New Delhi, January 21:
Former Chief Justice of India Udai Umesh Lalit has emphasized the need for reforms in legal education to equip lawyers with the skills necessary to address complex issues of social and economic justice. He made these remarks during the International Annual TradeLab Conference, organized by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) under the Department of Commerce.
In his address at the plenary session, the former CJI stressed the importance of aligning law education with contemporary challenges. “Legal education must go beyond theoretical knowledge and enable practitioners to tackle multifaceted social and economic issues effectively,” an official statement noted.
Bridging the Gap in Trade Expertise
At the event, Sanjay Chadha, Head of Public Policy at Uber Technologies, highlighted a critical gap in understanding and negotiating trade agreements. He pointed out the need for capacity building in areas such as:
- Negotiation Skills: Enhancing the ability to secure beneficial trade deals.
- Legal Expertise: Developing a nuanced understanding of trade laws and agreements.
These skills, Chadha explained, are vital for ensuring India’s active and informed participation in global trade discussions.
The Role of CTIL
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law plays a pivotal role in fostering research and dialogue on international trade and investment laws. Through initiatives like the TradeLab Conference, CTIL aims to:
- Build legal and policy expertise in trade agreements.
- Equip negotiators with the tools to represent India effectively on global platforms.
- Promote academic-industry collaboration for practical learning.
Conclusion
The call for reforms in law education, as articulated by Former CJI Lalit, underscores the urgency of preparing legal professionals to address the dynamic challenges of social justice and international trade. With the growing complexities of global agreements, building legal and negotiation expertise is crucial for India’s progress on the world stage.
By integrating practical skills and specialized training into legal education, institutions can ensure that lawyers are not only academically proficient but also capable of making meaningful contributions to society and the economy.
