The Collective Counsel Law Review

The First Case Shouldn’t Be After Graduation: Rethinking Practical Legal Training

Mmanat

“The First Case Shouldn’t Be After Graduation: Rethinking Practical Legal Training” argues that legal education in India must go beyond theoretical knowledge and examinations to prepare students for the practical realities of the legal profession. The article examines the Supreme Court’s decisions in Bar Council of India v. Bonnie Foi Law College and V. Sudeer v. Bar Council of India, highlighting the importance of professional standards and the regulatory framework governing legal education and entry into the Bar. It also explores how changing employer expectations, the growth of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and the increasing use of artificial intelligence and legal technology make practical skills essential for aspiring lawyers. Drawing comparisons with the United States, England and Wales, and New South Wales, Australia, the article identifies valuable approaches to experiential learning, competency-based assessment, and structured practical legal training. It concludes that India must strengthen internships, legal aid clinics, drafting exercises, negotiation simulations, mentorship, and supervised practical work. The central argument is that practical legal training should be an integral, structured, and assessable part of legal education, ensuring that students develop professional competence before graduation rather than encountering the realities of legal practice for the first time afterward.

Your Phone is Not Police Property: Cyber Rights Every Indian Must Know in 2026

Vani Krishnappa

Indian law allows the police to seize and examine mobile phones during investigations, but their powers are subject to legal procedures and constitutional safeguards. The BNSS provides for the production, search and seizure of digital devices, while Section 105 requires audio-video recording of specified searches and seizures. The right to privacy under Article 21 remains protected, and the legality of accessing passwords, personal data and electronic evidence depends on the circumstances and applicable law. Although courts have begun enforcing procedural safeguards, some issues, particularly compelled phone unlocking and nationwide guidelines for digital-device seizures, remain unsettled. Citizens should understand their rights, preserve evidence and seek legal advice if their phone is seized or access to it is demanded.

What the BCI Guidelines Mean for Lawyers on Social Media: Educating Without Soliciting

Vani Krishnappa

The article explains the BCI’s rules on lawyers’ use of social media. Lawyers can use platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for legal education and awareness, but they cannot use them to solicit clients, advertise services, or promote themselves. The 2026 BCI circular specifically warns against promotional reels, client testimonials, influencer marketing, courtroom/chamber content, misleading legal information, fake judgments, deepfakes and disclosure of confidential client information. Law students and interns are also covered. In short: lawyers can educate online, but social media should not become a tool for attracting legal work.

Rethinking Legal Education in India: Bridging the Theory–Practice Gap

Ms. Mannat Baghla

India produces a large number of law graduates, but many struggle to apply theoretical knowledge in real legal practice. The article highlights the gap between classroom learning and practical skills such as drafting, client handling, negotiation, litigation, and legal research. It examines shortcomings in internships and clinical legal education, compares experiential learning models in other countries, and suggests integrating practical training into mainstream legal education to create more practice-ready and professionally capable lawyers.

The Institution and The Quota

Adv. Ankit Jyoti Suresh K.

The article examines how publicly funded higher-education institutions should investigate allegations of caste-based discrimination involving their own students, using the September 2026 death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode as the context. Its central argument is based on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s concept of constitutional morality: institutions must be accountable, transparent, and willing to submit themselves to independent scrutiny, particularly when their own conduct is being questioned. The article: Examines Articles 14, 15, 16, 17, 21 and 46 of the Constitution and relevant legislation, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Questions whether internal committees dominated by an institution's own faculty can provide sufficiently independent investigations into allegations against that institution. Uses IIT Bombay cases involving Aniket Ambhore (2014), Darshan Solanki (2023), and Sahil Wakode (2026) to examine recurring concerns about institutional self-investigation. Compares India's experience with constitutional responses to discrimination in the United States, South Africa, and Canada. Refers to Rohith Vemula's death and the Kilvenmani massacre as examples of the consequences of institutional responses—or failures to respond—to social discrimination. Argues that institutional legitimacy cannot simply be assumed because an institution is constitutionally established or publicly funded; it must continually be demonstrated through credible and independent accountability mechanisms.

Property Due Diligence in India: How Lawyers Must Read a File from Sale Deed to Final Opinion

Adv. Vani Krishnappa

The article explains how lawyers should conduct property due diligence in India before advising a client to purchase property. A registered sale deed alone does not guarantee clear ownership. Key steps include: Examine the complete chain of title, not just the latest sale deed. Verify ownership, inheritance, partition, wills, gifts and powers of attorney. Cross-check revenue records, property descriptions, tax records and approvals. Search for mortgages, charges, loans and litigation. Physically inspect the property and verify possession and land/building approvals. Check applicable RERA requirements for projects. Treat missing documents as issues requiring clarification, rather than automatically assuming defective title. Prepare a final legal opinion covering documents examined, title chain, searches, defects, required documents/requisitions and conclusion. In simple terms: Property due diligence is about answering five questions — Who owns the property? How did they acquire it? Do they have the right to sell it? Does anyone else have a claim? Does anything in the file raise a concern?

