Cultivating Legal Expertise in Law Students for a Globalised Economy.

Abstract

This article discusses the evolving landscape of legal education in India and the role of globalisation in this change. First, it traces the historical roots of legal education from ancient Indian practices based on Dharma to the establishment of formal law schools in the colonial and post-colonial eras. Second, it highlights the significant impact of globalisation on legal education and the need for integration of international legal standards and modern curricula such as international arbitration, cross-border transactions, and transnational law. The pressing need for law graduates to inculcate skills in transnational law has been highlighted by analysing curriculums of leading international universities. Third, it explores the role of World Trade Organization in influencing global frameworks that shape professional practices, by pushing countries to open its legal market to foreign law firms and professionals. This shift has created a demand for Indian lawyers to be well-versed in international trade law, cross-border transactions, and global legal practices. Last, it highlights the reforms needed in legal education such as modernizing curricula, promoting interdisciplinary and clinical learning, improving faculty quality, and integrating technology guidelines such as guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence. It suggests working on inclusiveness in legal education system to ensure equal access for students from diverse backgrounds. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for continuous reform in India’s legal education system to ensure it remains competitive and relevant in a globalized world.