How to Become a Law Professor in India

The profession of law teaching in India holds immense respect, offering intellectual fulfilment and the opportunity to shape future generations of legal professionals. Becoming a law professor is a rigorous yet rewarding journey that demands academic excellence, practical experience, and a passion for education. This article explores the steps, qualifications, and career paths required to become a law professor in India, including tips to excel in this esteemed profession.

Understanding the Role of a Law Professor

A law professor’s role extends beyond teaching legal principles. They mentor students, engage in advanced research, and contribute to the development of legal education and policies. Law professors are responsible for:

• Imparting theoretical and practical knowledge of the law.
• Guiding students in critical thinking, legal research, and writing.
• Contributing to academic innovation by designing new courses and curricula.
• Publishing research papers and engaging in legal scholarship.
• Providing mentorship for students pursuing doctoral and research studies.

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a Law Professor in India

To qualify for a teaching position in law, candidates must meet certain academic and professional standards. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the rank of the position (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor). Below are the typical requirements:

Assistant Professor (Law)

• Educational Qualification:
  • A Master’s degree in law (LL.M.) with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point-scale system).
  • Candidates with a Ph.D. in law are exempted from clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET).
• UGC NET Qualification: Clearing the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) is mandatory unless the candidate holds a Ph.D.
• Experience: Teaching or research experience is advantageous but not mandatory at this level.

Associate Professor (Law)

• Educational Qualification:
  • A Ph.D. in law is mandatory.
  • A Master’s degree in law with at least 55% marks.
• Experience: At least 8 years of teaching or research experience as an Assistant Professor or equivalent.
• Research Contribution: Published work, including research papers, books, or policy papers, demonstrating expertise in the field.

Professor (Law)

• Educational Qualification: A Ph.D. in law is mandatory.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of teaching or research experience in universities or recognised institutions.
• Research and Innovation: Substantial contributions to legal scholarship, including publishing at least 10 high-quality research papers or books. Demonstrated ability to innovate in education by designing new courses and curricula.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Law Professor

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB)

The first step is to enrol in a law degree program. In India, you can pursue:

• A 3-year LLB program after completing a bachelor’s degree in any field (e.g., BA, BSc, BCom).
• A 5-year integrated law program (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.) after completing Class 12.

Focus on excelling academically and participate in extracurricular activities like moot courts, legal aid clinics, and debates to build foundational skills.

Pursue Internships and Clerkships

Practical experience is invaluable in the legal field. While pursuing your LLB, consider the following opportunities:

• Internships: Gain exposure to various legal practices by interning with law firms, corporate legal departments, NGOs, or government agencies.
• Judicial Clerkship: Work under a judge to learn court procedures, legal research, and case analysis.

These experiences will not only enhance your resume but also provide insights into the practical aspects of law.

Obtain an LLM Degree

A Master’s degree in law (LLM) is a prerequisite for teaching positions in most universities. The LLM program allows you to specialise in areas such as constitutional law, international law, corporate law, or human rights law. Focus on developing research and analytical skills during this phase.

Top Institutions in India for LLM:

• National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
• University of Delhi (Faculty of Law)
• ILS Law College, Pune
• Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat

International Options: For those considering overseas education, universities like Harvard Law School, Oxford University, and Yale Law School offer prestigious LLM programs. However, they are often expensive and require careful financial planning.

Clear the UGC NET Exam

The UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) is a competitive exam conducted by the NTA for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors or Junior Research Fellows. Here’s how to prepare:

• Understand the Syllabus: The syllabus covers legal theory, constitutional law, jurisprudence, and current legal developments.
• Use Quality Study Material: Refer to UGC NET preparation books and past question papers.
• Time Management: Create a study schedule to cover all topics effectively.
• Practice Teaching: Teaching others can help solidify your understanding of concepts.

Pursue a Ph.D. in Law

A Ph.D. is increasingly becoming a mandatory qualification for higher academic positions. It demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the field of law. While pursuing a Ph.D., focus on:

• Publishing articles in reputed legal journals.
• Presenting papers at national and international conferences.
• Developing expertise in your chosen area of specialisation.

Gain Teaching or Research Experience

Before applying for full-time academic roles, gaining relevant experience is crucial. Here are some ways to do so:

• Visiting Faculty Roles: Teach as a visiting lecturer at law schools.
• Research Fellowships: Participate in fellowships offered by institutions like NLU or international organisations.
• Legal Research and Writing: Contribute to legal publications or assist in drafting policies.

Apply for Academic Positions

Prepare a compelling resume highlighting your academic achievements, teaching experience, research publications, and practical legal experience. Tailor your applications to the institution’s requirements and showcase your ability to contribute to their academic goals.

Career Paths for Law Professors

Aspiring law professors can take diverse paths to achieve their academic and professional goals. Here are three common pathways:

Classical Path

This traditional approach emphasises academic excellence and a strong foundation in legal education. Key steps include:

• Excelling during law school with top grades and leadership roles, such as serving as an Editor for a legal journal.
• Completing a prestigious judicial clerkship, ideally in the Supreme Court or a High Court, to gain firsthand experience in the judiciary.
• Engaging in extensive legal research and publishing high-quality articles in reputed journals, which showcase intellectual rigour and expertise.

LLM Path

This pathway focuses on advancing legal knowledge and gaining practical exposure. Key steps include:

• Pursuing an LLM from a reputed institution in India or abroad, specialising in a specific area of law.
• Building hands-on experience through internships with law firms, corporate legal teams, or NGOs.
• Working as a Visiting Assistant Professor or Fellow at a top law school to gain teaching experience and refine academic skills.

Interdisciplinary Path

This modern approach integrates law with other disciplines, broadening perspectives and skill sets. Key steps include:

• Combining legal studies with advanced degrees in related fields such as economics, sociology, political science, or history.
• Producing interdisciplinary research that connects law with these fields to address contemporary issues.
• Leveraging expertise in both law and a related discipline to distinguish oneself in the academic job market.

Skills Required to Succeed as a Law Professor

In addition to academic qualifications, aspiring law professors should develop the following skills:

1. Passion for Teaching: Inspire and engage students with your knowledge and enthusiasm.
2. Research and Writing Skills: Publish impactful articles and contribute to legal scholarship.
3. Communication Skills: Simplify complex legal concepts for students.
4. Time Management: Balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities effectively.
5. Innovation in Education: Design new curricula and adopt technology-mediated teaching methods.

Debate: Should Law Professors Be Allowed to Practice?

This long-standing debate has two opposing views:

• Supporters of Practice: Allowing law professors to practice ensures they provide practical and updated knowledge to students.
• Opponents of Practice: Critics argue that juggling teaching and practice may dilute the quality of education.

A middle ground could involve law professors offering legal consultancy or running legal aid clinics, which combine practical exposure with academic responsibilities.

Conclusion

Becoming a law professor in India is a fulfilling career choice that requires a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and a passion for education. By following the outlined steps—earning relevant degrees, gaining teaching and research experience, and contributing to legal scholarship—aspiring candidates can achieve their goals.

While the journey demands dedication and hard work, the rewards are immense, offering opportunities to shape the future of legal education and inspire the next generation of legal professionals.