The onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting damage to the economy as well as the social fabric has put the world in the throes of a whole lot of uncertainties. Hence, it is worthwhile to take a moment to reflect on the role of law and legal education during these unprecedented times. It is here that Dr. Saleem Akhtar (Director Academic Advisory Board), Asian Law College was able to offer us a thoughtful look at why now, more than ever, is the time to start a career in law.
According to Dr. Saleem Akhtar (Director Academic Advisory Board), Asian Law College, these troubled times highlight the role of lawyers as problem solvers who can resolve differences and bring us together. As a matter of fact, the current events have demonstrated in several ways the power of law in shaping the society we live in and the opportunities people have. In the words of Dr. Saleem Akhtar, “Lawyers really do have the potential to make a difference and to figure out what’s not working and think about how to do it better.” This is a challenge, but it is also inspiring, and aligns well with the research we have done at Asian Law College (ALC). Indeed, people really do want to get out there and make a difference via a law degree.
For the benefit of those law aspirants who wish to take the leap this year, Dr. Saleem Akhtar also shared what the campus life looks like during a pandemic. Like many schools across the country, Asian Law College is employing a hybrid model with a mix of in-person and online classes. “Everyone is trying to deal with uncertainty as we navigate this,” he said. “We’re trying to be as cautious as we can and support people’s choices.”
Furthermore, Dr. Saleem Akhtar also touched on how schools are helping their students through this challenging time. He stated that there are some schools which has provided additional financial aid and support to students affected by COVID-19, and it is also looking for creative ways to help stressed-out students. Again, there are other schools that are providing coursework that addresses the social issues we are currently facing to help contextualize why these students are in law school and the important mission they are aiming to serve.
Looking beyond the COVID-19 times, Dr. Saleem Akhtar expects that the practice of law and the way law schools operate will be forever changed. In all probability, technology will play a major role in both the arenas than it ever has, with more law firms and court systems doing business online. Hence, Dr. Saleem Akhtar believes that technology and its role in our society should be at the forefront of lawyers’ minds, as also our country’s need to grapple with the various social problems obtaining here and the way the law has both perpetuated, and can be a part of ending, it.
Before closing, Dr. Saleem Akhtar noted that the rule of law is the basic foundation on which people’s well-being is built. He specifically said that it is a noble calling for lawyers to help create the conditions under which a society can flourish, and that sentiment dovetails with ALC’s mission of creating a more just and prosperous world through legal education.