DMD Advocates Retain the Crown, Win Back-to-Back Titles at LawStrings Pickleball Cup Season 2

The LawStrings Pickleball Cup: Season 2 successfully concluded in Delhi, bringing together leading law firms and in-house legal teams for two days of competitive pickleball, wellness, camaraderie, and professional networking. DMD Advocates emerged as the Gold Cup winners, followed by AZB & Partners as Silver Cup winners and Aekom Legal as Bronze Cup winners. The tournament was sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and supported by partners across legal technology, wellness, nutrition, education, and lifestyle. The event was attended by distinguished figures from the legal and sporting ecosystem, highlighting the growing role of sports in strengthening community, wellness, and engagement within the legal profession. LawStrings plans to build on this success with an even bigger and more engaging Season 3.

From Clarity to Practicality: The Collective Counsel's 2026 Impact & Outcome Report

Akanksha Rajput

The Collective Counsel’s Impact & Outcome Report presents its work from January to August 2026, highlighting the organisation’s growing ecosystem of practical legal learning, mentorship, professional exposure and early-career opportunities. During the period, TCC reached students across multiple states and institutions, facilitated 559 practical-learning/job-simulation enrolments, provided 200+ internship and career opportunities, mentored 135 students, and published 16 research papers. The report demonstrates TCC’s focus on helping students move from theoretical legal understanding towards practical professional readiness.

BORN WITHOUT CONNECTIONS: THE REAL STRUGGLE OF FIRST GENERATION LAW STUDENTS

Kumar Priyanshu Vinay

An article exploring the challenges faced by first-generation law students in India, including limited access to career information, financial constraints, lack of mentorship, practical exposure, professional networks, internships, and equal opportunities within the legal education system.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF JUDICIAL DECISION-MAKING: BETWEEN OBJECTIVITY AND HUMAN FALLIBILITY

ABU HENA MUSTAFA KAMAL

The article explains that judicial decision-making is not entirely objective or purely rational. Judges, like all humans, can be influenced by cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, anchoring, and hindsight bias, as well as by intuition, emotions, and social factors. These influences can affect how judges evaluate evidence, interpret facts, and impose sentences. Focusing on the Indian judiciary, the article shows how judicial discretion and individualised sentencing can make psychological influences particularly significant. It argues that instead of pretending these influences can be eliminated, the legal system should manage them through judicial training, structured decision-making, institutional reforms, and greater diversity in the judiciary. Ultimately, a psychologically aware judiciary can promote greater fairness, consistency, and justice.

1 Email. 1 TB. Millions of Lives Exposed

Adv. Shubham Kenekar

The Bank of Baroda data breach highlights the growing risks of inadequate data protection and identity governance in financial institutions. An employee email account was reportedly compromised, allegedly exposing approximately 1 TB of sensitive information, including KYC documents, account records, loan documentation, NetBanking details, and internal banking records. The incident raises significant questions under India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, RBI cybersecurity requirements, and the constitutional right to privacy under Article 21. The breach demonstrates why organisations must move beyond compliance-driven privacy practices toward strong access controls, data minimisation, breach preparedness, and board-level accountability.

Access to Justice in India Isn’t a Courtroom Problem. It’s an Information Problem.

Ms. Supriya Jakhar

If you ask most people what is holding them back from justice, they will probably name the villains that are in plain sight: packed courts, years of waiting to hear their cases, lawyer who is too expensive and all that is right but the quieter barrier which exists in the headlines and which must be overcome in many parts of India is the lack of understanding on the part of the ordinary people or the right place to find a trustworthy lawyer. And, for this, the legal system doesn’t offer them any help.

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage: Indian and International Perspectives

Rosedeep Saini (UILS, Punjab)

With the use of nuclear power proliferating in the present age, there is a pressing need to ponder about the possible damage, affixing liability and measures for restoration of pre-damage position. Several countries, including India, have passed legislations to address these issues.

