At the 22nd convocation of the NALSAR Law University in Hyderabad, the Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai delivered a thought-provoking speech in which he urged law graduates to avoid taking huge loans of ₹50-70 lakh for a foreign degree, unless supported by scholarship or funding.
"A foreign degree alone is not a seal of your merit," he reminded the students.
Acknowledging the importance of global experience, he categorically warned against succumbing to peer pressure or social expectations when choosing to study abroad.
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"If you want to go, go. It broadens your horizons… but please, go with scholarship and funding. Go with purpose, not pressure," he emphasised.
Instead of burdening oneself and one's family with debt, Justice Gavai recommended using such funds to start an independent legal practice or set up chambers. He suggested that one can study abroad later, when one is financially stable, and said, “Go abroad not to escape, but to expand.”
Need for structural change in legal education
Justice Gavai pointed out that this trend of going abroad also reflects deeper issues in India’s legal education system. According to him, it reflects a lack of faith in the country’s postgraduate legal education and research.
“This has to change,” he declared.
He highlighted major shortcomings such as limited post-doctoral opportunities, lack of funding for early-career students and unclear placement processes. He said these factors often discourage talented individuals from returning to India or staying here.
“Many who study abroad come back with a new perspective, but find the institutions uninspiring, under-resourced or closed to new ideas.”
Justice Gavai stressed the need for a transparent and nurturing academic environment where law teaching and research are respected and supported.
Justice Gavai addressed the challenges of the legal profession, calling it noble, important, but never easy.
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"This profession demands that you constantly prove yourself – in front of the court, in front of your client, in front of your peers, and often, in front of yourself."
He urged young lawyers to persevere in core subjects such as constitutional law, contracts, civil and criminal procedure, and also highlighted the importance of mentoring in a legal career.
"I am not here today just because I worked hard. Someone opened a door for me. Someone saw something in me before I could see it in myself."
Mental health and inequality in the legal field
Justice Gavai took a bold step by openly discussing mental health, an issue often overlooked in the legal world.
"This profession can be isolating and emotionally draining… You will be under pressure not just to be successful, but to look successful."
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He encouraged students to find support for themselves, talk about struggles, and not be afraid of mental health concerns.
The Chief Justice also spoke on the structural inequalities that exist in the legal profession.
“A student from a metropolitan National Law School may be seen as ‘better off’ than a student from a smaller university – not because of skill, but because of perception. It is unfair. But it is true.”
He emphasised that inequalities are often hidden in silence, subtle observations and unequal access to opportunities such as internships.
In closing, Justice Gavai imparted personal wisdom to the graduating students and urged them to cherish five things in life:
“Never forget your friends and family, books, hobbies, health and imagination.”
He encouraged new lawyers to build community, seek honest mentors, and most importantly, choose purpose over pressure in their personal and professional journey.