THE WORLD OF LEGAL EAGLES

IF A CAREER IN CORPORATE LAW SOUNDS ENTICING TO YOU, KEEP THESE POINTS IN MIND BEFORE TAKING THE NEXT STEP

1 Constant guidance

Companies and governments across the world require constant legal guidance for execution of corporate functions such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, technology transfers, patents and intellectual property rights. There is plenty of scope for young professionals to specialise in energy and labour laws as well.

2 Room for specialisation

Evolving markets give birth to complex situations and lead to a shift from traditional to digital mode. A general lawyer may not be able to manage such situations, thus creating space for specialisations.

3 A competitive edge

Modern day legal professionals must have a multi-disciplinary edge to stay competent. All courses must be approved by the Bar Council of India and students should focus on developing legal acumen.

4 Shift in focus

Law schools are shifting from theoretical to a practical and application-based education. Universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with foundations in a contemporary and progressive curriculum that integrates concepts in law with industry needs.

5 Real-time learning

In addition to learning from faculty members, students should strive to learn from visiting faculty and practitioners. The 360-degree approach of focusing on exposure through internships, moot courts and court visits has become a necessity.

6 Explore opportunities

A congenial environment is must for a healthy academic, professional, and personal growth. One must explore options to study programmes by providing an amalgam of computer science knowledge and laws pertaining to cyber world.

7 New job categories

With technological shifts towards big data, cloud technology, mobile internet, 3D printing and artificial intelligence, new job categories and functions are emerging. While choosing a course, students should consider its future relevance and not just what is prevalent today or what their peers are doing.

8 Laying down the law

With the government’s initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, Skill India and Smart Cities Mission, there is a scope of understanding laws on banking and finance, insurance, taxation, capital markets, corporate contracts, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property rights, patents, trademarks and copyrights, technology transfers, software business methods, cyber forensics, and labour.

9 Knowledge bank

Students armed with a mix of knowledge from different sectors have better job prospects in government departments and private law firms. The demand for industry-ready professionals is also rising.

10 Focus on soft skills

The curriculum students pursue is designed by expert faculty with participation from judicial experts. One must also focus on soft skills such as confidence, teamwork and leadership.