Ambrose Bierce has described a lawyer as someone who is skilled in the ‘circumvention of the law’. True to the description, lawyer’s role is to adept at finding ‘loopholes’ in the system is a popular one in our country, and also we cannot deny that to become a lawyer one must know the law first.
Law over the years has been considered one of the popular career choices in our country. However, one must understand that in order to become a lawyer it’s not mandatory to have a family background in law, neither is it necessary that you belong to an affluent family. Anyone who has a passion to study law can go for it.
A degree in law will not only enable you to practice as a lawyer in the courts, but also in the corporate, and further would open up career options in various sectors like legal services and administrative services.
B.A.LLB / LLB COURSE OVERVIEW
Students who are interested in making a career in law can either do a three-year course in law post-graduation or a 5 year course after 12th class. The five year course or three years course is meant for those, who want to take up law as a career – be it as a litigator, or any other kind of legal professional.
The LLB/ B.A.LLB. Course is regulated by the Bar Council of India that sets rules and regulations in regards to legal practices in the country
Course Details
L.L.B. course is generally divided into six semesters. In the 3 year course, a students get the LLB (General) after successful completion of 4 semesters. The basic course structure in most of the Indian Universities comprises: Seminars, Tutorial Work, Moot Courts, and Internship Programmes. LLB course fee structure usually varies from one institute to another mainly depending upon the grants provided by UGC (University Grants Commission) to different colleges.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the same is to pass successfully the (10+2) secondary and Higher secondary from a recognized board.
It is called an Integrated Course because LLB course syllabus involves the study of Commerce and business administration etc. along with the in-depth study of law and legislature. The aspirant has to appear for the Entrance Exams conducted by Different universities in accordance with their admission and the procedure varies from college to college in terms of the admission.
LLB Eligibility Criteria
The minimum eligibility criteria for L.L.B. course is listed below:
- Successful completion of graduation in any discipline.
- A minimum 45% mark in graduation is required for admission to law in general category and 40% for reserved categories.
- There is no age bar for taking admission in this course.
Career in Law:
With advancement in technology and development in all fronts of life has given birth too many new employment and career opportunities. Law is among one of the world’s oldest professional courses which is thriving. Career in law is still considered to be one of the most respectable and noble profession. The Legal field has not lost its charms through the ages but also in fact, it has once again occupied the driving seat when it comes to choosing a professional course.
Following are some of the available career options and opportunities which can be availed by the person who successfully completes the legal education
- Judicial officer:
With the number of pending cases in the Indian Courts, a noble step that has been taken by the Government was to remove the requirement of three years’ court practice in order to become a Judge. The elimination of this important pre-requisite conditions, has in turn made even a fresh Law graduate and post graduate in Law eligible to become a judge after successfully completing the selection procedure of various State Public Service Commission and of High courts in certain cases. Thus, one can become a judge with 3 years LLB after Graduation or 5 years BA LLB after 12th.
- Counsel (In-House Litigator)
Due to the modern trend of business world, contract drafting is becoming one of the flourishing profession in almost each and every industry. Now-a-days almost each and every Company requires an In-house Legal Counsel or a Litigator who can readily draft their agreements, contracts, Memorandum of Understanding, Petitions, Replies to legal notices etc. The job profile of an In- house Counsel is very challenging and demands a lot of hard work but at the same time the handsome monetary benefits has made it one of the eligible profession amongst the available career options.
- Legal Advisor with NGO
Non-Government organizations are playing again another pivotal role in bringing and uplifting the burning issues to the courts by filing the various public interests Litigation (PIL). The role and responsibilities of NGO’s have increased manifold and now they are equally keeping a track of law and order in the society and addressing the problems of the masses to judiciary at proper forum through proper mechanism. Due to the extended role of Legal Advisors in an NGO’s firm, career prospects of Lawyers have also increased by leaps and bounds. A large number of NGO’s keep their legal department equipped with Lawyers who are there to advise them on complex legal and social issues and provide the best possible protection to the victims within the ambit of our legal Framework.
- Law Trainee/ Researcher
A law graduate with a good flair for research is demanded for this job. Different High Courts and the Supreme Court of India recruit bright Law Researchers in order to assist the Hon’ble Judges in Judgment writing, case briefing, case analysis etc. The remuneration which this distinguished career in law provides is quite attractive. Moreover, the experience gained by working under the Hon’ble Judges always enhances the profile of individuals in their future
- Legal Advisor in Corporate Firms
Corporate houses also have to go through rigorous provisions of Law in order to undergo their business smoothly, hence lawyers are being recruited for this process who are entrusted with different legal responsibilities. The main aim of recruiting these legal advisors are to provide the corporate houses with the best possible legal solution.
- Public Prosecutors
The central Government and Government of each state appoints various practicing advocates to represent them in court litigation. They are known as Public Prosecutors. The prima facie role of these litigators of the Government to handle the legal issues pertaining to the government which arises in their dealing with public.
- Academicians in Legal Field
Scholars in Law or those who have an academic blend can enter into the academic world after pursuing post -graduation in Law. The minimum requirement for being Assistant Professor in Law is post graduate degree in Law and the candidate must have cleared National Eligibility Test (NET) in Law. The contribution of academicians becomes of utmost important when it comes to policy drafting, reviewing the existing rules and regulations, helping the Hon’ble courts in analysing any impugned provision of existing law and in proposing the subsequent amendments in them.