Private Law Schools in India: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Lawyers

Overview: Private law schools are private institutions of higher learning that are self-governing and privately funded and operated, not controlled by the government.

Private Law Schools are distinct from public universities that receive funding from the government and, hence, are governed by the state's laws. They are independent, self-sufficient institutions that can set their education standards, fees, and requirements for admissions.

This will be the turn of private law schools in India: going through their distinguished features and benefits and determining criteria for selection as the best.

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What Are Private Law Schools?

Private law schools are founded and administered by private individuals/entities.  They are also funded through student fees, endowments, and individual donations. 

In that manner, private law schools can have an opportunity to:

• Develop a novel curriculum: Private law schools can establish a novel and niche curriculum that may cover contemporary legal issues and hands-on skills.
• Develop a Unique academic culture: They will be able to establish a different academic culture with fewer classmates and more individualized mentoring, emphasizing hands-on learning.
• Invest in state-of-the-art resources:  Private law schools will invest in state-of-the-art resources in advanced facilities, including advanced libraries, legal research databases, and technology-enabled classrooms.

How Do They Differ from Public Law Schools?

Private law schools differ from public law schools in several key aspects:

Feature	Private Law Schools	Public Law Schools
Funding	Primarily through tuition fees, endowments, and private donations	Primarily through government funding and subsidies
Control	More autonomy in decision-making, curriculum design, and operations	Subject to government regulations and oversight
Tuition Fees	Generally, higher tuition costs	Typically, lower tuition costs compared to private schools
Admission	May have more competitive admissions criteria (higher entrance exam scores, emphasis on extracurriculars)	Generally, broader admission criteria
Focus	Often specialize in certain areas of law (e.g., corporate, international, intellectual property)	It may have a broader focus on legal education
Class Sizes	Often, smaller class sizes	May have larger class sizes
Experiential Learning	May have a stronger emphasis on experiential learning (internships, clinics, moot courts)	May also offer experiential learning opportunities

Why Choose a Private Law School?

Several distinct advantages can be obtained by attending a private law school:

• Good Option if Couldn't clear CLAT: Some Private Law Schools are at par with National Law Schools regarding academics and exposure.
• Less Class Size: Private law schools have small class sizes. This allows one to receive better attention and interact more freely with professors.
• Experiential Learning: Most private law schools focus on experiential learning activities, such as internships, moot court competitions, and legal clinics.
• Robust Alumni Networks: Private law schools usually boast powerful alumni networks that provide valuable guidance for career progression and professional connection.
• Specialized Programs: Private law schools have specialized programs and concentrations in niche areas of law.
• Practical Skills: The private law school focuses on developing practical legal skills, including research, writing, and advocacy.

List of Leading Private Law Schools in India

• Jindal Global Law School, Sonepat

  Factors Contributing to Their Popularity

  The popularity of private law schools in India can be attributed to several factors:

• Focus on Practical Skills: Private law schools often emphasize practical skills development, making graduates more employable in the legal market.
• Innovative Teaching Methods: Private law schools often employ innovative teaching methods, such as interactive lectures, simulations, and case studies.
• Strong Alumni Networks: Private law schools often have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable career guidance and professional connections.
• Global Exposure: Many private law schools in India offer opportunities for international exchange programs and collaborations.
• Symbiosis Law School, Pune
• Indian Law Society, Pune
• Institute of Law, Nirma University
• Kirit P. Mehta School of Law | SVKM's NMIMS | Mumbai
• School of Law, Christ University Bangalore
• BITS Law School, Mumbai
• UPES School of Law
• Unitedworld School of Law, Karnavati University Ahmedabad

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Why can you consider Private Law Schools?

• Innovative Curricula: Some private law schools have developed new interdisciplinary curriculum to address problems in modern legal challenges.
• Strong Faculty: Private law schools attract the finest legal scholars and practitioners as faculties.
• Global Exposure: Many private law schools in India have introduced international collaboration and global exchange programs.
• Emphasis on Pragmatic Skills: Private law schools in India have focused on pragmatic skills in legal drafting, advocacy, and client counselling.

Development of Private Law Schools

The History and Growth of Private Law Institutions

The growth of private law schools in India has been tremendous over the last few decades. The leading factors include:

• The rising Indian economy has generated an increasing demand for legal professionals, hence a rising need for legal education.
• Governments have promoted private institutions in various sectors, and education is one of them.
• Technological developments have made access to legal education easier and learning facilities available.

Factors Contributing to Their Popularity

Private law schools are significant institutions that prepare law graduates for the challenges of a globalized world. They:

• Foster international collaborations: Many private law schools in India collaborate with international law schools, which provide opportunities for student and faculty exchange programs.
• It usually offers specialized international law programs. The programs in private law schools often range from international trade law and human rights law to international environmental law.
• Prepare students for careers in a global economy: Private law schools prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a more integrated legal world.

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How to Choose the Right Private Law School

Key Considerations Before Applying

• Academic Reputation: Look into the academic reputation of the private law school, including its faculty, research output, and bar exam pass rates.
• Specializations: Explore the specific areas of law that interest you and choose a private law school that offers programs in those areas.
• Look for private law schools that offer much experiential learning, whether through an internship, on-court or even in a legal clinic.
• Feel the campus. The campus atmosphere is just a way to describe the campus culture and people.
• Assess financial aid available for pursuing law from private institutions - scholarships, grants, or loans.
• Career Services: Investigate the career services provided by the private law school, such as job placement assistance, alumni networking events, and legal employer recruitment programs.

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Making the Final Decision: Gut Feeling vs. Practicality

The final decision of which private law school to attend depends on many factors, including tuition fees, career opportunities, and academic reputation. However, it is equally essential to go with your gut feeling.

• Visit campus: Spend time on the campus and mix with current students and faculty.
• Talk to alums: Engage private law school alumni to gather their experiences.
• Trust your instinct: Go for a private law school.