BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Inspires NMIMS Law Graduates to Serve Society

Urging aspiring lawyers to serve society and help build a better nation, Member of Parliament and Bar Council of India Chairman, Hon’ble Shri Manan Kumar Mishra, called upon them to prioritise pro bono service over monetary gains.

The senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, speaking as Chief Guest at the Convocation Ceremony of SVKM’s NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, said that those entering the litigation field without any godfather are 'first-generation warriors' who must pass through multiple stages of hard work and perseverance before they start earning in lakhs for just a few minutes of arguing in court.

“Those who enter litigation with no godfather will have to go through four stages. Most get disheartened in the first stage and look for alternative careers. But a determined few move to the second stage, here they get a senior’s office, some work, a few clients, but still no money. The third stage is when your dedication is recognised and some money starts to come in. The fourth and final stage is the most rewarding, when you have your own juniors doing research, preparing briefs, drafts, and citations. You walk into court, argue for just a few minutes, and get paid in lakhs,” Mishra said.

He emphasised that degrees alone are not enough to practise law, and that the real filter is the All India Bar Examination, which must be cleared to be eligible for practice. “You, as students of Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, NMIMS, are fortunate to have good colleges, libraries, teachers, and facilities. But over 70% of law institutions lack proper infrastructure and quality faculty. There are unfair practices during exams, PhDs and degrees are being sold. Hence, the Bar Council of India introduced the All India Bar Examination. A lawyer may get a degree but cannot practise in court without clearing it,” he added.

The convocation saw degrees conferred upon students from the BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), and Master of Laws (LL.M.) programmes, with awards presented to high performers, all-round achievers, faculty, and staff.

Dean Dr. Durgambini Patel presented the annual report and congratulated the graduating batch. “Today signifies a momentous occasion when we continue to set new benchmarks. We celebrate our students for crossing a huge milestone and our teachers for passing on the legacy of shaping excellent legal minds. The 2025 batch exemplifies resilience, excellence, and ambition,” she said.

She also highlighted student placements with leading organisations such as Bharucha & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, IC Universal Legal, Khaitan & Co., Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd., JSA, and Rastriya Banijya Bank. “Remember, students, you are not just graduates, you are the torchbearers of justice, innovation, and leadership,” she added.

The ceremony concluded with the Graduate Oath and a Sustainability Oath, highlighting the school’s commitment to ethical and socially conscious law practice.