Why Indian Businesses Are Becoming More Financially Structured Than Ever Before

Vivekanandh, Partner - SMV Chambers

Indian businesses are increasingly adopting structured financial systems as the modern commercial environment demands higher levels of transparency, accountability, compliance, and governance. Financial structuring is no longer confined to large corporations; startups, family-owned businesses, SMEs, and growth-stage enterprises are now prioritising financial discipline as a foundation for sustainable growth. The article examines how regulatory compliance requirements, investor expectations, institutional financing, technological advancements, tax planning, risk management, corporate governance, and global business opportunities are driving this transformation. Businesses are moving away from informal financial practices and embracing structured frameworks for budgeting, reporting, cash flow management, compliance monitoring, and strategic decision-making. According to Mr. Vivekanandh, Partner, SMV Chambers, financial structuring has evolved beyond accounting and record-keeping into a strategic business function that supports operational stability, investor confidence, regulatory compliance, and long-term commercial sustainability. Organisations with strong financial governance are better positioned to attract investment, secure financing, manage risks, and pursue growth opportunities. The article concludes that India's evolving business ecosystem is fostering a culture of financial discipline across organisations of all sizes. Businesses that invest in robust financial structures today are likely to be better equipped to navigate uncertainty, maintain stakeholder trust, and achieve sustainable long-term success in an increasingly competitive and regulated marketplace.

The Changing Mindset of Indian Founders Toward Legal Business Formation

Meeta Kadhi - Associate Partner - MHCO

India's startup ecosystem is witnessing a significant shift in how founders approach legal business formation. Rather than treating incorporation and compliance as post-launch formalities, modern entrepreneurs increasingly view legal structuring as a strategic foundation for growth, investment readiness, risk management, and long-term sustainability. The article explores how factors such as investor expectations, founder liability awareness, intellectual property protection, corporate governance requirements, global expansion ambitions, and increased access to legal knowledge have transformed entrepreneurial thinking. Founders today are proactively establishing formal business structures, implementing governance frameworks, securing intellectual property rights, and maintaining regulatory compliance from the earliest stages of their ventures. According to Ms. Meeta Kadhi, Associate Partner, MHCO, legal business formation has evolved from a procedural requirement into a critical business decision that influences fundraising, taxation, ownership structures, governance, scalability, and investor confidence. Entrepreneurs are increasingly recognising that strong legal foundations contribute directly to business resilience, credibility, and long-term value creation. The article concludes that as India's entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to mature, legal preparedness will become even more important. Businesses built on sound legal and governance frameworks are likely to be better positioned to attract investment, manage risks, navigate growth challenges, and achieve sustainable commercial success.

Why Workplace Culture Conversations Are Changing Across Indian Companies

Harshita Agarwal – Founder - Lexlevel Services

Workplace culture in India is no longer viewed solely as an HR function. Organisations across sectors are increasingly treating culture as a critical component of governance, compliance, employee retention, and business sustainability. Discussions now extend beyond performance and productivity to include dignity, inclusion, mental wellbeing, workplace safety, and accountability. The article highlights how legal developments, evolving workforce expectations, investor scrutiny, and digital transparency are reshaping employer-employee relationships. Greater awareness of labour rights, anti-harassment obligations, diversity, and mental health has encouraged businesses to adopt stronger compliance frameworks and employee-centric policies. According to Ms. Harshita Agarwal, Founder, Lexlevel Services, workplace culture has become a strategic business issue rather than a purely administrative concern. Organisations are increasingly focusing on POSH compliance, leadership accountability, diversity and inclusion, employee wellbeing, governance standards, and transparent grievance mechanisms to build sustainable and legally compliant workplaces. The article concludes that workplace culture discussions in India will continue evolving alongside legal reforms, technological advancements, and changing employee expectations. Companies that prioritise transparency, respect, accountability, and employee trust are likely to remain better positioned in the modern corporate environment.

Why India’s Digital Healthcare Ecosystem Is Expanding Faster Than Ever

Vivekanandh, Partner - SMV Chambers

India’s digital healthcare ecosystem is expanding at an unprecedented pace due to the convergence of technology, policy reforms, growing healthcare demand, investment activity, and changing consumer expectations, says Mr. Vivekanandh, Partner, SMV Chambers. The rise of telemedicine, electronic health records, AI-driven diagnostics, wearable devices, and digital health platforms is transforming how healthcare is delivered and accessed across the country. Government initiatives, increased smartphone penetration, and the need to bridge healthcare accessibility gaps are further accelerating this growth. However, the rapid digitisation of healthcare also raises important legal concerns surrounding patient privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, informed consent, regulatory compliance, and liability. The article highlights that the future of digital healthcare will depend on balancing innovation with responsible governance and robust legal frameworks.

