How to Become a Constitutional Lawyer in India [Complete Guide]
Constitutional law is a promising career option for individuals interested in governance and the social welfare aspects of society. If you are passionate about supporting governance and social justice, becoming a constitutional lawyer could be an ideal path for you. This article will guide you on how to become a constitutional lawyer in India.
Steps to Become a Constitutional Lawyer in India
The Constitution is the foundation of a democratic nation, guiding governance and upholding social justice. For India, the world’s largest democracy and most populous nation, ensuring effective governance and social justice is essential for maintaining national peace. To help the nation deal with these problems, constitutional lawyers play a critical role in helping the government, organisations, and individuals adhere to policies and safeguard rights in line with constitutional provisions.
Constitutional lawyers are pivotal in shaping policies and protecting the rights of individuals and organisations through constitutional remedies. If you are interested in pursuing a career in constitutional law, this article will guide you on how to become a constitutional lawyer.
Who is Constitutional Lawyer?
Constitutional lawyers are legal professionals who specializes in interpreting and applying constitutional to protect rights of individuals and organisations and esure the government's actions and policies align with the constitutional principles. This type of lawyer focuses on cases that involve fundamental rights, government powers, and the relationships between branches of government.
Key Responsibilities of a Constitutional Lawyer
The responsibilities of a constitutional lawyer are the following:
- Analyzing Constitutional Law: Constitutional lawyers interpret the Constitution, including its amendments and historical context, to clarify issues related to individual rights, government authority, and the separation of powers.
- Defending Rights and Liberties: They often handle cases involving civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, equal protection under the law, privacy rights, and due process.
- Government Actions: Constitutional lawyers may represent clients in cases against government agencies or officials if they believe a policy or action is unconstitutional.
- Advising on Policy and Legislation: They may counsel lawmakers, organisations, or institutions on drafting or amending laws to align with constitutional principles.
- Engaging in Judicial Review: They often advocate in higher courts, including appellate courts and the Supreme Court, where they argue cases that could impact legal precedents on constitutional matters.
Also Read:
Steps to Become a Constitutional Lawyer
To become a constitutional lawyer, aspring legal professionals must have the required knowledge, which can be obtained from right education. Along with the education, they also need a Certificate of Pracrtice for working as a constitutional lawyer in India. Check out the complete steps to become a constitutional lawyer below:
1. Complete High School Education
The first step to become a lawyer is to complete higher secondary education. For this candidates must have to complete Class 10 and Class 12 from a recognised state or central board in India. Most law colleges require candidates to have 45% percent in Class (10+2) for admission to a undergraduate law course. Thus, make sure to score 45-50% marks in Class (10+2) to study law.
2. Complete LLB
After completing Class 12, you need to apply for a 5-year LLB course through merit based admission process or entrance exams. For merit based admssion process, you marks in the Class (10+2) are considered for admission. For entrance-based admission method, you need take an entrance exam. The selection for admission will be based on your entrance test scores.
For admission to a 3-year LLB course, you first need complete graduation in any stream from a recognised college or university. The admission process for a 3-year LLB course is the same as that of 5-year LLB, merit based admission process or entrance exams.
Top Entrance Exams in India
Top entrance exams for admission to law courses in India are listed as follows:
3. Clear All India Bar Examination
Once you complete your LLB, you must need to appear for All India Bar Examination to earn a Certificate of Practice (COP), a certificate mandatory for working as a lawyer in India. If you clear AIBE, you will be rewarded with COP.
Also Read:
4. LLM in Constitutional Law
To strengthen your knowledge in constitutional law, you can pursue an LLM (Master of Laws) course in Constitutional Law. While this step is optional, it can significantly enhance your expertise and open the door to better career opportunities.
5. Preparae CV
After completing your education in constitutional law, the next step is to create a professional Curriculum Vitae (CV) and begin applying for positions at reputed firms offering services related to constitutional law.
You can explore online resources for tips on crafting a compelling CV specifically for constitutional lawyers. Additionally, consulting with professionals already established in the field can provide valuable insights for developing an effective CV.
Read More:
6. Apply for Jobs
In this step, you need to apply for jobs or internship as a constitutional lawyer. In the beginning, you may have to work as a proxy lawyer or junior lawyer. However, with experience you will be provided with better opportunities.
7. Learn and Improve
Law is the subject to continuous change and improvements. Thus, with changes in the laws in India, you will have to improve your knowledge as a contitutional lawyer. You need to reflect on you experience and find the scope of improvements in your professional journey. This will allow you become more knowledgeable as a legal professional.
Skills and Qualities of a Constitutional Lawyer
As a constitutional lawyer, you need the following skills and qualities:
- Strong Analytical Abilities: They must carefully analyze complex legal texts and historical documents to interpret the Constitution accurately.
- Effective Communication Skills: Constitutional lawyers need to communicate complex ideas clearly, especially in written briefs and oral arguments.
- Passion for Civil Rights and Social Justice: Many constitutional lawyers are driven by a commitment to protect individuals' rights and ensure fair government practices.
- Deep Knowledge of History and Precedents: Constitutional cases often involve understanding historical context and past judicial decisions to apply constitutional principles to current issues.
Constutional Lawyer: Job Scope
As a constitutional lawyer, you can work for the organisations listed below:
- Private Law Firms: They may work in law firms that handle high-stakes litigation, especially cases related to constitutional rights.
- Government Agencies: Many constitutional lawyers work in government as advisors or prosecutors, ensuring that policies and actions adhere to constitutional standards.
- Nonprofit and Advocacy Organisations: Organisations like Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), Amnesty International India and PUCL (People’s Union for Civil Liberties) often employ constitutional lawyers to protect civil liberties and challenge unconstitutional practices.
- Academic and Research Institutions: Some constitutional lawyers are scholars or professors who conduct research, write on constitutional issues, and teach law students.
Read More:
Kritika Rai is an accomplished content writer and researcher with over five years of experience, currently thriving at Shiksha.com and working for Law and Animation Domains. She has a proven track record of developi... Read Full Bio