WHICH SKILLS ARE ATTAINED FROM LAW DEGREE?

A law degree is the first step along the path to a career in the legal sector, often followed by the further study and training needed to become a practicing solicitor or barrister. However, this is certainly not the only reason to study law at university. Law degrees are notoriously challenging, and for many students, the magnetism lies in the unique combination of human interest and intellectual stimulation provided. Legal studies, comes into contact with almost every area of human life, touching upon issues relating to business, economics, politics, the environment, human rights, international relations and trade.

In providing a framework through which to examine and understand different societies and cultures, Law Colleges in India provides a platform useful to prepare not only for specific legal careers, but for a broad range of professional roles – and indeed, for life in general.

Common skills gained from a law degree include:

• Knowledge of legal matters, policy, theories and case studies
• Understanding of contemporary business, politics, sociology and ethics/morality
• Professional expertise in law, including command of technical language
• Experience and skills in mooting
• Ability to draft legal documents
• Ability to understand complex issues from multiple perspectives in order to “see the bigger picture”
• Ability to construct and defend an argument persuasively
• Excellent professional communication skills, spoken and written, including presentation skills
• Self-management, including planning and meeting deadlines

Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, presentations, class debates and ‘mooting sessions’ – practical law training in a courtroom setting to help students master important legal skills such as research and analysis, public speaking and argument formation. Some Law Colleges in India allows law students to spend a year studying abroad, particularly if they are combining law with a foreign language. Some may also provide students with the chance with real-life clients, as a way to gain invaluable experience and gaining legal skills that will help when applying for positions later on. Law school does not necessarily prepare you to be a good lawyer--practicing law makes you a good lawyer.