In Conversation with Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner, Professor & Dean at School of Law, DSU

The mission of Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore School of Law, is to deliver holistic legal education that bridges theory with practice, administers critical thinking, and explores ethical values. School of Law DSU offers courses like BBA LLB Hons, BA LLB Hons, LLB and LLM. Candidates must verify the eligibility criteria before applying for admission to DSU Bangalore.

The article below is an exclusive interview of Careers360 with Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner, who is the Professor & Dean at School of Law, DSU. During this interview, Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner shares his view about the challenges faced by the School of Law, DSU. He also explains the admission and selection process, emphasizing the changes in curriculum depending on the latest advancements. Read the article below.

Careers360: Can you describe the journey of DSU School of Law so far? What have been the challenges so far?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: Dayananda Sagar University’s School of law commenced its journey with one Law Programme in 2022 with three years LLB Programme and the first batch passed out this year. In 2023, two five years integrated programmes i.e BA LLB and BBA LLB were introduced.

In 2024, Ph D programme was introduced. Many Scholars are conducting research in niche areas. In 2025, the LLM programme was introduced with two areas of specialisation: Corporate and Commercial Law, and Law and Technology. Since it is a young Law School, the challenge was to draw good faculty and students. Now we are on sound footing in both aspects

Careers360: Could you give us an overview of the law programmes offered and their unique academic strengths?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: Basic Programme Outcomes necessary for a law school is that a student should have sound knowledge of substantial and Procedural law, Research skills, Written and Oral Communication skills, team player, Service oriented with ethical professionals.

• DSU Law School offers a Moot Court Course every semester which ensures the students develop knowledge and skills for the profession.

• Internship every year helps with to connect theory with the practical application in real life situation.

Careers360: What does the admission and selection process involve, and what are the key parameters assessed?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: CLAT and LSAT score is accepted for DSU admission. However, DSU conducts its own entrance examination as well. The key parameter is the aptitude of the candidate. Legal professions need to be lifelong learners.

Careers360: The curriculum is designed not only to provide rigorous legal training but also to prepare students to step into their roles as New Age Lawyers confidently. Please explain this.

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: The curriculum includes the following pointers:

• Industry aligned DSU courses

• Training for soft skills

• Industry expert’s handholding through workshops, lectures and mentoring programme

• Clinical Courses to inculcate hands-on advocacy skills

• Interdisciplinary courses and research conducted

• Training to use technology efficiently in the legal profession

Careers360: How is technology being integrated into legal education and learning methodologies at DSU School of Law?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: Here’s how technology is integrated into legal education.

• Training and access to SCC online, Manupatra, EBC online, Hein online, AIR online and AI legal resource tools

• Flip Classroom

• Online class through ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom

• ERP-enabled resources

• LMS

• Virtual Moot Courts and Conferences

• Blended learning (Cousera, Swayam, etc)

• Interactive learning through digital Apps

Careers360: How does the School ensure students gain exposure to real-world legal practice, courts, and the legal industry?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: Real world exposure to the legal world happens in the following ways:

• Visit to Courts, jails, Tribunals,

• Inviting Judges, Legal Counsels, Law Firm Partners to interact with the students

• Conducting workshops (Mediation, Contract drafting, Soft Skill Training)

• Encouraging Moot Court Culture

• Compulsory internships every year

• Practical mode of assessments (Drafting, Pleading, Trial Advocacy)

Careers360: What types of scholarships or financial assistance are available to deserving and meritorious students? How transparent is the scholarship application and selection process?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: Yes, the University offers merit scholarships under various eligibility criteria, as outlined below:

Careers360: As cybercrimes and online scams continue to rise, what skills and expertise do you think future legal professionals will need?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner:

• Understanding of the IT Act, Bhartiya Nayaya Sahitha

• Rules for Digital Transactions

• Digital Personal Data Protection Act and Rules

• National strategy for Artificial Intelligence

Careers360: What kinds of internship opportunities can students of DSU School of Law expect during their academic journey?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: Law Firms, Legal departments of various companies and Government , NGOs, Law Clerks, Human Rights Commission, Tribunals, Law Offices, Research Centres

Careers360: What placement opportunities are available to students upon programme completion, and could you give insights on recent placements, roles, and recruiters?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: Some of the recruiters involved include:

• Law firms

• Legal departments of companies

• Litigation

• Judiciary

• Legal Counsel

• NGOs

Careers360: Any suggestions you have for students looking for admission to DSU School of Law?

Dr Kiran Dennis Gardner: Most important is attitude of learning as it is a professional for lifelong learners. Some others include.

• Service oriented, as the profession is meant to provide services

• Persistent and resilient

• Hardworking

• Team player and empathetic

• Inquisitive

• Ethical and professional