Apeejay’s School of Legal Studies to partner with district courts and bar associations 

In a proactive stride towards aligning legal education with the dynamic legal industry, a delegation from the School of Legal Studies (SLS) at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), comprising faculty members and students, embarked on a significant visit to the Bar Associations in Sohna and Palwal Courts. 

The strategic selection of these courts, in close proximity to the ASU campus, underscores a purposeful endeavor to forge robust partnerships with legal practitioners at the grassroots level. The focal point of these engagements was to cultivate collaborative frameworks with the District Bar Associations. A pivotal objective is the establishment of a mutually beneficial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) spanning at least five years, with an emphasis on key areas as follows:

1. Student Internships & Placements: Facilitating practical exposure for law students within the legal ecosystem.

2. Enrolment of Students with the Bar: Encouraging seamless integration of students into the legal profession.

3. Collaboration with Lok Adalats: Actively participating in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

4. Provision of Free Legal Aid: Committing to providing legal assistance to underprivileged litigants.

5. Legal Aid Camps: Organising outreach programs in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

6. Empanelment of Senior Lawyers: Integrating seasoned legal professionals into the department’s faculty board.

The collaborative efforts between SLS-ASU and the Bar Associations aim to bridge the theoretical-practical gap in legal education. By fostering student internships, facilitating enrolment with the Bar, and actively participating in Lok Adalats, the initiative strives to instill a real-world understanding of legal processes.

Moreover, the provision of free legal aid and organising legal aid camps aligns with the institution’s commitment to social responsibility, ensuring that legal services are accessible to the marginalized. The potential empanelment of senior lawyers into the faculty board enhances the academic ecosystem, providing students with insights from seasoned professionals.

The positive response from the Presidents of the Bar Associations, affirming their support and cooperation, reflects the shared commitment to advancing legal education and community service. Their acknowledgment of SLS-ASU’s commendable work in delivering clinical legal education underscores the institution’s impactful contributions to legal academia. The proposed MOU, when materialised, holds the promise of fostering enduring collaborations that benefit both legal education and the legal industry.