Nishith Desai Associates (NDA) has announced the launch of the NDA Future Lawyer Academy, an initiative designed to prepare the firm’s incoming lawyers for the future of legal practice.
The inaugural program will welcome 40 graduates from leading law schools across India, who will participate in an intensive 2-month residential programme at NDA’s research campus, Imaginarium Aligunjan, in Alibaug before formally joining the firm on September 1, 2026.
Designed as a bridge between legal education and professional practice, the Academy seeks to accelerate the development of young professionals by combining rigorous legal training with exposure to emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, business strategy, leadership development, legal innovation, ethics and real-world client challenges.
Commenting on the launch, Founder Nishith Desai said in a press release,
"While technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping how legal services are delivered, the qualities that define great lawyers—judgement, creativity, empathy, ethics, and strategic thinking—remain uniquely human.
Universities provide an excellent foundation, but professional development cannot end with graduation. Through the NDA Future Lawyer Academy, we seek to create an environment where young lawyers can deepen their understanding of law while developing the broader perspectives and capabilities required to become trusted advisors, innovators, and leaders.
Our investment in young professionals reflects our long-standing commitment to research, innovation, continuous learning, and the future of the legal profession."
The Academy is built around five foundational pillars:
Technical excellence – Advanced legal research, drafting, transaction management, advisory work and dispute resolution.
Client readiness – Practical exposure to real-world legal challenges, client expectations and professional responsibilities.
Technology and artificial intelligence – Responsible, effective and strategic use of AI and emerging legal technologies.
Leadership and professional development – Communication, collaboration, negotiation, business development and decision-making skills.
Future readiness – Interdisciplinary learning across business, technology, governance, policy and society.
Participants will work closely with senior leaders, mentors and dedicated “Sherpas” while engaging in workshops, simulations, research assignments, exposure visits and interactions with judges, regulators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, academics and industry experts.
Each participant will undertake a capstone research project addressing emerging legal, regulatory, or policy issues, encouraging original thought and solution-oriented problem-solving.