Manupatra, NLUO host Eastern Region Law Teachers' Conclave

The Manupatra-NLUO, Eastern Region Law Teachers' Conclave, held on September 28, 2024, at the National Law University Odisha (NLUO), gathered experienced legal educators and professionals to discuss the future of legal education and the evolving role of law teachers in an AI-driven world.

The event facilitated discussions around the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), preparing students for a global professional landscape, and the multifaceted responsibilities of modern legal educators.

The event's inaugural and valedictory sessions were graced by Law Minister of Odisha, Prithviraj Harichandan and Justice Mruganka Sekhar Sahoo of the High Court of Odisha as Chief Guests.

The first session of the conclave opened with a powerful discussion on the impact of AI on legal education. With AI tools increasingly being used for research, case management, and even drafting legal documents, a critical question emerged: Can AI replace the role of teachers?

Prof. (Dr.) Ved Kumari, Vice-Chancellor of NLUO, argued that while AI can offer information, it lacks the depth of human experience. She stressed that the role of educators is not merely to transmit knowledge but to encourage students to reflect, analyze, and think critically about how the law applies to real-world problems. This is particularly important when it comes to marginalized voices, whose experiences may not be readily available in AI databases.

Prof. (Dr.) Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor of CNLU, added that AI can be a creative tool in the classroom but emphasized that it cannot provoke thought or replace the passion that teachers bring to their profession. He encouraged educators to experiment with AI, challenging students to critique AI-generated content as part of their learning process.

The takeaway from the discussion was that AI is a tool to enhance legal education, but it cannot replace the essential human elements of teaching— critical thinking, empathy, and ethical reasoning. Educators must adapt to the changing landscape by integrating AI where appropriate while ensuring that their students develop the skills to think independently and solve complex legal problems.

One of the more insightful discussions at the event on 'Navigating the Multifaceted Responsibilities’ revolved around the balancing act that legal educators must perform — juggling teaching, research, administrative duties, and mentoring.

Prof. (Dr.) YP Singh, Vice-Chancellor of NLU Tripura, highlighted the challenges of managing these varied roles, particularly for new educators. His advice was simple yet profound: focus on teaching first. Students, he said, are the true ambassadors of an educator’s legacy, and their success will reflect the quality of instruction they receive. Administrative tasks are inevitable but secondary to the core mission of teaching.

Prof. (Dr.) Rose Varghese, Director of KIIT School of Law, emphasized the importance of passion and preparation in the classroom. Teaching, she noted, is not just about delivering lectures but about inspiring students to think critically about the law and its application. If educators aren’t committed to their work, they risk losing both their students’ attention and their own sense of fulfillment.

The key message from this session was that while legal educators are often burdened with multiple responsibilities, their primary role is to teach. Passion, commitment, and thorough preparation are the pillars of successful legal education.

Another panel saw key professionals from the industry discuss that as legal practice becomes increasingly globalized, law schools must equip students with the skills needed to navigate international legal environments.

CV Raghu, Legal Advisor at Motherson and member GCAI, highlighted that beyond mastering legal doctrines, students must develop soft skills like communication, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of business practices across borders.

Deepalakshmi Vadivelan, VP Legal at Quess Corp and member GCAI, stressed the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Law schools should introduce real-world scenarios to prepare students for complex governance and compliance issues, she said.

The speakers agreed that law schools need to provide students with practical, skill-based training. Developing negotiation, communication, and critical thinking skills is crucial for success in the global legal landscape.

The third session dove deeper into the practical applications of AI in the classroom. While AI’s potential in legal research and administration is undeniable, educators were reminded of its limitations.

Dr. Abhishek Sinha, Dean at UPES School of Law, outlined the many ways that AI can enhance classroom management, from automating attendance tracking to integrating AI-driven legal research tools. However, he was quick to point out that AI is not a replacement for human judgment. The key, he said, is for educators to use AI to streamline administrative tasks and enrich the learning experience, not to replace the critical thinking that comes from human instruction.

Dr. Shouvik Kumar Sinha, Associate Professor at WBNUJS, compared AI to a student who tries to answer questions without fully understanding the context. While AI can help with legal research, it is important for educators to teach students how to interpret and apply AI-generated information within legal practice. AI should support traditional legal education, not replace it. Human involvement is essential for critical thinking and practical judgment in the legal field.

The Eastern Region Law Teachers' Conclave emphasized on the importance of adapting legal education to the realities of an AI-driven world and a global legal market. While AI offers exciting possibilities, the core message remains: legal education is fundamentally human.

Educators must continue to emphasize critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and practical skills to ensure that students are not just "exam-ready" but truly "future-ready." As Justice Mruganka Sekhar Sahoo noted in his valedictory speech, the judiciary relies on legal educators to produce responsible professionals capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly complex legal landscape.

As the conclave concluded, the message was clear: legal education must evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century while retaining its foundational human values. Collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence will ensure that educators continue to inspire and guide the next generation of legal professionals.

Takeaways from the Law Teachers Conclave:

• Passion and preparation are key to effective teaching and inspiring students.

• Teachers should view students as co-learners, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• While balancing multiple roles, educators must prioritize teaching to ensure that administrative tasks do not overshadow their core mission.

• The abundance of digital media resources for subject knowledge consumption calls for a shift in focus from increasing the number of subjects taught to refining effective teaching methods.

• Educators must prioritize "how to teach" over "what to teach," ensuring comprehension and retention of knowledge.

• Pedagogy should emphasize behavioural development, enhance managerial skills, and cultivate professional and ethical standards.

• Practical training should provide an immersive experience to effectively prepare graduates for the workforce.

• Students must embrace new technologies and develop soft skills to manage client relationships and navigate cultural differences.

• Critical thinking, negotiation, and communication are essential skills for preparing students to face real-world challenges.

• AI as a Tool, not a Replacement: AI can assist with tasks like legal research but cannot substitute critical thinking and human insight.

• Advocating for responsible AI integration: AI should be used to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.

The Manupatra-NLUO East Region Law Teachers Conclave marked the fourth and final event in the series of law teachers' conclaves conducted by Manupatra.

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