The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru has announced the creation of the Centre for the Study of the Legal Profession, set to focus on fostering equity, inclusion, and justice within India’s legal sector. This initiative, unveiled on June 11, aims to deepen the understanding of the Indian legal profession through comprehensive empirical research, policy involvement, and interdisciplinary studies examining its structures, norms, and practices.
Slated to commence its research activities in the 2026-27 academic year, the Centre will launch the Women’s Inclusion and Leadership in Law (WILL) Initiative—a pioneering five-year program designed to promote gender-inclusive practices in litigation across India. This initiative seeks to assist early-career women litigators from various socio-economic backgrounds in entering the field, sustaining their careers, and progressing to leadership roles within litigation.
According to an announcement on NLSIU’s website, although women have been allowed to practice law in India since the Legal Practitioners (Women) Act of 1923, a significant disparity remains between the number of women entering the legal profession and those reaching senior positions. The University attributes this gap to “systemic, institutional, and cultural barriers” that predominantly affect the early stages of a litigation career.
Dr. Ashrita Prasad Kotha, an Associate Professor of Law at NLSIU, has been appointed as the Director of the Centre. Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Kotha stated, “As a first-generation practitioner turned academician, I have closely witnessed how the legal profession informs access and justice. The need for a systematic study of the legal profession deeply resonates with me. As I take on this role, I look forward to collaborating with various stakeholders including fellow lawyers, researchers, and institutional partners to drive evidence-based policy reform and to create long-term impact that is meaningful and inclusive.”
Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice Chancellor of NLSIU, highlighted that the Centre is the culmination of over a year of work by a dedicated team of faculty and staff. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the University’s foundational mission. “The establishment of a dedicated research centre on the legal profession allows the University to deliver on its founding vision to transform the Indian legal profession into a professionally competent and socially inclusive community that sustains the rule of law and contributes to national development,” he remarked.
