Studying Law @ NLUO

INTRODUCTION

NLUO is committed in promoting access to justice for all and to cater unmet legal needs is important mandate of the university to implement its social justice mission. The UGC had launched this scheme on 27 February, 2014 for skills development based higher education as part of college/university education, leading to Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.) degree with multiple entry and exit points. Aimed at holistic development of the students, the B. Voc programme is a blend of knowledge-based and skill-based education. Any student with 10 +2 pass in any stream can join the programme.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Objectives of The B. Voc Programme

• To provide judicious mix of skills relating to legal and related profession.
• To ensures adequate legal knowledge and skills.
• To students be work-ready at each exit point of the programme.
• To integrate skill components to enhance employability of the graduates.

The experience gained during this period was an eye opener on the extent, reach and interest of community-based paralegals emerging from villages. This year, with the approval of UGC, NLU Odisha is offering three-year Bachelor of Vocation (B. Voc) in Access to Justice Programme. The programme will focus on two primary areas – Criminal Justice and Child Rights.

This is an attempt to develop proactive role in educating the public about law and formulate legal empowerment using legal services and paralegal education. The course will also make an attempt to contribute to bring the law closer to people and to reach out to communities. It will make efforts to strengthen legal aid and institutionalising paralegal education.

Who Is Paralegal?

A paralegal is a person who has some education in law, is trained in legal matters but he is not qualified to be a lawyer. Paralegals can be employed by a lawyer, law firms, government agencies and NGOs to perform tasks involving knowledge of law and legal procedures.

Responsibilities of a Paralegal:

• Link between the community and the Justice delivery system.
• Write reports, conduct legal research, take witness statements and attend meetings with experts or claimants – usually the duties of a more experienced paralegal.
• Carry out office administration, involving billing and writing letters
• Schedule meetings and respond to queries
• Write first document drafts and proofread documents
• Network with clients and build valuable relationships

Employment Opportunities

The current employment scenario offers employment opportunities for paralegals in the areas including Court related work, criminal law, law firms, NGOs etc. Moreover, they are eligible to set up this own business offering services to lawyers, law firms, government institutions, NGOs etc.

GOVERNING STRUCTURE

The University is constituting two committees for smooth functioning of the Community College, as required under UGC Guidelines, firstly Board of Management (BoM) and secondly, Board of Studies (BoS). The members of these committees will be from industry, academia, NGOs and Government.
This is an attempt to develop proactive role in educating the public about law and formulate legal empowerment using legal services and paralegal education. The course will also make an attempt to contribute to bring the law closer to people and to reach out to communities. It will make efforts to strengthen legal aid and institutionalising paralegal education.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure

The infrastructure facilities of NLUO consists of an Administrative Block, an Academic Block, 500 seating capacity Multipurpose Hall, 200 seating capacity Seminar Hall, a Library (under construction), Sports ground, Gymnasium and Yoga centre with modern equipment, separate boys and girls hostel.

Library

NLUO is having an well organized, structured and comfortable library with latest books and periodicals. It consist of more than 10000 books in various disciplines such as constitutional laws, criminal laws, banking, insurance, family law, corporate, patent, trademark etc. Moreover, it has subscribed fifteen online databases which is accessible to students and faculties. Most subscribed e-resources allow unlimited downloads subject to copyright regulations. It is open for users from 8 AM to till 12 AM on all working days.
Computer Lab It consists of twenty computers terminals with modular furniture, proper cooling and uninterrupted power supply. Library assistance and other staff are providing assistance to students and faculties on demand.

Internet

NLUO is well equipped with free wi-fi and LAN connectivity in the campus. This would enable the staff and the students to access online journals, database anywhere in the campus. Besides, through OPAC the students can also access university database even outside the campus as well.

Audio Visual Support

NLUO is having well equipped Conference halls and class rooms with the facilities of :

• Conference rooms with Video Conference, Mikes, screen and Projector.
• Smart Class Rooms with Interactive board, mikes, screens and projectors.
• Class Rooms with mikes, screens and projectors.
• Language Lab with Desktops, screen and projector.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Programme Structure

First Year

Second Year

Third Year