Dr. Sukanta Kumar Nanda Shares Career Advice for Law Students and Young Legal Professionals
Dr. Sukanta Kumar Nanda is the Dean of Birla School of Law, Birla Global University, and a distinguished academician with over 34 years of experience in legal education, research and academic administration. He has served in several leadership positions at Madhusudan Law College, Madhusudan Law University and Utkal University, contributing significantly to institutional development and legal scholarship.
In this interview with LawBhoomi, Prof. Nanda shares his journey in legal education, insights on the evolution of legal studies in India, the importance of internships, career choices for law students, academic leadership, and the future of legal education.
1. Could you briefly share your journey from being a law educator to becoming the Dean of Birla School of Law?
My journey in legal education began in the year 1991 when I joined Dinabandhu Sahu Law College, Kendrapara, as a Lecturer. From the very beginning, I was deeply committed to teaching, research, and institution-building. Over the years, I had the opportunity to teach both undergraduate and postgraduate students, guide research scholars, and contribute to the academic development of legal institutions.
A significant phase of my career was at Madhusudan Law College, (one of the oldest and leading law institutions of the country), a constituent college and the first teaching department of Utkal University, where I served in various capacities, eventually becoming Professor-cum-Principal. I had the privilege of playing an active and vital role in the transformation of the institution into Madhusudan Law University. Subsequently, I served as Professor and Dean at the University and held several key administrative positions. Subsequently, my services were transferred to Utkal University.
Thus, my association with institutions such as Utkal University, National Law Universities, and several other leading universities of the country further enriched my academic and administrative experience. These experiences taught me that legal education is not merely about imparting knowledge but also about creating institutions that nurture future generations of legal professionals.
Today, as Dean of Birla School of Law, Birla Global University, I see my role as one of leadership, mentorship, and innovation. My objective is to help build an institution that combines academic excellence, practical training, research, and ethical values.
2. Reflecting on your 34+ years in legal education, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey? How has legal education in India evolved since you began teaching in 1991?
The most rewarding aspect of my journey has undoubtedly been witnessing the success of my students. Many of my students are now Judicial Magistrates, Advocates, academicians, corporate professionals, and public servants. Seeing them contribute meaningfully to the society gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction.
Legal education in India has undergone a remarkable transformation since 1991. When I began teaching, legal education was largely classroom-oriented, with limited emphasis on practical training, research, or interdisciplinary learning. Access to legal resources was also significantly restricted.
Today, legal education has become far more dynamic. Clinical legal education, moot courts, internships, legal aid activities, research publications, technology-assisted learning, and international collaborations have become integral components of legal training. The emergence of National Law Universities has also contributed significantly to raising academic standards.
At the same time, new challenges have emerged. The legal profession now demands not only legal knowledge but also technological competence, communication skills, interdisciplinary understanding, and adaptability. Therefore, legal education must continuously evolve to meet these changing expectations.
3. What should law students focus on during each year of their law degree to build a strong foundation for a successful legal career?
In the initial years, students should focus on developing a strong understanding of foundational subjects such as Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Torts, Criminal Law, and Jurisprudence. Equally important is cultivating the habit of reading judgments and improving language and communication skills.
During the middle years, students should begin exploring specialized areas of law while actively participating in moot courts, debates, legal aid activities, and internships. This is also the stage when students should develop research and drafting skills.
In the final years, students should identify their preferred career path and acquire specialized knowledge relevant to that field. They should focus on advanced internships, networking with professionals, publication of research work, and preparing for competitive examinations or placement opportunities. Throughout the course, students must remember that consistency matters more than occasional brilliance. Regular reading, disciplined study habits, and curiosity are essential for long-term success.
4. How important are internships in shaping a student’s career, and what factors should students consider while choosing them?
Internships are indispensable components of legal education. They provide practical exposure that cannot be fully replicated in the classroom. Through internships, students learn how legal principles operate in real-world situations, develop professional skills, and gain valuable insights into different career options. Students should not choose internships solely based on prestige or brand value. They should carefully consider what they wish to learn. A good internship should provide meaningful exposure, opportunities to observe professional work, and guidance from experienced mentors.
In the early years, students may explore different areas such as litigation, corporate practice, legal aid, NGOs, policy institutions, or judicial internships. As they progress, they should pursue internships aligned with their career goals.
The ultimate objective of an internship should be learning rather than merely obtaining a certificate.
