Interview: Prof. (Dr.) Sajan G. Patil | Principal, Rizvi Law College, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Prof. (Dr.) Sajan G. Patil holds an LLM and MBA degree, along with a PhD and a degree in Law. Additionally, he has passed UGC-NET and MAH-SET Exams, with over 25 years of experience in the education field. As an educator, he aims to provide legal education that explores and strengthens the potential inherent in every individual.

Accordingly, he seeks to create an environment that enriches the academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional development of the pupils in a cheerful and nurturing atmosphere. He also emphasizes promoting personal achievement, building a sense of responsibility, and ultimately helping students secure a strong sense of self in the field of law.

Interview: Prof. (Dr.) Mr. Sajan G. Patil | Principal, Rizvi Law College, Mumbai, Maharashtra

We recently got a chance to interview Prof.(Dr.) Mr. Sajan G. Patil. Here’s the transcript of the Interview: (Dr.) Sajan G. Patil

Legal Bites: What motivated you to pursue a career in law, and how did your journey lead you to become the principal of Rizvi Law College?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: I pursued a career in law due to my passion for justice and desire to contribute positively to society. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to legal practice, teaching, and leadership roles within the legal community. My journey led me to the position of principal at our law college through my commitment to education, excellence, and fostering a supportive learning environment for students.

Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Director, Adv. (Mrs.) Rubina Akhtar Hasan Rizvi, for her unwavering motivation and support.

Legal Bites: What inspired you to transition from practising law to the field of education, and what do you find most rewarding about your role as an educator?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: The transition from practising law to education was motivated by my desire to share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of legal professionals. I found that I enjoyed mentoring and guiding aspiring lawyers, and I recognized the importance of quality legal education in shaping the future of the profession.

As an educator, I find it most rewarding to witness the growth and development of students as they acquire new skills, perspectives, and insights into the law. Contributing to their intellectual and personal development is incredibly fulfilling.

Legal Bites: How has your experience as a lawyer influenced your approach to leading a law college?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: My experience as a lawyer has provided me with valuable insights into the practical aspects of legal practice and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession. This background has influenced my approach to leading a law college by emphasizing the importance of practical skills development, experiential learning, and preparing students for the realities of legal practice.

I strive to instil a strong sense of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking in our students, drawing on my own experiences to guide our educational programs and initiatives

Legal Bites: How do you stay connected to the legal profession while serving as the principal of Rizvi Law College?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: Staying connected to the legal profession is essential for ensuring that our law college remains relevant and responsive to the legal community's needs. To achieve this, I actively engage in various professional networks, attend legal conferences and seminars, and maintain relationships with practitioners, Judges, and alumni.

Additionally, I encourage collaboration between our faculty and legal practitioners, invite guest speakers from the legal profession to campus, and facilitate internships and externships for students to gain real-world experience. By staying connected to the legal profession, I ensure that our law college remains dynamic, informed, and closely aligned with the evolving needs of the legal field.

Legal Bites: What are the most important skills that law students should cultivate during their time in law school?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: There are several important skills that law students should cultivate during their time in law school. Firstly, critical thinking and analytical skills are essential for legal reasoning and problem-solving. Additionally, effective communication skills, both written and oral, are crucial for articulating legal arguments and advocating on behalf of clients. Research skills are also fundamental for thorough legal analysis and staying abreast of legal developments.

Furthermore, professionalism, ethical awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively are vital for success in the legal profession. Overall, a well-rounded legal education should equip students with the skills and attributes necessary to excel as competent, ethical, and responsible legal practitioners.

Legal Bites: Can you share a moment in your career where you felt particularly proud or accomplished?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: There are several such moments, as the principal of Rizvi College of Law, it fills me with immense pride and accomplishment when I witness my students achieving remarkable success in academics and intra-college competitions. I also appreciate it when my students demonstrate exceptional legal acumen and professionalism. Their success reflects my commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of legal professionals

Legal Bites: In your opinion, how can the integration of technology enhance the practice of law in today's legal landscape?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: In my view, using technology in the legal field makes things easier and faster. For example, tools like legal research databases help lawyers find information quickly.

Plus, new technologies like artificial intelligence can help with tasks like sorting through large amounts of data. Overall, technology helps lawyers work better and serve their clients more effectively.

Legal Bites: How do you perceive platforms like Legal Bites impacting the landscape of legal education, and how does Rizvi Law College collaborate or integrate with such platforms to enhance student learning?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: Platforms like Legal Bites play a significant role in shaping the landscape of legal education by providing accessible resources, updates on legal developments, and opportunities for engagement with legal professionals and scholars.

These platforms offer valuable supplementary materials, such as articles, case summaries, and educational videos that complement traditional classroom instruction and enhance students' understanding of complex legal concepts.

Legal Bites: As a Principal with a background in law, how do you perceive the role of online legal education platforms like Legal Bites in addressing the evolving needs of today's law students?

Dr. Sajan G. Patil: As a principal with a background in law, I recognize the significant role that online legal education platforms like Legal Bites play in addressing the evolving needs of today's law students.

These platforms offer flexible and accessible learning opportunities that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of students in an increasingly digital age. I also believe that these platforms not only supplement our traditional classroom teachings but also offer a wealth of resources and opportunities for learning.

With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), these platforms can provide personalized learning experiences tailored to each student's needs and preferences. This adaptive approach ensures that students receive targeted support and guidance, enhancing their understanding and retention of legal concepts.

By embracing technology and online resources, we're not only empowering our students to take charge of their education but also preparing them to navigate the dynamic landscape of the legal profession