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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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