NALSAR Hyderabad's Batch of 2024 Achieves 100% Placement: A Testament to Excellence and a Call for Inclusivity

NALSAR Hyderabad's Batch of 2024 Achieves 100% Placement: A Testament to Excellence and a Call for Inclusivity

The 2024 graduating batch of NALSAR, Hyderabad, has set a remarkable precedent with all 86 students who participated in the placement process securing positions at leading domestic and international law firms, corporate houses, and government undertakings. This accomplishment highlights the institute’s commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, and the promising future of its students. However, despite the success, concerns about inclusivity and reasonable accommodations during the placement process have sparked important conversations on creating more equitable recruitment practices. 

A Breakdown of the Placement Success

Out of the 119 students in the Batch of 2024, 86 opted to participate in the placement process. The results are impressive: 36 students received pre-placement offers (PPOs), while 50 secured jobs through campus recruitment. The diversity of placements reflects the broad spectrum of opportunities available to NALSAR graduates.

• Indian Law Firms: A majority, 54 students, accepted offers from Indian law firms. Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas led the pack with 9 hires, followed by Trilegal and AZB & Partners with 8 hires each. Other prominent recruiters included Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, and IndusLaw, each hiring 4 students.
• Litigation and Government Roles: A small but significant number of graduates, 3 students, will be pursuing litigation chamber practice with Advocates Gautam Narayan, Prateek K Chadha, and Ninad Laud. Additionally, 3 students were hired by government undertakings, with ONGC Videsh Limited hiring 2 students and Bharat Petroleum Corporation recruiting 1.
• International Opportunities: The global reach of NALSAR’s reputation is evident, with 3 students accepting training contracts at international law firms. Notably, the highest salary offered this year was ₹59 lakh per annum by an international law firm, showcasing the competitive edge of NALSAR graduates on the global stage.
• Corporate Sector: Placements in corporate houses were also robust, led by Deloitte, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, and Regology, each hiring 3 students. Other prominent recruiters included TATA Advanced Systems Limited, Jio Financial Services, and IDBI Bank.

Salary Highlights

The placement season saw impressive salary offers, with the highest package reaching ₹59 lakh per annum, reflecting the value placed on NALSAR graduates by top-tier international law firms. The average salary offered stood at ₹17 lakh per annum, underlining the strong demand for NALSAR talent across various sectors.

Challenges and the Call for Inclusivity

While the placement season was largely successful, it was not without its challenges. The university's press release highlighted concerns regarding the lack of inclusivity and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities during the recruitment process. This issue is not new; earlier this year, the Shamnad Basheer panel discussion on Disability and Law, held during the Courts and Constitution conference, brought to light several distasteful incidents involving firms that failed to provide adequate support for differently-abled candidates.

The press release from the university emphasized the need for participating firms to improve their practices to ensure a more inclusive and accommodating recruitment process in the future. It stated: 

"...it has come to our attention that some aspects of the process were not sufficiently inclusive, which adversely affected candidates' experiences and hindered their recruitment. To address these issues, it is crucial for participating firms to take necessary action to improve accommodations and inclusiveness for all candidates."

This call to action underscores the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, and aligns with the broader movement towards inclusivity in the legal profession.

Looking Forward: Building Inclusive Recruitment Practices

As NALSAR celebrates the placement success of its Batch of 2024, it also stands at a critical juncture to advocate for and implement more inclusive recruitment practices. Law firms and corporations must recognize the value of diversity and take concrete steps to accommodate students with disabilities during their hiring processes.

Inclusivity is not just about meeting quotas or legal requirements; it’s about fostering an environment where every individual has the opportunity to succeed based on merit and capability. For NALSAR and its graduates, the journey forward involves not just maintaining high academic and professional standards but also championing the cause of equity and accessibility in all aspects of the legal profession.

Conclusion

The 100% placement achievement of NALSAR’s Batch of 2024 is a proud moment for the institution, its students, and the legal fraternity. It reflects the high caliber of education and training provided by NALSAR and the competitive edge of its graduates in the job market. However, this success also brings to the forefront the critical need for inclusivity and reasonable accommodations in recruitment processes. By addressing these challenges, NALSAR and its recruitment partners can ensure that future placements are not only successful but also equitable and inclusive for all students. 

As we celebrate this milestone, let us also commit to creating a legal profession that is truly reflective of the diverse society it serves.