A professional law degree has become increasingly appealing to
students since India’s liberalization in the early 90s, driven by
the opening of domestic markets, the rise in global trade, and the
complexities of the new economic order. This spurred demand for
smart, articulate, and competent professionals to lead in areas like
mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital
investments, offshore tax structures, and complex commercial
transactions. Consequently, national law schools and five-year
programs gained prominence as law firms and companies sought to hire
new graduates with attractive pay packages.
However, subsequent economic and socio-political changes have
necessitated a reevaluation of legal education. The increasing
presence of technology and automation, the need for reimagining
dispute resolution, the expansion of a regulatory state, and the
weakening of strict separation between disciplines require new
models of legal education. While earlier, new graduates were hired
for due diligence in law firms, today, AI-powered assistants handle
such tasks. Yet, there remains a growing need for talent and
leadership at the middle and top levels due to the increasing
complexity of the legal and regulatory architecture.
Litigation in courts remains a major career option, but dispute
management through alternative dispute resolution methods like
commercial arbitration and mediation is increasingly being sought
after. To fully leverage this demand, legal education must
incorporate new skills, including data literacy and a basic
understanding of business and governance processes. The job market
is also undergoing structural changes with the rise of the gig
economy, offering exciting work and rewards for those who manage
time and network effectively.
VMLS’ law degree is designed to meet these new challenges by molding
young minds through a pedagogical process that considers these
changes and equips them with new skills and professional
capabilities. At VMLS, we value innovation in legal education,
placing considerable emphasis on course design that addresses the
identified skill gaps and experiential learning models that provide
students with hands-on exposure to the professional world.
Our faculty comprises a mix of legal scholars and practitioners who
excel in research and training. We envision the teacher as a
facilitator guiding students through the learning process. Our
well-funded teaching support unit is committed to integrating
cutting-edge teaching methods into our daily classroom experience.
We also aim to create tie-ups with foreign universities for exchange
programs and joint research initiatives.
Effective communication is crucial for a successful legal career.
VMLS’ Communications and English Language Lab (CELL) provides
foundational communication skills, including grammar, reading,
writing, and public speaking. We offer a unique curriculum and
teaching methods to support learners who may have limited exposure
to English as a working language.
Central Themes Shaping Legal Education at VMLS
Technology Integration
The dominant presence of technology and its impact on legal systems
and frameworks necessitate a focus on technology and technology
policy as part of the legal curriculum. From basics to advanced
concepts, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal
and regulatory frameworks governing technology. Courses integrate
technology into core subjects like constitutional law, criminal law,
and contracts, with electives covering areas like data protection
and regulation of the digital economy. Our clinical courses equip
students with technology licensing skills and an understanding of
policy-making.
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
ADR methods are increasingly central to dispute resolution
strategies. The growth of institutions conducting professional ADR
has made these methods primary in commercial settings. Courts have
also adopted innovative ADR strategies, such as commercial courts
deploying informal strategies before trial. Our curriculum captures
these skills, preparing students for diverse settings, from labor
mediation to international commercial arbitration. The Global Tamil
Law Centre (GTLC) also supports this vision by addressing challenges
pertaining to access to justice within the State of Tamil Nadu.
Regulatory State
The rise of the regulatory state impacts the role of lawyers,
requiring a reevaluation of core courses like constitutional and
administrative law. Lawyers now engage extensively with regulatory
bodies, guiding regulated entities on the applicable laws and
regulations. A sound understanding of jurisprudence, economic and
political thought, and behavioral aspects of governance is essential
to perform this role. VMLS’ curriculum is structured to meet these
demands.
Internationalization and Comparative Law
Internationalization and comparative law have become integral to
legal education. Policies are shaped by international pressures, and
legal principles from across the globe inform domestic law. Our
curriculum exposes students to fundamental themes and global
debates, preparing them to navigate both Indian and international
legal landscapes. The Centre for the Promotion of International Law
exemplifies our commitment, with initiatives like an e-journal
focusing on present-day international conflict and guest lectures on
sustainable growth standing out in this regard.
VMLS is committed to excellence through inclusivity and shaping a
pioneering model in Indian legal education. Our faculty and support
systems nurture the best in each student, promoting collaboration
and problem-solving. We prepare students to generate maximal impact
in their careers, fulfilling the promise of a comprehensive and
forward-thinking legal education. We look forward to support from
all leaders of the bench and the bar in fulfilling this vision.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Ananth Padmanabhan
Dean, VMLS
