Perception about legal profesion has changed: Justice Parija

Bhubaneswar: The legal profession, spurned by many 25 years ago as it was not lucrative then, has emerged as one of the most attractive vocation for students with multiple avenues for careers, Justice Subash Chandra Parija, former judge of the Orissa High Court, said
on Friday.
“The profession then was described by people as the last resort of poor students which
was not attractive, but the scenario has changed today,” Justice Parija said while speaking at
the 13 th orientation program for the new batch of students who got admitted into the SOA
National Institute of Law (SNIL), the faculty of legal studies of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed
to be University (SOA), for the ensuing academic year.
The perception of people has changed as the students are opting to become lawyers or
joining the judicial service which has been attracting them, he said adding openings are also
available for them in the corporate sector.
Earlier, Justice Parija inaugurated a new Moot Court complex at SNIL set up to train
students in a simulated court like environment.
Prof. Sitikantha Mishra, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of SOA presided over the program which
was also addressed by Prof. S.A.K. Azad, Dean of SNIL, Prof. Jayadev Pati and Prof. Prabir Kumar
Patnaik, both senior professors.
Justice Parija, who also announced that he would be donating his 50 year old library
containing legal books and reports to SNIL, urged the students to study as much as they could
to acquire knowledge.
Those who wanted to join the bar, should be articulate and have command over
language, he said while advising the parents of the students to be patient with their children
choosing to be lawyers as it required at least five to ten years in the profession to have a stable
income.
Prof. Azad said the legal profession had gained importance at present and the Supreme
Court had observed the need for legal awareness for every citizen. As individuals were not
aware about their rights and privileges they lacked the knowledge that the law can protect
them, he said adding law was the foundation on which a just society prospered.
SNIL, he said, had a strong legacy in the field of legal education and boasted of excellent
and knowledgeable faculty members.
Prof. Mishra said though SNIL was set up in 2011 it had surpassed many such institutions
in the country to be ranked 8 th in the country. Mr. Akash Trikha, Assistant Professor, proposed
the vote of thanks.