Good drafting is one of the most important skills that any practicing lawyer needs to possess. This importance can not be overstated.
However, unlike in the West, many (or may I say, most) Indian law colleges do not have proper modules to teach legal drafting skills to students.
In the absence of a formal course, students who manage to secure good internships – be it with litigation lawyers or law firms get exposure to pleadings and agreements. However, other students remain high and dry, with no or very limited knowledge of drafting skills.
Once students with no or limited exposure to drafting skills get into practice, they have to learn on-the-job and are a disadvantaged lot compared to their peers who possess such skills.
It is thus very important for all law schools to impart drafting skills training to students. Since this aspect of legal education requires practical experience and inputs, engagement of professionals is very much required.
Senior professionals only keep complaining the lowering standards of drafting, efforts and dedication on part of the fresh lot. High time they start devoting some time in this direction to improve overall standards.
On my part, am engaged with few good institutions which are genuinely interested in enhancing the skillset and employability of their students. Be it guest lectures, writing or workshops, am always happy to assist students. Many students approach me on their own for guidance and inputs too.
The emergence of online legal education applications is a welcome step in this regard.
Originally posted on April 1, 2017 – not much has changed thereafter !
