“Law cannot be taught; it must be learnt. It is a continuous process of learning—of engaging, collaborating, and deliberating.”
- Shri Sudhir Nanavati
As a part of the orientation programme for the newly inducted batch of students at the Faculty of Law, GLS University for the Academic Year 2025-26 (both Integrated Law and 3-Year LL.B. programmes), a thought-provoking and insightful session was delivered by Shri Sudhir Nanavati, President, GLS University and Senior Advocate, High Court of Gujarat on July 18, 2025. The session was held under the aegis of the Faculty of Law’s commitment to fostering a profound understanding of the legal profession from the very outset of a student’s academic journey.
Shri Nanavati, drawing from his extensive and illustrious experience spanning over five decades, shared valuable insights through his talk titled “Reflection of Legal Practice of Five Decades.” The session was an engaging blend of personal anecdotes, landmark professional experiences, and reflections on the evolving landscape of legal practice in India. Rather than offering textbook advice, he chose to speak directly to the mindset and values needed to be grown in the legal profession. Emphasizing the enduring values of integrity, perseverance, and continued learning, he urged the students to approach the legal profession with a sense of purpose and passion.
He began by acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of the new students—some from legal families, others entering the field for the first time. He made it clear that prior exposure to law is incidental; what truly matters is the passion, discipline, and purpose with which one commits to the profession. Law, he emphasized, is not for the indifferent—it demands clarity, sincerity, and a strong inner drive from day one.
With a clear distinction between business and profession, he portrayed law as a discipline where personal integrity becomes the cornerstone of professional identity. Unlike business, where products, branding, and markets often define success, the legal profession offers no such pathways—here, growth is determined solely by one’s conduct, preparation, and respect for the craft. Success in law, he asserted, is never inherited; it is earned through sustained effort and character.
He encouraged students to approach legal texts, judgments, and arguments—with deep respect and seriousness. For him, these were not merely sources of information but the very foundation of a lawyer’s intellectual framework. Engaging with them diligently is, he emphasized, a vital step in cultivating a strong and principled professional ethic.
He also reflected on the initial challenges that every aspiring lawyer inevitably faces— the pressure of first cases, courtroom anxiety, and hours of solitary preparation—stating that these moments go beyond academics, shaping legal acumen while building confidence, humility, and self-respect.
In conclusion, Shri Sudhir Nanavati outlined a thoughtful framework for the legal profession—growth through learning, progress through experience, and success through ethical conduct. At its core, he emphasized humility as a strength that upholds the dignity of the profession. The session, which was also attended by parents and guardians along with their wards, proved to be an inspiring beginning for the new students. It offered valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of legal practice, leaving the young aspirants motivated to pursue their careers with purpose and integrity. Shri Sudhir Nanavati further engaged with the audience by answering the thoughtful and curious questions posed by students, responding with zeal and exemplification.
The thought-provoking session was part of the ongoing orientation series at GLS University and was attended by members of the academic and legal fraternity, reaffirming the institution’s enduring commitment to holistic legal education.
