Shravan Shetty is an Alumnus of Ohio University. He is an accomplished career coach and speaks extensively on employability skills, augmenting career competencies aligning to the future of work. He has designed, developed and deployed 3000 plus programs for educational institutions, Fortune 500 Companies as well as social sector organizations from Infosys , ITC , UNDP, UNICEF, United Nations to organizations such as TAPMI Business School , Monster Jobs Malaysia amongst others.He is an accredited Career Coach from NCDA , USA. He holds credentials in Transactional Analysis , NLP amongst others . He has served as jury member for Entrepreneurial and leadership programs for young people from schools, B-Schools to Aspiring Entrepreneurs. In 2023 he was shortlisted in amongst the top 100 Future Leaders In 2023. He has addressed schools on careers and leadership across India &the Middle East. In 2024 He received the Thrive 2024 award for Social Impact. He runs a series of workshops titled " Career Compass" for Schools.
The legal profession is one of humanity’s oldest, evolving from systems of justice in early societies to its modern complex forms. For students considering a future in law, it is often seen as a gateway to careers in corporate firms, criminal courts, or government services. However, the field of law encompasses a variety of paths, including some that are less traveled but equally rewarding and impactful. Let’s explore these unique opportunities and understand how one can pursue them.
The Evolution of the Legal Profession
The roots of the legal profession can be traced back to ancient civilizations, each adding layers to the modern understanding of law.
Ancient Societies
Mesopotamia: The Code of Hammurabi (circa 1754 BCE) established one of the first formal legal systems. Justice was administered by priests or officials rather than distinct lawyers.
Egypt: Scribes and officials acted as proto-lawyers, drafting contracts and recording legal transactions.
India and China: Dharma in ancient India and Confucian principles in China emphasized social order and justice. Legal representation as a distinct profession, however, had not yet emerged.
Classical Antiquity
Greece: Ancient Athens introduced early forms of legal advocacy. Citizens argued their own cases, though professional speechwriters like Lysias assisted in crafting arguments.
Rome: The Roman legal system laid the foundation for modern legal professions. Advocates and jurisconsults (legal scholars) emerged, with figures like Cicero exemplifying legal advocacy. Roman law continues to influence civil law traditions worldwide.
Medieval Europe
Following the fall of Rome, formal legal systems declined, but the 12th century saw a revival with canon law.
Universities like Bologna in Italy began teaching Roman law, and guilds of lawyers formalized the profession.
The English common law system developed, introducing roles like serjeants-at-law and attorneys.
Modern Era
17th-18th Century: In England and its colonies, the legal profession became more structured. Barristers specialized in court advocacy, while solicitors focused on documentation and client advice.
United States: Legal careers evolved with the Constitution, emphasizing advocacy and the adversarial system.
Global Spread: Colonization spread European legal systems, blending them with local traditions to create hybrid legal systems.
Contemporary Developments
The 20th century saw the rise of legal regulation, bar associations, and standardized education. Today, the legal profession includes diverse roles ranging from litigation and corporate law to human rights advocacy and alternative dispute resolution.
Traditional vs. Less-Traveled Career Paths
Legal careers traditionally follow linear pathways, but modern opportunities allow for non-linear, dynamic trajectories.
Linear Career Paths
Corporate Law:
Path: Start as a junior associate, progress to senior associate, and eventually partner.
Roles: Drafting contracts, handling mergers, and advising on governance.
Progression: Junior Associate → Senior Associate → Partner.
Space Law:
Path: Begin as a legal advisor or researcher, advance to senior roles in space agencies or companies.
Roles: Drafting treaties, advising on space exploration regulations.
Progression: Legal Advisor → Senior Legal Advisor → Chief Legal Officer.
Non-Linear Career Paths- A couple of examples
Corporate Law:
Path: Transition from a corporate lawyer to in-house counsel, then to a regulatory body, and later back to private practice.
Roles: Compliance officer, legal consultant.
Progression: Corporate Lawyer → In-House Counsel → Regulatory Officer → Private Practice Lawyer.
Space Law:
Path: Start as a researcher, work in government, move to the private sector, and transition to academia.
Roles: Researcher, consultant, professor.
Progression: Researcher → Government Advisor → Consultant → Professor.
Less-Traveled Career Paths in Law
For those seeking unique legal careers, here are some lesser-known but exciting fields:
Legal Tech and Innovation:
Combine law with technology to create legal software, manage e-discovery, or develop online dispute resolution platforms.
Legal Journalism:
Report on legal issues, court cases, and justice systems for newspapers, magazines, or online media.
Policy Making and Government Agencies:
Shape regulations by working in local, state, or federal governments or international organizations.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):
Work as a mediator or arbitrator to resolve disputes outside the courtroom, offering a collaborative approach to conflict resolution.
Legal Academia and Research:
Teach law students, conduct research, and publish scholarly articles. Ideal for those passionate about education.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Work:
Advocate for social justice, human rights, or environmental protection with nonprofit organizations.
Entertainment Law:
Handle contracts, intellectual property, and other legal matters for actors, musicians, and production companies.
Space Law:
Work with agencies or private companies to address legal issues in space exploration, treaties, and regulations.
Environmental Law:
Advocate for sustainable policies, tackle cases involving pollution, or collaborate with conservation groups.
Sports Law:
Assist athletes and organizations with contracts, endorsements, and disputes.
Health Law:
Address medical malpractice, health policies, and bioethics by working for hospitals or insurance companies.
Art and Cultural Heritage Law:
Manage ownership and repatriation issues, as well as intellectual property rights in the arts.
Military Law:
Represent military personnel in legal matters, including court-martials and policy advisement.
Technology and Cyber Law:
Focus on data protection, online privacy, and cybersecurity.
Fashion Law:
Advise designers and retailers on contracts, intellectual property, and compliance.
Public Interest Law:
Work on behalf of marginalized communities or tackle civil rights and consumer protection issues.
Pursuing a Legal Career in India
In India, students can enter the legal profession either after Class 12 or after completing an undergraduate degree.
After Class 12
Enroll in a 5-year integrated program like BA LLB or BCom LLB/ BBA LLB.
Appear for entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, or LSAT India.
Participate in internships and moot courts for practical exposure.
After Undergraduate Degree
Pursue a 3-year LLB program.
Clear entrance exams like DU LLB or MH CET.
Focus on core legal subjects and gain experience through internships.
Post-LLB Steps
Register with the State Bar Council and pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to practice.
Specialize with an LLM or certifications in niche areas.
Explore career options in litigation, corporate law, public service, or academia as well as the any of the aforementioned pathways .
Conclusion
The legal profession has always been a dynamic field, offering countless ways to make an impact. For students in Grade 10 and 12, exploring less-traveled career paths in law can open doors to exciting opportunities. Whether you are drawn to technology, entertainment, space exploration, or social advocacy, the legal field provides avenues to combine passion with purpose. Choose a path that aligns with your interests and be ready to carve a unique niche in the ever-evolving world of law
When selecting a law college, consider factors such as program offerings, faculty expertise, campus facilities, placement records, and alignment with your career goals. It's advisable to visit the official websites of these institutions or contact their admissions offices for detailed information on admission procedures, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.