Pedigree Aside The Slender Cost Of Premium Education At Faculty Of Law, DU Is A Huge Plus: Meghna Mishra, Partner, Karanjawala & Co

How has been your personal experience studying at the college? When did you graduate and what are the few remarkable moments etched in your memories about your college?

My journey with the law started more than 25 years back when I joined Campus Law Centre in 1996. Being a first-generation lawyer many of the opportunities that CLC provided were revelations for me. CLC provided many opportunities such as moot courts, seminars, lectures by visiting faculty etc. 

When I graduated in 1999, I had a treasure of memories that I carried with me but perhaps the most impactful were the seminars and conferences that were organised where eminent jurists would come and speak and share their experiences with the students.  

Subjects and professors you like the most. And why?

It is very difficult to pick just one name out of the many very renowned academicians who taught us, it is like picking a needle from a haystack! But as I have been asked to pick a name, I would like to go with Professor (Dr.) Mool Chand Sharma, who inspired a generation of lawyers. He was very meticulous, had a deep understanding of the subject and encouraged us to discuss the legal implications in various scenarios.  

When I think of my good old days at CLC, I vividly remember the jam-packed lecture rooms when Mr. Sidharth Luthra would take classes. His classes were very sought after wherein he shared his personal experiences and practical knowledge with the students.

What would you say is the USP of the college? 

CLC caters to more mature students being a 3-year post-graduate program. This results in the approach of students being very different when compared to the 5-year program. The students have already done their graduation, so they approach and understand law differently.  

Being a premier institution, established almost a hundred years ago and having alumni consisting of many retired and sitting Supreme Court &  High Court judges, senior counsels and other legal luminaries who have made their mark in the profession has always helped the students while doing the courses as they guide and take seminars/ lectures at CLC as it is a homecoming for them when they are “Back to School “

Location right in the middle of Delhi University is a big plus and the general upbeat environment of DU is infectious. One further important aspect is the negligible cost of legal education here at CLC.  

Having spent some good years in the profession, what according to you are areas our colleges must focus on to cultivate the legal minds that the country needs? 

If I list some of the things that will always keep law students in good stead it would be good communication skills, time management and having an eye for detail. Law colleges must help students focus and improve on these aspects.  

Internships which are already part of the curriculum are very essential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Internships also help students get exposure so that they can take informed decisions about potential legal streams to pursue after college.    

Future of Legal Education in India: What needs our immediate attention and what are the ways we can improve?

We must provide better infrastructure and facilities to law colleges. Each year we have too many lawyers who pass out and we must ensure that the quality of lawyers is not compromised.  

Law colleges must emphasise the importance of giving back to the community. This is one aspect which is undermined and overlooked.  

Few other facets that can be looked at are more exposure and focus on drafting, negotiation and mediations. 

Can one make a good career in law with knowledge of regional languages and laws? 

Knowing a regional language(s) can give you an upper hand. If one practices in a particular State, then knowledge of the regional language and laws would give you an edge. Knowledge of local laws and customs is important and helps in the understanding of local matters. There is certainly an element of comfort with the local clients who may be more comfortable sharing factual narratives in their regional language.  

That said the world has shrunk and we are looking at international legal players coming into India in the future. Accordingly, while knowledge of a regional language can be an additional qualification if one is looking at a pan India/ international presence and practice one should not limit oneself to practicing only in the regional languages.