Manupatra’s Law Teachers Conclave 2023-24

Recognizing the significance of the educators' role, Manupatra conceived the Law Teachers Conclave. The initiative marks the beginning of a continuous effort to engage with legal educators, connecting online and offline through events, webinars, and various opportunities with the goal of establishing a vibrant national ecosystem for law educators

The conclave represents a movement that unites law teachers from diverse backgrounds onto a common platform. The aim is to foster professional growth, facilitate knowledge sharing, and provide networking opportunities, fostering innovation in the process.

The conclave's journey commenced with the Western Region event at GNLU, Gandhinagar, on November 4, 2023. This success led to the South Region conclave in collaboration with RV University, Bengaluru, on January 20, 2024, and the Northern Region conclave on February 3, 2024, in association with NLU, Delhi, hosted at the university's campus.

These gatherings witnessed the participation of over 550 law educators, reflecting the dedication to driving positive change in legal education. By hosting the conclave at regional levels, Manupatra  aims to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for educators across the country.

Participation was open to law teachers teaching full-time, part-time, ad-hoc, or as visiting faculty in India. The conclave has been supported by the hosting universities, the SILF, the General Counsel Association of India (GCAI), and Law Teachers India.

Each one-day program in the series sparked meaningful discussions on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in legal education. The conclave served as a melting pot of innovative pedagogies and insightful discussions, equipping educators for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Whether a seasoned educator or new to legal instruction, the conclaves offered valuable takeaways for everyone.

Manupatra, over the past 23 years, has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting the legal fraternity on its journey of learning, development, and digital transformation. This conclave, specifically designed for law teachers, is a testament to that commitment.

Deepak Kapoor, CEO, Manupatra shared,

"By bringing law teachers together, we hope to cultivate a sense of belonging and shared purpose that can significantly impact the entire field of legal education. Collaborative efforts and the exchange of ideas have the power to inspire innovation in teaching methods, ultimately benefiting both educators and students alike.”

The conclaves saw camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose among teachers, which can exert a positive influence on the entirety of legal education.

Some key points that emerged during the conclaves were: 

1. It is crucial that technology be integrated pervasively into legal education as a fundamental tool at this juncture.

2. There is a wealth of digital media resources available for acquiring subject knowledge, highlighting the importance of redirecting attention from the growing list of electives taught, to the implementation of effective teaching methods.

3. The imperative for educators to prioritize the "how to teach" over the "what to teach," ensuring comprehension and retention of knowledge.

4. Pedagogy should emphasize on behavioral development, enhancement of managerial skills, and the cultivation of professional ethics.

5. Practical training must offer an immersive experience to prepare graduates for the workforce effectively.

6. Advocating for longer internships and fostering collaboration with industry partners, as short internships have proven less productive.

7. The necessity for students to cultivate global competencies.

8. Acknowledging that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot replace human perspectives and thoughts, and emphasizing the importance of not restricting one's own viewpoint due to excessive reliance on AI.

9. Beyond being a foundational degree, law education should focus on essential skills such as project management, analytical thinking, innovation, active learning, technology, and resilience.

10. Law schools need to equip students for life rather than solely focusing on job preparation.

11. Legal studies need to move beyond traditional classrooms, promoting exploration beyond textbooks and embracing interdisciplinary learning.

12. Emphasizing the significance of soft skills is crucial as they can offer a competitive advantage in the continually evolving legal environment.

13. In today's classrooms, there is a wealth of untapped potential in harnessing technology for educational purposes, and it does not necessarily require significant financial investment. While technology's widespread presence in education is indisputable, it's crucial to strike a delicate balance to ensure it serves its intended purpose effectively.

14. The notion of Academic Social Responsibility was raised, highlighting the need for collaboration among academia, industry, and government.

15. Fostering a reciprocal learning process between teachers and students involves encouraging educators to learn from students and the questions they pose.

16. There is an imperative to address diversity and inclusivity in the classroom.

Dates for East Region Conclave will be announced soon.

For detailed insights into the program and access to session videos, please visit Manupatra Academy.

Email: contact@manupatra.com