CLAT is not a degree but an entrance exam
Before this question is addressed, it is necessary to understand that CLAT itself is not a degree but an entrance exam for studying law at prestigious national law universities in India. At present, there are 26 NLUs across India. These universities are considered to be the finest institutes for studying law across the world. However, getting into these universities is not easy as one may have to appear and take the CLAT entrance exam. The competition for the CLAT exam is tough as more than 1 lakh students appear each year, and there are only 2000 seats. Hence, the selection rate is approximately 2%. Thus, the CLAT exam is a means to study law in designated national law universities.
Prospect after studying law at National Law Universities (NLU)
Studying at NLUs after clearing the CLAT exam is itself an achievement. It is because you are one of those students who through their hard work and sincerity are now studying at nation’s one of the finest law institutes. Similarly, because of the pedagogy followed at NLUs and the prestige enjoyed by these universities, there are ample opportunities available for law students who graduate from NLUs. Moreover, studying at NLU also provides an advantage to students as students from these universities are often given priority for jobs because of their exposure to multidimensional skills.
Emerging trends in Legal employment
Talking about career aspects available for a law graduate from NLU, there are many traditional opportunities one may grab such as a career in litigation; working in corporate firms; preparing for judicial exams, and jobs in PSUs, etc. However, some of the emerging trends in legal employment one could seek are:
- Working as a legal researcher with courts– These days being a legal researcher is a meritorious achievement in itself. Legal researchers are those individuals who work under the mentorship of Hon’ble judges of various forums such as the Hon’ble Supreme Court, Hon’ble High Courts, and Tribunals. The main role of the researchers is to assist the judges with research, case briefs, and other day-to-day work related to judicial proceedings. Even more, now the Hon’ble Supreme Court has started to conduct an examination for those who are willing to become a Legal Researcher at the Supreme Court. Similarly, from time to time, numerous vacancies arise in High Courts and Tribunals to which students can apply.
- Professionals in Data and Technology- These days, there is a heavy demand in the field of technology and cyberspace for lawyers who are skilled in technology law. Therefore, opportunities arise in a way that lawyers can work as data professionals, cyber security experts, artificial intelligence researchers, consultants in data and technology, and many other positions like this. Thus, one can look for such jobs and may upskill themselves while in NLU to get into this avenue.
- Assistant Public Prosecutors (APP)- At present, some states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, etc. have removed the minimum work experience criteria for those lawyers who want to work as public prosecutors and represent the interest of State in the judicial cases. Earlier, there was a bar that a person at least should have specific years of work experience before they could apply for the post of APP. But now, the same has been removed, and the students can directly appear for such exams after their graduation.
- Competition laws and business laws consultant- With the culture of start-ups in India, many new start-ups face the problem of setting-up their businesses. Most of them face problems in complying with the current rules and regulations as provided by the government. In such cases, they look for consultants and professionals who are skilled with corporate laws and have rich knowledge in these fields. Hence, the demand for such consultants has increased and it’s an emerging avenue for law graduates.
Manu Law Classes provides counseling to all students who are willing to appear for the CLAT exam or any other competitive exam for studying law. With having an experience of more than 10 years in this field, the expertise of our counselors would help students in getting the right advice.
