UPES Sets the Bar High with India’s Largest Academic Law Fest

Over the years, UPES School of Law has established a robust legacy in law education, blending rigorous academics with real-world legal practices to prepare students for global legal careers. Renowned for its innovative curriculum, UPES emphasises experiential learning through moot courts, internships, and industry collaborations.

Setting a landmark this year the UPES School of Law organised VidhiUtsav, India’s largest academic law fest, from April 5 to 7, 2024. The event was held in Dehradun and concluded with an impressive valedictory ceremony featuring prominent guests such as Honourable Justice Rajesh Bindal of the Supreme Court of India, along with Honourable Justices Namit Kumar, Harkesh Manuja, and Harsh Bunger from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The ceremony was also attended by the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and Dean of the School of Law from UPES. The festival was inaugurated by Honourable Justice U C Dhyani, marking the start of the conclave.

VidhiUtsav saw participation from 183 universities and law colleges, including many prestigious national law universities, with over 600 students attending. The fest featured 11 national-level academic competitions across various legal fields, providing a competitive platform for budding legal professionals to showcase their skills.

Besides the competitions, VidhiUtsav featured a range of informative sessions led by prominent figures, including Padmashri Indira Jaising and Sonia Mathur, both Senior Advocates at the Supreme Court of India; Gauri Maulekhi, an Animal Rights Advocate; and partners from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Varun Pathak and Swati Agarwal, among others. The participation of esteemed legal professionals, senior partners from major law firms, and general counsels from multinational corporations greatly enriched the event offering valuable insights and knowledge, enhancing the learning experience for all participants.

VidhiUtsav served not only as a showcase of academic and competitive prowess but also as a vital networking opportunity for students, allowing them to connect with industry leaders and peers. UPES School of Law also honoured 40 of its distinguished alumni, who have achieved significant success in various legal fields, including 6 Advocates on Record of the Supreme Court of India, 12 judges, 10 partners of Magic Circle law firms, 1 International Attorney, 3 Judge Advocate General, 2 General Counsel and 2 Entrepreneurs, at the VidhiUtsav.

Dr. Abhishek Sinha, Dean of the School of Law at UPES, expressed his delight at successfully organising such a colossal event, remarking, “Hosting 11 national level competitions and a legal symposium, all crunched in 3 days was almost an impossible task, but we managed to execute it beautifully. An event of this nature, boasting such extensive participation and featuring esteemed judges and guests, is unprecedented in the annals of law school events.”

A panel of 142 industry experts judged the competitions, including top partners from major law firms like, Jeevan Ballav Panda, Partner Khaitan & Co; Molshree, Partner, HAS; Rahul Kinra, Partner, JSA; Gauhar Mirza, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. The illustrious panel of judges also included, Arush Khanna, Partner, Numen Law Offices; Mitul Jain, Partner, Advaita Law Partners; Bhanu Kathpalia, Partner, Kathpalia & Partners, Evneet Uppal, Partner, P&A; Avi Kalra, Founding Partner, Clergy & Wisemen among others.

The overall championship was clinched by Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, with other competitions seeing winners from across the country. NLSIU, Bangalore won the IX National Client Counselling Competition 2024, and the same university also took home the XIV Dr. Paras Diwan Memorial International Energy Law Moot Court Competition. North Cap University won the National Pro Bono Legal Services Award Competition, with IIM Rohtak prevailing in the “You Amend Your Constitution” contest.

NUALS, Kochi, won the Patent Drafting Competition, while Jindal Global Law School topped India’s first National Competition on Negotiating Transactional Documents. Law College Dehradun, Satyawati College, Delhi University, and CMS, Lucknow won the All India Political Parties Meet, Lok Sabha, and Hindustan Press competitions, respectively. Deen Dayal Upadhyay College and Lovely Professional University won the National British Parliamentary Debate and the 1st National Sports Law Quiz Competitions, respectively.

UPES School of Law has always showcased great commitment to nurturing legal talent. The success of VidhiUtsav stands as a testament to the institution’s dedication to creating impactful and meaningful educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers in law. The forward-thinking approach at UPES ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in law but are also equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the fast-evolving legal landscape and this is reflected in the success of its alumni across various sectors of the legal field.