The Hidden Legal Side of Buying Sea Facing Properties in Mumbai

Jagriti Jain - Founding & Managing Partner – UN Legal Group

Sea-facing properties in Mumbai offer prestige, exclusivity, and strong investment potential, but they also carry unique legal complexities that many buyers overlook, says Ms. Jagriti Jain, Founding & Managing Partner, UN Legal Group. Unlike ordinary real estate transactions, coastal properties are subject to additional scrutiny involving coastal regulation laws, environmental compliance, redevelopment restrictions, title verification, municipal approvals, housing society governance, encumbrances, and litigation risks. The article emphasizes that comprehensive legal due diligence is essential for protecting ownership rights, assessing redevelopment potential, avoiding regulatory complications, and preserving the long-term value of high-end coastal real estate investments.

Why IT Growth in Pune Is Influencing Commercial Property Legal Needs?

Parthesh Bhardwaj, Co-Founding Partner - UN Legal Group

Pune’s rapid emergence as a leading IT and technology hub is significantly increasing the legal complexity of commercial real estate transactions, says Mr. Parthesh Bhardwaj, Co-Founding Partner, UN Legal Group. The growing demand for office spaces, technology parks, co-working facilities, and corporate campuses has created greater legal requirements relating to commercial leasing, title verification, regulatory compliance, development agreements, infrastructure projects, environmental obligations, and dispute management. As institutional investment and corporate expansion continue to reshape Pune’s commercial property market, legal due diligence has become an essential tool for managing risks, protecting investments, and ensuring long-term operational stability.

Delhi’s Urban Development and the Growing Need for Legal Due Diligence

Jagriti Jain - Founding & Managing Partner – UN Legal Group

As Delhi undergoes rapid urban transformation through infrastructure expansion, redevelopment projects, and growing real estate investment, legal due diligence has become essential for protecting property interests and minimising risk, says Ms. Jagriti Jain, Founding & Managing Partner, UN Legal Group. Modern real estate transactions involve complex issues relating to title verification, regulatory approvals, environmental compliance, encumbrances, litigation risks, redevelopment rights, and corporate ownership structures. The article highlights that comprehensive legal due diligence enables investors, developers, businesses, and homebuyers to make informed decisions, avoid costly disputes, and safeguard long-term investments in an increasingly sophisticated real estate market.

How Brand Identity Conflicts Are Increasing in India’s Digital First Economy

Alhan Kayser, Partner - Kayser and Company

Brand identity conflicts are increasing rapidly in India’s digital-first economy as businesses expand online faster than ever before, says Mr. Alhan Kayser, Partner, Kayser and Company. With the rise of startups, social media, e-commerce, AI-generated branding, and cross-border digital commerce, disputes involving trademarks, domain names, logos, trade dress, and online reputation have become increasingly common. Many conflicts arise not from deliberate copying but from inadequate intellectual property due diligence and overlapping digital presence. The article emphasizes that businesses must treat brand protection as a strategic priority through early trademark registration, domain protection, continuous monitoring, and proactive legal planning to safeguard reputation, consumer trust, and long-term commercial growth.

Why Modern Founders Prefer Company Formation Before Product Validation in India

Bhushan Shah - Partner - MHCO

Modern founders are increasingly choosing to incorporate their businesses before fully validating their products, driven by investor expectations, intellectual property protection, operational readiness, and long-term scalability, says Mr. Bhushan Shah, Partner, MHCO. In today's fast-moving startup ecosystem, early company formation helps founders establish ownership clarity, strengthen governance, improve credibility, attract investment, and prepare for rapid growth. While product validation remains crucial, many entrepreneurs now view legal structuring as a strategic foundation rather than a post-success formality, enabling them to build and scale with greater confidence and flexibility.

How Tax Efficiency Influences Company Setup Decisions in India

Dr. Rishabh Gandhi – Advocate, Rishabh Gandhi and Advocates.

Tax efficiency is no longer an afterthought in business formation; it is a strategic factor that influences profitability, cash flow, investment readiness, and long-term growth, says Dr. Rishabh Gandhi, Rishabh Gandhi & Advocates. Tax planning begins at the incorporation stage, as different business structures attract different tax obligations and benefits. A tax-efficient framework helps businesses optimise resources, improve investor confidence, manage compliance effectively, and support future expansion. By aligning tax strategy with commercial objectives from the outset, entrepreneurs can create a stronger foundation for sustainable and scalable business growth.

Why Choosing the Right Company Structure Matters Before Setting Up a Company in India

Rishabh Gandhi – Advocates, Rishabh Gandhi and Advocates

Choosing the right company structure is a strategic legal decision that can significantly impact a business's growth, compliance, taxation, fundraising potential, and risk management, says Mr. Rishabh Gandhi, Rishabh Gandhi & Advocates. Different business structures offer varying levels of liability protection, governance flexibility, tax treatment, and scalability. Entrepreneurs should align their choice of entity with long-term business objectives, regulatory requirements, and future expansion plans to build a strong legal foundation for sustainable growth.