5. What role should law schools play in preparing students for the rapidly evolving legal profession?
Law schools must go beyond traditional classroom teaching. They should prepare students to become competent, ethical, and socially responsible professionals capable of addressing contemporary challenges. This requires a balanced approach that combines doctrinal learning with practical training. Moot courts, legal aid clinics, mediation exercises, drafting workshops, research projects, and industry interactions should be integral parts of legal education.
Law schools must also embrace emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, data protection, cyber law, environmental governance, international trade, and technology law. Equally important is fostering critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and ethical judgment. The objective should be to create professionals who are not only employable but also capable of contributing meaningfully to the administration of justice and societal development.
6. The legal profession today offers multiple career paths. How should students decide whether to pursue litigation, corporate law, judiciary, academia, or public service?
Students should begin by understanding their own interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations. There is no universally superior career path; each option offers unique opportunities and challenges. Litigation is suitable for individuals who enjoy advocacy, courtroom practice, and direct client interaction. Corporate law often appeals to those interested in business transactions, regulatory compliance, and commercial problem-solving.
The judiciary is ideal for those who aspire to serve society through impartial decision-making and possess strong analytical abilities. Academia suits individuals who enjoy teaching, research, and intellectual engagement. Public service and policy-related careers are appropriate for those who wish to contribute directly to governance and social development.
Students should use internships, interactions with professionals, and self-reflection to make informed decisions. Career choices should be based on genuine interest rather than prevailing trends.
7. You have held several leadership positions in legal institutions. In your view, what are the key qualities of an effective academic leader?
An effective academic leader must possess vision, integrity, commitment, and the ability to inspire others. Leadership in educational institutions is fundamentally about service rather than authority. An academic leader should be accessible, fair, and willing to listen to diverse viewpoints. Decision-making must be guided by institutional interests and academic values rather than personal considerations.
Adaptability is also essential because educational institutions operate in a constantly changing environment. Leaders must encourage innovation while preserving academic standards. Most importantly, an academic leader should lead by example. Students and faculty are more influenced by conduct than by words.
8. What are the major challenges law schools face today in maintaining academic excellence?
One major challenge is balancing expansion with quality. As legal education grows, maintaining high academic standards requires significant investment in faculty development, research, infrastructure, and student support.
Another challenge is ensuring that curricula remain relevant in a rapidly changing legal environment. Emerging technologies, globalization, and evolving regulatory frameworks require continuous academic reform.
Research culture also needs further strengthening in many institutions. Encouraging quality scholarship and interdisciplinary research remains an important objective. Additionally, law schools must strike a balance between employability-oriented training and the broader educational mission of developing critical thinkers and responsible citizens.
9. Which books, thinkers, or experiences have had the greatest influence on your academic and professional journey?
My academic journey has been influenced by a wide range of legal scholars, economists, philosophers, and jurists. The works of legal thinkers such as H.L.A. Hart, Roscoe Pound, and Benjamin Cardozo have significantly shaped my understanding of law and legal institutions.
My background in Economics also influenced my approach to legal analysis by encouraging analytical thinking and appreciation of the relationship between law, society, and development.
However, beyond books and theories, my interactions with students, colleagues, judges, advocates, and researchers over more than three decades have been among the most valuable learning experiences. Education is a continuous process, and one learns as much from people as from books.
10. If you were beginning your legal career again today, is there anything you would choose to do differently?
Every professional journey offers lessons in hindsight. If I were beginning today, I would perhaps engage even more extensively with interdisciplinary research and international academic collaborations at an earlier stage of my career.
The contemporary legal landscape presents unprecedented opportunities for global engagement, technological innovation, and collaborative research. Young scholars today have access to resources and networks that were not readily available when I began my career.
Nevertheless, I remain grateful for the experiences and opportunities that shaped my professional journey. Each phase contributed meaningfully to my growth as a teacher, researcher, and administrator.
11. What is one piece of advice you believe every law student in India should hear?
Never treat the study of law merely as a pathway to a profession; treat it as a means of understanding society, justice, and human relationships.
Success in law does not depend solely on intelligence. It depends on discipline, integrity, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to learning. Develop the habit of reading widely, thinking critically, and acting ethically.
Most importantly, remember that law is ultimately a service-oriented profession. Whatever career path you choose – whether as a lawyer, judge, academician, corporate professional, or public servant – your knowledge should be used to promote justice, uphold the rule of law, and contribute positively to society.
