TISS to create lawyers for vulnerable groups

“Most law graduates end up joining the corporate sector because that is where the money is. This has created a huge need for professionals who can deliver basic quality legal services to the vulnerable and marginalised. That is why we decided to introduce this one-year,intensive law programme. This programme on access to justice at TISS is people-centred,social justice-oriented,with a research-based curriculum aiming social transformation,” said professor Asha Bajpai,dean at TISS School of Law,Rights and Constitutional Governance.

The curriculum will include “clinical programmes”.

Students will be taught how to draft well-researched public interest litigations,how to fight cases for marginalised groups and use RTI Act and conduct law-reform exercises.

Issues related to law and poverty,migration and displacement,dispute resolution,public advocacy will be integral to the course.

“After graduating,students can work as community lawyers,legal advisers and researchers in civil society groups,legal and public services commissions,judicial services and agencies,” said Bajpai.

To work out a structure for the course,the school brought together IPS officers,legal experts,retired judges,social activists,research scholars,governance specialists and top legal academicians in June last year.