Alliance University VC Calls For Industry-Aligned Legal Education

Dr. B. Priestly Shan, Vice Chancellor of Alliance University, delivered an insightful keynote address at the BW Legal World Annual Legal Leaders Conclave 2024, calling for an urgent revamp of legal education to align it with industry demands. Speaking on the theme, “Blueprint for 2025: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Changing Legal Landscape,” Dr. Shan highlighted the pressing need to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the legal profession.

 

Dr. Shan began his address by posing a thought-provoking question to the audience: “How many are happy with the law graduates you recruit fresh?” Drawing from his own background in engineering, he expressed frustration at the rigidity in updating legal studies curricula despite industry feedback. He emphasized that while the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 offers a promising framework for change, there is still a long way to go in implementing these ideas effectively.

 

In a move to address this disconnect, Dr. Shan announced that Alliance University would take a proactive approach starting February 2025. “We will be engaging with the industry to understand their needs,” he said, adding that collaboration between academia and the corporate world is crucial to designing a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the latest legal developments.

 

The Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of incorporating real-world discussions into classrooms. Referring to the meaningful debates held at the conclave, he posed another challenge: “Can this discussion go into the classroom?” He urged law schools to ensure that students are not just taught theoretical concepts but are also exposed to the dynamic legal challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today.

 

Dr. Shan’s address resonated with the conclave’s larger goal of navigating the evolving legal landscape in India. His call for a future-ready curriculum struck a chord with attendees, including legal leaders, policymakers, and corporate professionals, who acknowledged the need for continuous dialogue between educational institutions and the legal fraternity.