No CJI from NLUs Yet – Reasons Why They’re Still the Holy Grail of Legal Education in India

When we think of premier legal education in India, the National Law Universities (NLUs) dominate the conversation. They are known for shaping the brightest legal minds, offering unparalleled opportunities, and fostering a transformative learning environment. Yet, in the three decades since the establishment of the first NLU, not a single Chief Justice of India (CJI) has emerged from these institutions.
Does it ascertain that the National Law Universities do not have sufficient caliber to yield value leaders in the judiciary? Not really. Actually, NLUs have totally redefined the contours of legal education, providing different avenues in their career-front and even global opportunities beyond that courtroom.
As to why no NLU alumnus has yet been a CJI, we start with the following discussion into the history of NLUs and their courtroom manifestations:

Legacy of Conventional Law Schools

The courts have always been served by alumni of traditional law schools like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and other regional law colleges. These law schools produced judges when NLU’s footprints were just being laid or none exist.

NUs Are Still More Young

The first one is National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, established in 1986. Considering that it will take decades of experience to reach to the Supreme Court and then become CJI, this absence isn’t surprising.

Shift in Career Aspirations

Many NLU graduates pursue careers in corporate law, policy-making, academia, and international organizations, reflecting the diverse opportunities NLUs offer. This reduces the pool of NLU alumni actively working toward judicial roles.

Year Established Institution Notable Alumni Fields

• 1997 NALSAR Hyderabad Judiciary, Corporate, Advocacy
• 1986 NLSIU Bangalore Corporate, Policy, Academia
• 1999 NUJS Kolkata Corporate, Policy, Startups

The Transformative Power of NLUs

Although they have yet to produce a Chief Justice of India (CJI) from their ranks, the National Law Universities still stand out in the field of legal education in India. You cannot deny the inevitable draw that unmatched academic rigour, a dynamic campus ecosystem, and, of course, prospects for careers create for law aspirants.

Faculty and Curriculum

Much of NLU’s fame can be credited to its faculty – a mix of legal stalwarts, academicians, and fresh young scholars. That impressive reputation extends well beyond faculty names:
Interdisciplinary courses (law with economics, political science, etc.).
Practical exposure through moot courts, internships, and living client interactions.
Focus emerging fields such as artificial intelligences law, fintech regulations, and environmental law.
With this blend of theory and practice, students graduate to be all-round professionals, ready to take on the challenges of the legal industry.

Unparalleled Career Scope

Corporate law is probably the most desirable area of practice for a NLU pass out. Top firms boast at least ₹16–18 lakh per annum as entry-level salaries, and that has made corporate firms truly competitive talent magnets.
PLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM TOP NLU

NLUs besides corporate law have also given birth to fabulous litigators, judges, and policy-makers. They have produced many alums now traversing through their careers in public policy and have become active in international organizations like the United Nations as well as the World Bank.

A Campus Life Unlike Any Other

The extraordinary life enjoyed at an NLU is quite an unusual blend of amazing academic intensity and equally marvelous extracurricular exposure:

Moot Courts and Debates: students from NLUs dominate national and international moot court competitions with Indian representation from the sea to shining sea.

Diversity and Networking: the melting pot where the culture and idea converge is an NLU campus-having students from every corner of the country.

Alumni Network: NLU alumni usually mentor the current students in areas other than academics, taking them into real-world situations via their contacts in different fields.
Such exposure builds confidence and hones skills beyond the classroom, thus making NLU students unique in whatever field they chose.

FOMO: What Are You Missing Out On?

For all aspiring law students, wondering if they should bend down and aim for an NLU, those strong reasons would make you think otherwise:

• It’s not only academic development, but it also ensures industry readiness.
• The world recognizes degrees from the NLUs: NLU degrees are sufficient for LLM programs in world-class institutions like Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge.
• Unlimited opportunities: an NLU degree qualifies them in corporate law, legal journalism, or escorts them to whichever other path they choose.

The Future: Will NLUs Produce a CJI Soon?

Given their growing influence, it’s only a matter of time before an NLU alumnus dons the robe of the Chief Justice of India. With more graduates entering litigation and judicial services, the judiciary is bound to reflect the changing face of legal education in India.
Moreover, NLUs are already producing judges for High Courts and trailblazing advocates arguing landmark cases in the Supreme Court.

Conclusion
While NLUs have yet to produce a Chief Justice of India, they have already achieved what no other law schools in India have: reshaping the perception of legal education and creating a global footprint.
The journey from NLUs to the judiciary is underway, and the first NLU alumnus to become a CJI will undoubtedly be a testament to the transformative power of these institutions. Until then, NLUs continue to stand tall as the dream destination for every aspiring lawyer.
So, are you ready to be part of the NLU legacy? Your journey starts here.