CJI B.R. Gavai Advises Law Students Against Incurring Heavy Debt for Foreign LL.M. Programs
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Hyderabad 12, July,2025- In a candid and introspective address during the 22nd Convocation Ceremony of NALSAR University of Law, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai delivered a striking critique of the evolving landscape of the Indian legal profession, urging young lawyers to embrace self-awareness, resilience, and professional integrity.
A voice of conscience addressing inequality and mental health Justice Gavai’s speech resonated deeply with students and legal professionals alike, as he voiced concern over structural inequality, emotional burnout, and a mounting pressure among law graduates to pursue validation through foreign degrees. Describing the legal profession as “emotionally demanding and at times isolating,” he acknowledged the mental toll it takes on practitioners.
“The hours are long. The expectations, high. The culture, sometimes ruthless. You will feel pressure not just to succeed, but to appear successful.”
Quoting the American writer and civil rights activist Audre Lorde, Gavai encouraged young lawyers not to conceal their inner struggles. “Silence does not protect us,” he reminded them, advocating for open conversations around mental health and professional stress.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” In this profession, self-care is not a luxury. It is a strategy.”
Global trends mirror India’s legal challenges drawing parallels with findings from the 2023 study titled “The Making of Lawyers: Career Inequality and Opportunity in the American Legal Profession”, Justice Gavai observed that similar patterns of career inequality, prestige obsession, and psychological exhaustion are evident in India’s legal community.
He called for increased interaction and solidarity within the profession, emphasizing that sharing experiences and mentoring one another can build a healthier legal ecosystem. On foreign degrees and domestic confidence
“Where lawyers begin in practice is significantly influenced by law school attended. And where lawyers begin their careers heavily shapes their later career paths.”
Turning his attention to the widespread tendency among Indian law graduates to pursue master’s degrees abroad, Justice Gavai described the trend as often driven by external validation rather than deep academic curiosity. While acknowledging the undeniable value of global exposure, he raised concerns about the underlying decline in confidence in India’s postgraduate legal research infrastructure.
“But two things can keep young students from any college on a forward path in this struggle. The first is being grounded in the basics of law and being consistent in learning. Many of you will enter litigation, others academia, the corporate world, public policy, judicial services, or civil society. Wherever you go, remember this: there is no shortcut to knowing the law”
He also highlighted the lack of clear academic pathways and merit-based hiring in India, which leads many aspirants to look abroad for recognition and growth.
Back to Fundamentals mentorship and Integrity Chief Justice Gavai stressed the importance of strong legal fundamentals as the foundation for a fulfilling and ethically sound career. He called on senior lawyers and judges present at the convocation to actively mentor young professionals, fostering a culture of guidance and trust.
A call to inner purpose concluding his deeply reflective speech, Justice Gavai urged new graduates not to chase prestige blindly but instead to turn inward, discover their inner compass, and walk the path of law with courage and clarity. In doing so, he left an enduring message: that law is not just a profession—but a personal journey toward justice, truth, and service.
