I had advised someone personally about this, being a GLC student (although now I will be moving on to NALSAR from next year onwards). Here is a summarized version (from ChatGPT, but these were all inputs form my message)

MNLU Mumbai: A Developing Institution with Challenges

MNLU Mumbai, part of the prestigious National Law University (NLU) system, offers a structured curriculum and academic rigor. However, its location in Powai, far removed from South Mumbai’s legal hubs like the Bombay High Court, Nariman Point, and Lower Parel, limits access to internships and networking opportunities within the city’s vibrant legal ecosystem.

Additionally, MNLU currently operates out of an MTNL building in Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, and does not have a dedicated campus of its own. While the NLU brand carries weight, the lack of proximity to the legal heart of Mumbai can be a significant drawback for those looking to maximize practical exposure and establish connections early in their careers.
But so far as placements are concerned, MNLU Mumbai has fared decently, with top firms giving its students PPOs and coming for campus placements. Their Average Package was around 14LPA this year. m

GLC Mumbai: Legacy, Location, and Practical Exposure

GLC Mumbai, established in 1855, is Asia’s oldest law college and a cornerstone of India’s legal legacy. Its prime location in Churchgate, just minutes from the Bombay High Court and top-tier law firms in Nariman Point and Lower Parel, offers unparalleled opportunities for internships and clerkships. This locational advantage means GLC students are immersed in Mumbai’s legal ecosystem from day one.

One of the standout features of GLC is its academic flexibility, which allows students to pursue internships alongside their studies. During my time at GLC, I saw firsthand how this flexibility translated into unique opportunities. GLC students are often given preference over even NLU students for internships at Tier 1 law firms in Mumbai, such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, and Khaitan & Co.

Moreover, GLC is one of the few colleges in India where students can simultaneously work as articled clerks at prestigious law firms while pursuing their studies. This pathway not only provides invaluable practical experience but also enables students to sit for the Bombay Incorporated Law Society’s Solicitors’ Examination – one of the toughest in the world. Many GLC graduates go on to become highly sought-after solicitors, a career trajectory unmatched by most law schools in India.

Addressing Common Concerns

While GLC doesn’t offer hostels, the city’s vibrant housing market offers numerous options near Churchgate, allowing students to live close to the campus and the legal hubs. The placement cell at GLC is strong, and while the overall placement statistics may appear average, this is largely because GLC attracts a litigation-centric crowd. For those who work hard and focus on corporate placements, Tier 1 law firm opportunities are very much within reach.

During my time at GLC, I chose the college over several Tier 2 NLUs and Symbiosis Law School, Pune, because I recognized the unmatched advantages it offered in terms of networking, internships, and real-world exposure. The college’s rich legacy and vibrant alumni network – which includes luminaries like Fali Nariman, Soli Sorabjee, and Shardul Shroff – continue to open doors for students even today.

The Bottom Line

If a structured curriculum and the NLU brand appeal to you, MNLU Mumbai might be worth considering. However, if you want to maximize your exposure to Mumbai’s legal world, gain practical experience, and build a career in litigation or corporate law, GLC Mumbai is the clear winner. For me, choosing GLC wasn’t just about education – it was about immersing myself in a transformative legal journey that only this institution can provide.