Law School Realities: 5 Things to Know Ahead of Time

Choosing to pursue law is a major decision, one that requires careful consideration of various options and long-term goals. When I first embarked on this journey, I wish I had known a few key insights that could have made the path smoother and more fulfilling.  

 

If you're planning to step into this profession, especially through institutions like Presidency University and its prestigious Presidency School of Law, here are five things every aspiring law student in India should know before joining law school. 

 

1. 1. Understand the Two Main Routes: 3-Year LLB vs 5-Year Integrated Course

In India, law can be pursued through two primary paths: 

• 3-Year LLB Course: This is meant for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in fields like BA, B.Com., BBA, or B.Sc. The focus is purely on legal education over three years, covering core law subjects comprehensively. 
• 5-Year Integrated Course: This option combines an undergraduate degree (like BA, BBA, or B.Sc.) with an LL.B. Students who have just completed their 12th grade can opt for this. It offers the same legal foundation as the 3-year course but integrates it with a broader academic base, saving one year if law is your end goal. 

The BA LL.B. (Hons.) programme at Presidency School of Law is a unique course, which combines a strong foundation in liberal arts with rigorous legal education—helping students graduate with a broader perspective and practical insights. 

 

2. 2. Choosing the Right Law School: NLUs vs Non-NLUs

In India, law schools can broadly be categorized into National Law Universities (NLUs) and Non-NLU institutions. 

 

NLUs are often regarded as the gold standard for legal education, akin to IITs for engineering and IIMs for management. The first, NLSIU Bangalore, was set up in 1987, followed by others like NALSAR Hyderabad. Today, there are 27 NLUs—26 of which admit students through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). NLU Delhi is the exception, conducting its own entrance test, AILET. 

 

However, it’s essential to dispel the myth that NLUs are the only viable options. Many Non-NLU colleges offer competitive legal education with solid faculty, international tie-ups, and internship opportunities. In some cases, they even have more flexible curriculums or offer courses like BBA LLB, which only a few NLUs provide. 

 

In short, success in law doesn't hinge on attending an NLU. It depends more on your drive, commitment, and how well you utilize your time and resources. 

 

3. 3. Internships: Building Experience Early

Internships are a crucial part of any law student’s journey. They offer exposure to real-world legal work and help students apply theoretical knowledge practically. The Bar Council of India (BCI) mandates law students to complete internships during their academic years—12 weeks for the 3-year course and 20 weeks for the 5-year course. 

 

At Presidency School of Law, students are encouraged and guided to intern at law firms, NGOs, corporate legal departments, courts, and government agencies. These experiences not only help meet academic requirements but also offer clarity on career interests—whether litigation, corporate law, IP, or environmental law. 

 

4. 4. Moot Court Competitions: Sharpening Your Legal Skills

Mooting is not just a fancy academic exercise—it’s a simulation of real-life court proceedings and an excellent way to develop advocacy skills. Unlike debates, which are general in nature, moot court competitions demand thorough legal research, drafting memorials, and arguing like an actual lawyer in front of judges. 

 

Presidency School of Law has a dedicated moot court for students to learn and experience a real court-like environment. Here, students are taught the various procedures of the court, like draughting, argument proceedings, etc., and put into practice the case studies learnt in theoretical sessions.  

 

5. 5. Networking: Cultivating Relationships That Matter

One of the most underrated yet essential parts of law school is networking. Building genuine relationships with peers, professors, seniors, and professionals can open doors to internships, mentorships, jobs, and even collaborations later in your career. 

 

Networking isn’t just about adding people on LinkedIn. It’s about engaging in meaningful conversations, offering help when you can, and maintaining long-term, mutually respectful relationships. Law school gives you ample opportunities—seminars, workshops, alumni meets, internships—to start building this network. And remember, your network often becomes your net worth. 

 

Law school is not just about textbooks and exams; it’s a space where you grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re at an NLU or another reputed institution, what truly matters is how you make use of the opportunities available to you.  

 

Explore internships, take part in moots, nurture your network, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of becoming a lawyer. If you're considering the BA LL.B. (Hons.) programme at Presidency School of Law, you’re already taking a step toward a future rooted in academic excellence, practical exposure, and societal impact. 

 

 

Written by, 

Ms. Priyanka Mangaraj 

Assistant Professor 

Presidency School of Law