The Bar Council of India (BCI) has announced that the National Legal Academy (NLA), a new institution for compulsory lawyer training, will be set up at the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) campus in Goa. This decision follows a directive from the Supreme Court, aiming to enhance legal education and professional standards across the country.
BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra shared this update during an orientation program for the IIULER batch of 2026 students held at Dharbandora. He explained that the academy will mirror the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal, providing a dedicated space for lawyers to receive advanced training after their enrollment.
Why the National Legal Academy Is Being Established
The Supreme Court recently ordered the creation of the NLA to ensure that lawyers receive ongoing education beyond their initial qualifications. The academy’s purpose is to offer structured, lifelong learning opportunities that will help legal professionals stay updated with evolving laws, ethical standards, and technological advancements.
Currently, legal education in India focuses heavily on undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, but there has been a growing recognition of the need for continuous professional development. The NLA is designed to fill this gap by providing a mandatory training program that all lawyers must complete.
Key Features of the National Legal Academy
- The NLA will be located on the IIULER campus in Goa, which spans over 50 acres in Dharbandora.
- The training program will last between 10 days and two weeks, offering intensive courses for practicing lawyers.
- Participants will have opportunities to engage with judges, senior advocates, legal scholars, and trainers.
- The curriculum will emphasize ethical practices, adaptation to new technologies such as artificial intelligence, and multidisciplinary approaches to legal education.
- The academy aims to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence among lawyers nationwide.
How the NLA Will Impact Legal Education and Practice
The establishment of the NLA represents a significant step toward modernizing legal education in India. By requiring lawyers to undergo compulsory training, the BCI hopes to raise the overall quality of legal services and ensure that practitioners remain competent throughout their careers.
BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra highlighted that the academy will help lawyers adapt to rapid changes in the legal landscape, including technological innovations like AI. Justice P S Narasimha, chancellor of IIULER and chief guest at the orientation, encouraged students to embrace a multidisciplinary approach and remain vigilant about maintaining independent critical thinking despite technological tools.
Additionally, the IIULER campus itself is set to be completed within two years, with support from Goa’s government and legal authorities. This development aims to position IIULER as a premier institution for legal education and research, complementing the role of the NLA in advancing the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the National Legal Academy?
A: The National Legal Academy is a new institution mandated by the Supreme Court to provide compulsory post-enrollment training for lawyers, enhancing their skills and ethical standards.
Q: Where will the National Legal Academy be located?
A: The academy will be established on the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) campus in Dharbandora, Goa.
Q: Who will benefit from the National Legal Academy?
A: Lawyers from across India will undergo training at the NLA, which aims to improve their professional competence and help them adapt to changes in law and technology.
