPRs, and we strive to offer them the best curriculum available. 

Furthermore, our university facilitates internships and research programs in renowned law firms, District Courts, and High Courts nationwide, providing students with practical learning and industrial knowledge in Legal Sciences.

How does the School of Law help students develop their careers?  

Many students in India dream of turning to Law for a career… so they appear for the CLAT exam. At Shoolini University, besides the main curriculum, students are exposed to allied fields such as traditional advocacy and judiciary through demo classes. 

For law students who want to work for reputed law firms in the corporate sector, we provide internship opportunities with prestigious organisations such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Women’s Commission of India. Some even get a chance to work under renowned judges in the country. One of our students recently interned under the honourable Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. 

These practical experiences help our students gain insights and grow. Thus, Judiciary, Advocacy, and Corporate Law are three areas of expertise at Shoolini University. 

Any words of wisdom for those keen to join LLB course at  Shoolini University? 

After completing 10+2, students want to join a university that can serve as their haven, providing knowledge and experience to help them develop, grow, and shine in their chosen field of study. This is where Shoolini University steps in as a guiding light for all those who dream big. We support our students in bringing out their best from the beginning of their course.

What practical experiences does Shoolini University offer its law students? 

Guest lecturers, including legal practitioners and advocates from High Courts visit the campus regularly to share their expertise and real-world experiences. These seminars provide students with a realistic view of the challenges they may face in their roles as legal professionals after graduating in three to five years. 

We carefully guide students to choose a specialisation that matches their skills, whether it’s drafting, pleading, or another legal field. Additionally, our legal aid clinic, a required part of our curriculum, offers free legal services to the community and operates in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority of Solan. 

Our law students also engage in summer internships with local police stations, prisons, and courts. The Bar Council of India mandates that LLB students complete at least 12 weeks and BALLB students 20 weeks of internships. 

Moreover, our moot court society prepares students for national competitions, with 10 to 12 participants each semester. Beyond practical training, our curriculum includes mandatory courses in Professional and Legal Ethics, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Drafting and Pleading. 

How does the School of Law arrange interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and beyond? Are there any international partnerships that allow students to participate in exchange programs and access different curricula?  

We have collaborations with institutions such as Manav Rachna Vidyanatariksha (MRU), the Human Rights Commission, the Central Detective Training Institute in Chandigarh, and the Institute of Correctional Administration (ICA) to enhance our curriculum. Our students engage in numerous seminars, discussions, and workshops focusing on critical issues like human rights, abuse of women and children, and human trafficking. 

Additionally, Shoolini University maintains over 250 international collaborations with top universities in the UK, US, Taiwan, Korea, and beyond, offering students opportunities to study abroad through exchange programs. 

It’s important to note the rising interest in law careers, spurred by the vast opportunities in the field today. At Shoolini, the best law university in India, we are dedicated to cultivating our students into future leaders for a promising career in law in India.

Ahana Nath