How new-age law colleges of India are redefining legal learning

NEW DELHI: Shalini Kottapalli graduated from a boarding school in Dehradun and chose to join a newly-established law school over other options.

She said, "I chose this institute not only for its strong academic legacy but also for the unique opportunity to be part of a new and dynamic culture in legal education. Despite being a relatively new establishment, the environment encourages innovation, and students are motivated to make their mark.” Kottapalli is in second year of BA LLB at BITS School of Law, Mumbai, set up in 2023.

Lavanya Surender, too, picked a new law college. A first-year student at Shiv Nadar University Law School in Chennai, she said: "I was particularly attracted to the curriculum, which incorporates new and diverse perspectives, and my experience during the first semester confirmed this. Moreover, as a newer institution, the university is continuously refining its teaching methods and enhancing the student experience, creating an ideal environment for both academic and personal growth."

Legal education in India is undergoing a transformative shift with the rise of new-age law schools, which combine traditional teaching with innovative methods.

According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2022-23 survey, over 1,00,000 students are currently enrolled in various integrated law programmes at the undergraduate level, indicating a surge in interest in the legal field. Established institutions like the National Law Schools and Symbiosis Law School, Pune, remain influential, but emerging schools such as BITS School of Law, India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) Goa, and Shiv Nadar University School of Law are quickly gaining recognition.

BITS Pilani, Shiv Nadar, IIULER: Learning approach

These newer institutions, all backed by major business houses, are known for their high-quality education, modern infrastructure, and strong industry connections. While top NLUs and long-established private law schools still dominate rankings, these new law colleges signal a growing diversity in legal education in India.

As part of premier technical school BITS Pilani, also an "Institution of Eminence", the BITS School of Law envisions becoming an "inspirational benchmark for new-age, multidisciplinary legal education”.

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According to dean Ashish Bharadwaj, BITS Law School sets itself apart through its specialised programmes in corporate and financial law, technology and media law, entertainment and sports law, and alternative dispute resolution and mediation.

“Our unique model of learning focuses on the entire sequential loop of learning – thinking, reading, reflecting, analysing, writing, verbalising, critiquing, reviewing, articulating, and sharing. Each course in our curriculum goes through an extensive external peer review process and is delivered by subject area experts using creative pedagogical tools,” explained Bharadwaj.

Meanwhile, Shiv Nadar Law School in Chennai, under the leadership of dean Shiv Swaminathan, emphasises the integration of liberal arts with legal studies. This multidisciplinary approach provides students with a broad skill set, preparing them for diverse career paths, from litigation to consulting and corporate roles.

The school’s focus on "tacit knowledge" — typically gained through experience and here, instilled through case studies and expert-led courses — forms a cornerstone of its pedagogy.

In contrast, the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) in Goa, set up by the Bar Council of India Pearl Trust, aims to be a centre of excellence in legal education, focusing on human dignity, social welfare, and justice.

“The institution equips students with core competencies in legal analysis, ethics, and professional responsibility. IIULER is known for its innovative teaching methods, personalised attention, and a collaborative learning environment. The institute prepares graduates to excel on the global stage, with an emphasis on legal scholarship, foreign language proficiency, and a commitment to societal service, drawing inspiration from both tradition and progress,” says its website.

Law Courses: Admission and teaching

Emerging law institutions prioritise diversity and inclusivity. BITS Law School employs a four-stage admission process that evaluates academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and critical thinking skills through interviews.

“The programme admits students who are thoughtful about their learning environment and purpose. Our scholarships range from 15% to 100% tuition fee waiver, and we offer three different types of generous Birla Endowment Scholarships for Legal Studies,” said Bharadwaj.

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Shiv Nadar University offers merit-based, merit-cum-means, and diversity scholarships to underrepresented groups. Modern legal education demands adaptability. The BITS Law School curriculum is designed with inputs from leading global law schools, integrating writing-intensive tutorials and practice-based workshops.

Similarly, Shiv Nadar University’s curriculum incorporates 20% practitioner-led courses and emphasises research-driven learning. Students gain exposure to international arbitration, emerging technologies, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.

Law Programmes: Bridging theory and practice

The gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is a persistent problem with legal education.

BITS Law School has “Readiness at the Workplace” workshops to equip students with practical skills like drafting contracts and conducting due diligence. Shiv Nadar University’s winter semester brings industry experts to the classroom, providing hands-on experience in niche areas of law.

This is an area that needs attention.

“In my view, the practical understanding of “corporate laws” is missing in many law students aspiring to become corporate lawyers as there is more focus on the theoretical aspects,” said Madhavan Srivatsan, senior partner at Emerald Law Offices. “There are students who equip themselves with practical understanding of corporate laws, but it seems to be missing in many others”.

He also suggested workshops on “mergers and acquisitions, project finance, and SEBI regulations” and said these are “some areas where emerging law schools can play a pivotal role”.

Career aspirations in law

Both schools have robust mechanisms for career development. BITS Law School’s focus on entrepreneurial thinking aligns with the parent engineering college’s legacy of fostering startups and unicorns.

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Shiv Nadar University leverages its ties with HCL Tech and international law firms to secure internships and placements. “The school is actively establishing connections with leading law firms domestically and internationally, ensuring a solid foundation for industry integration” said Swaminathan.

Kottapalli, of BITS Law School, values the institution’s supportive community. Her aspirations in litigation are nurtured through the school’s emphasis on practical training and mentorship.