Our legal institutions establish the rules defining a citizen’s rights and obligations. The judiciary system of India consists of Subordinate Courts functioning in districts, Administrative Tribunals (both at central and state level), High Courts, Supreme Court and Bar councils. Whenever there is the feeling that our legitimate interests and rights are being thwarted, we need the help of legal professionals.

Aptitudes that help

Quick and critical thinking, perseverance, confidence, an ability to assess people and situations and lots of enthusiasm to work for long hours are qualities required in this profession. Apart from this, a flair for language and thought expression are key aptitudes legal professionals must try to cultivate.

How to get through

Usual course to follow is a three-year LLB degree after graduating in any discipline. Generally, selection is made on the basis of marks obtained at the graduation level excepting some cases where selections are done through entrance tests.

Several reputed universities and institutions conduct 5-year integrated graduate level law courses. They conduct national level entrance tests to induct students in such programmes. Minimum educational eligibility for the tests is +2 with 55% marks. (Refer to the institution list at the end of the chapter.)

Career avenues

As we are heading towards rapid changes in governance in all sectors due to globalisation, scope for specialist legal professionals havegrown manifold. With the multiplying legal complications and increasing cross national corporate and organisational activities, law as a profession is having a field-day, be it in the property transactions, international law concerning trade and commerce, taxation, intellectual property rights etc. from an endless list of legal matters.

Law graduates with specialised studies /work experience find lucrative openings in government legal institutions and departments, corporate sectors, financial institutions, insurance and banking, mutual funds, PIL enterprises, NGOs, academics and of course in private practice.

The main areas of law include civil law, corporate law, criminal law, patient law, tax law, international law, real-estate law, labour law, intellectual property law and the like.

UPSC recruits candidates for Indian legal services under the department of legal affairs in the Union Ministry of Law and Justice through examinations. Besides, PSCs conduct state level periodic judicial services (class II) Examinations.

To pursue a career in academics, one needs to go for higher studies in the subject. Graduates with a specialisation in law can work as legal correspondents in print and electronic media.