An Idea of a Law School Ideas from The Law School
(On Legal Education, Legal Profession and Access to Justice)

The work is a collection of talks and papers presented during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the first National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore.

The essays contained in the book highlight the thoughts and experiences of NLSIU alumni and their contribution in diverse areas and showcase Prof. Menon's vision of NLSIU alumni as "social engineers". It should give readers a sense of the institution and the impact it has had over the last 30 years.

The book is divided into 3 parts containing 31 topics viz: Part I: Legal Education; Part II: Legal Profession and Legal Services; Part III: Judiciary and Access to Justice.

A wide variety of topics are covered in the chapters but primarily focussed on the legal profession. 

It is hoped that this collection of essays will nurture and inculcate the ideas which Prof. Menon cherished.

PART 1 LEGAL EDUCATION

1. Towards a Draft National Policy on Legal Education

2. Legal Education Should Bridge the Gap Between Law and Justice

3. Globalisation and Legal Education:  Challenges Ahead

4. Case for a Transnational Approach in  Legal Education

5. Commercial Law Teaching: Perspectives from a Practitioner

6. Legal Education in India: The Role of the National Law Schools and Their Outcomes

7. Innovative Clinical Curriculum for Enabling Law Graduates to Become Practice-Ready

8. Transformation of Indian Legal Education

PArt II LEGAL PROFESSION AND LEGAL SERVICES

9. Legal Services — 2020: A Snapshot

10. Practice of Law, Development and the Rule of Law

11. “Pro Bono” Legal Services in India: An Opportunity to Bridge the Access to Justice Gap

12. Defining or Redefining “The Profession of Law” in India

13. State of the Indian Legal Profession: Where can We Go from Here?

14. Legal Profession in India: Need for Radical Reforms

15. Foreign Lawyers in India and Indian Lawyers Abroad: Prospects for Trade in Legal Services

16. State of the Legal Profession Today and Outlook for Tomorrow

17. Role of Our Bar Councils in a Time of Diminishing Brand Equity of the Legal System

18. The New-Age Lawyer — Entrepreneur: Enabled by Technology; Inspired by Law

19. Survivors or Escapists? A Case for Lawyers Against Corruption and “Pro Bono” Legal Clinic for Early-Stage Startups

20. Continuing Legal Education and the Role of Bar Councils and Bar Associations

PArt III JUDICIARY AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

21. Law as the Gatekeeper to Justice: Reflections on the Role of the Judiciary and Access to Justice

22. Access to Justice: Role of the Judiciary and the Role of Law Reports

23. Mediation: A Way to Deal with the Docket Crisis in India

24. Ensuring Meaningful Access to Justice for Workers and Their Organisations

25. Thoughts on Alternate Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: How can We Make It More Inclusive?

26. Role of Judiciary, Judicial Delays and Access to Justice

27. Ideas for Reducing Pendency in Courts

28. Importance of Legal Environment to India’s Development

29. Role of Judiciary and Access to Justice

30. Centre for Social Justice

31. In Search of the Self: Less is More