National Legal Academy to be set up at IIULER Goa campus: BCI chairman

As directed by the Supreme Court, the proposed National Legal Academy (NLA) for compulsory training of lawyers will be established at the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) campus in Goa, the Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra confirmed.

While addressing the orientation programme for IIULER batch 2026 students at Dharbandora, Mishra said the decision to locate the academy at the BCI Trust-run university campus was taken following the SC's recent direction to establish the NLA.

Two weeks earlier, the SC directed the BCI to set up an academy aligned with the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal.

"Around two weeks back, a judgment of the honourable apex court came. The BCI was directed to establish a National Legal Academy on the lines of the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal. This Academy will be situated in your own campus at Goa," Mishra said.

BCI chairman added that lawyers from across the country would undergo training at the proposed academy.

Compulsory training for all lawyers

National Legal Academy's 10-day or two-week course will train lawyers and offer them an opportunity to interact with judges, trainers, noted professors and senior advocates.

Mishra also said a decision was taken during a high-level meeting with Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant, advocate general Devidas Pangam and IIULER chancellor Justice P S Narasimha to complete construction of the main IIULER campus at Dharbandora, spread over more than 50 acres, within two years. He said the vision was to develop IIULER into an institution of excellence in higher legal education and research.

NLA campus in Goa

The proposed NLA is intended to provide structured, lifelong post-enrolment legal education, strengthen ethical standards among lawyers and help members of the profession adapt to technological advancements, he said.

Justice Narasimha, who was also the chief guest at the event, said students should focus on developing their personalities during their course of study. He advised them to pursue learning with dedication and adopt a multidisciplinary approach while studying law.

"In times to come, the borders between subjects will be effaced. We need to have an understanding of various subjects," he said. Additionally, while referring to artificial intelligence (AI), he said that while students and professionals should adopt the technology, they must remain cautious and ensure that it does not affect their ability to think independently. With inputs from PTI