MUMBAI: The Maha Bar Bench Conclave 2026, organized by Pune Bar & Bench News LLP, was successfully held at the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Advocate Training & Research Centre (BBATRC), Taloja. The conclave marked a significant milestone in advancing legal skilling and employability, setting a strong precedent not just for Maharashtra but for the broader Indian legal ecosystem.
Held with the blessings of Hon’ble Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and under the guidance of Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Government of Maharashtra, the event witnessed an overwhelming response. Over 500 law students participated, with live screenings arranged across multiple classrooms to ensure seamless access. Participants joined from key regions including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Solapur, reflecting strong statewide engagement.
Positioned as Maharashtra’s first dedicated legal skilling and employability platform, the conclave focused on bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world courtroom practice through structured, future-ready interventions.
The initiative was led by Advocate Vishal Vijayrao Kale, Chief Mentor of Maha Bar Bench, bringing over 25 years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution, alongside MJ Srikant, Managing Partner, Pune Bar & Bench News LLP, a seasoned strategist, communication expert, and serial entrepreneur with over three decades of experience.
A key highlight of the conclave was the launch of practical training modules, including “From Classroom to Courtroom,” along with hands-on, practice-based sessions designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical courtroom skills.
The initiative was guided by Kunwarsingh Singhel, Deputy Law Secretary, and further strengthened by an address from Adv. (Dr.) Rajendra Ambhule, who highlighted the importance of aligning academic learning with real-world legal practice. The event was also graced by Priyesh Shah, Joint Commissioner, Customs, Excise & Service Tax, Government of India, and Adv. Pritisingh Pardeshi, Vice President, Pune Bar Association, among other distinguished attendees.
The conclave received formal appreciation from Hon’ble Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through an official letter issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, commending Pune Bar & Bench for its efforts in advancing legal skilling, strengthening employability, and contributing to legal education and nation-building. He also acknowledged the unveiling of the Marathi e-edition as a significant step towards enhancing access to legal knowledge for students, professionals, and researchers.
Sharing his message through a video address, Mangal Prabhat Lodha stated: “I extend my congratulations to Advocate Vishal Vijayrao Kale, Mr. MJ Srikant, and their team. This initiative addresses a critical need and aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Government of Maharashtra’s Skill Development Department looks forward to supporting and expanding it across the state.”
Emphasizing the vision behind the initiative, Advocate Vishal Vijayrao Kale said “Legal education must evolve beyond theoretical learning—it must translate into real courtroom capability. Maha Bar Bench is a decisive step towards nurturing professionals who are skilled, confident, and ready to lead within the legal system.”
Highlighting the larger purpose, MJ Srikant added “This is not merely a program, but the beginning of a movement in legal skilling and employability. It is about creating structured pathways where classrooms connect meaningfully with courtrooms.”
The Maha Bar Bench Conclave 2026 marks the beginning of a new era in legal education, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat — laying a strong foundation for skilled, employable, and responsible legal professionals who will contribute to the future of India’s justice system and nation-building.
