I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. after completing my LL.M. in Corporate Law, with the long-term goal of building a career in legal academia. Teaching and research have always been my primary interests, and I hope to work as a law faculty member in the future.
However, I have not yet qualified the UGC NET examination, which I understand is an important qualification for many academic positions. At the same time, I am looking for stable employment to support myself financially while continuing my academic journey. This has left me uncertain about the opportunities currently available to me and the best way to balance my long-term academic aspirations with my immediate career needs.
Which opportunities, skills, or experiences should I prioritize in the short and medium term to improve my employability while continuing to work towards a career in legal academia?
First of all, I would like to assure you that not qualifying the UGC NET at this stage does not mean the end of your academic career. Since you are already pursuing a Ph.D., you are moving in the right direction.
So, if your long-term goal is to become a law faculty member, I would suggest that you prioritize the following:
1. Continue preparing for UGC Net as it will broaden your eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, because NET is a mandatory requirement. You can also check for SLET exam which is equivalent to NET only. You will find same syllabus but less competition as it is a state specific exam.
2. Develop a strong research portfolio: For that publish quality research papers in reputed peer-reviewed and UGC CARE-listed journals, SCOPUS etc. You may also contribute book chapters, and present papers at conferences. This will definitely going to help you.
3. You may apply as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant as net is not a mandatory requirement there.
4. Law Clerk-cum-Research Assistant exam: If you have a genuine interest in legal research, law clerkships with the Supreme Court of India or various High Courts are among the best opportunities available. They provide excellent exposure as well as good remuneration.
5. Start attending Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), workshops and conferences.
6. You can also apply for various fellowships like ICSSR n all so that you can get some financial help.
And please make a note that recruitment in legal academia depends on a combination of qualifications, research experience, teaching experience and practical exposure, rather than any single credential. Therefore, instead of viewing the absence of UGC NET as a limitation, treat it as one aspect of your profile that you can strengthen while continuing to build your overall academic and professional career.
At last I would say just stay focused and patient and may explore above mentioned options.
A Ph.D. takes significant time and effort to complete. My advice would be to pursue any post in legal academia that you can get without UGC-NET. You might enter the profession as a teaching assistant or a research assistant. You need work experience right now. Simultaneously, keep preparing and appearing in UGC-NET, until you qualify for the post of Assistant Professor.
In the meantime, if you are unable to join any University, you can consider joining any reputed thinktank in a research position. Alternatively, you could practice in Courts. I would advise you to become proficient in CPC. There are very few members in the legal academia who can teach CPC.
So far as skills are concerned, please develop and keep improving: 1. Speaking Skills, 2. Research Skills, 3. Subject Matter Expertise, 4. Empathy (for your students in particular and for the rest of the world in general), 5. Writing Skills (Making question papers, publishing original research and creating study material), Honesty (If you don’t know the answer posed by any particular student, accept it – read/research and get back to the student the next day) and Neutrality (One has to be a teacher within the classroom without any bias in favour of or against anyone) and 7. Perseverance (Keep trying and never give up no matter how dire the circumstances or professional hazards may be).
Finally, I would like to recommend two books for you:
- What the Best Law Teachers Do.
- McKeachie’s Teaching Tips.
Best of Luck!
