Top 7 Career Options in Law In India: Which One Should You Choose in 2024?

Selecting the right career path in law can indeed be a daunting decision. The considerations are vast, and it’s a pivotal choice. As someone who has walked the path in the legal sector, I understand the gravity of this decision. If you are a law student or aspiring to explore career options in law in India, this article is tailored to provide you with valuable insights. 

The legal profession holds immense significance in our society, serving as a cornerstone that maintains equilibrium between the legislature, executive, and judiciary. As a law professional, I’ve personally experienced how we play a central role in the judicial system, armed with the skillset and mindset to decipher complex legal arguments. 

Jobs after LLB open a myriad of opportunities for graduates, allowing them to apply their legal acumen and make a substantial impact. It’s a reputable field where respect for our work is abundant. Interacting with individuals from all walks of life, we gain profound insights into human nature, forging inexplicable connections along the way. 

For law graduates, the realm of opportunities is vast, and I encourage you not to limit yourselves to one domain. Explore as much as possible, as there are numerous job avenues waiting to be explored, as highlighted in this article 

You will learn about the Top 7 Career Options in Law In India.

1. Criminal Lawyer
2. Corporate Lawyer
3. Judicial Services
4. Legal Journalist
5. Legal Analyst
6. Civil Lawyer
7. Legal Advisor

Read more to know each in detail.

Picking the right careers in law is a very stressful decision. After all, there’s so much to consider. Fortunately, if you’re a law student or aspire to join the law sector, this article will help you.

The law profession is one of the most widespread professions in the country, serving an essential purpose in society. The professionals maintain a balance between the legislature, executive and judiciary.  

Law professionals are considered central to the system of the judiciary as they have the skillset and a bent of mind to understand the logical arguments.

Jobs after LLB opens various opportunities for graduates where they can apply their skills and create a more significant impact. It is a reputable field where law professionals get a tremendous amount of respect for their work. They interact with various people from every stratum of society and develop a deep understanding of human nature. They can create a rapport with the people they cross paths with that is inexplicable.

There are good job opportunities for law graduates; they should not confine themselves to one domain and explore as much as possible. Some of those Jobs after LLB are mentioned in the article.

Is lawyer a good career in India or Is Law a Good Career For a Woman in India?

Choosing a careers in law in India can be a rewarding and intellectually stimulating choice for many individuals. However, like any career path, it has its pros and cons. So, let’s explore the various aspects of a legal career in India to determine whether you are going on the right path. 

1. High Demand for Legal Professionals

One of the primary advantages of pursuing a career in law in India is the high demand for legal professionals. With a growing economy and increasing complexity in legal matters, there is a constant need for skilled lawyers. Whether it’s in litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, or public interest law, numerous opportunities are available.

2. Financial Rewards

Lawyers in India can potentially earn a good income, especially if they specialize in high-demand areas such as corporate law or litigation. Established law firms, multinational corporations, and government agencies often offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract top legal talent.

3. Intellectual Challenge

Law is intellectually challenging and requires critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding and interpreting complex legal statutes and case laws. If you enjoy solving intricate puzzles and debating important issues, a career in law can be incredibly satisfying.

4. Social Impact

Lawyers can significantly impact society by advocating for justice, defending the vulnerable, or helping businesses navigate the legal landscape. Public interest lawyers, in particular, work to bring about positive societal changes and protect marginalized communities’ rights.

5. Diverse Career Paths

The field of law offers a wide range of career paths, from becoming a judge or a legal consultant to working in academia, human rights organizations, or even as a legal journalist. This diversity allows you to choose a path that aligns with your interests and values.

6. Prestige and Respect

In Indian society, lawyers are often held in high regard, and the legal profession is associated with prestige and respect. This can be a motivating factor for many individuals considering a career in law.

7. International Opportunities

Indian lawyers with the right qualifications and experience can explore opportunities abroad, working for multinational law firms or international organizations. This can be a gateway to a global legal career.

Why is Law a popular career option?

Career Options in Law in India is popular due to its diverse opportunities. It offers intellectual challenges, a chance to uphold justice, and the potential for substantial earnings. Legal professionals play a critical role in society, addressing complex issues, advocating for clients, and influencing policy, making it an attractive choice for many aspiring professionals.

Potential Challenges And Drawbacks of Pursuing a Career in Law in India

1. Lengthy Education and Training

Becoming a lawyer in India typically involves completing a five-year undergraduate law program followed by a three-year law course or a one-year master’s program. This can be time-consuming and financially burdensome.

2. Competitive Nature

Law is a highly competitive field in India. Getting admission to prestigious law schools and securing internships or jobs at reputable law firms can be challenging.

3. Long Working Hours

Many lawyers in India work long and irregular hours, especially during court cases or while handling critical legal matters.

4. Ethical and Moral Dilemmas

Lawyers may face ethical dilemmas, such as defending clients they believe guilty or representing cases against their values.

5. Slow Legal System

The Indian legal system is known for its delays, which can frustrate lawyers and clients.

Whether a career in law is a good choice for you in India depends on your interests, skills, and personal values. If you are passionate about the law, enjoy critical thinking and problem-solving, and are willing to invest the time and effort required for education and training, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path. However, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges and competition within the field and to choose your specialization wisely to maximize your career prospects and job satisfaction. Ultimately, a career in law can be a good choice for those well-suited to its demands and opportunities.

We’ve created a list of the best career options in law to help you make a conscious and wise career decision.

Best Career Options in Legal Industry

Law is an expansive sector with various opportunities. You can follow a unique career in this industry depending on your interests and abilities. The following are some of the most prominent and lucrative career options in law and highest paying fields of law in India are as follows: –

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1. Criminal Lawyer

Criminal lawyers are responsible for representing their clients in court for criminal cases. They present cases in the court for their client in the local court, High Court, or the Supreme Court. Criminal lawyers argue their client’s case in front of a judge, question witnesses and the people related to their case, and review evidence. 

This field requires strong investigative and interpersonal skills. You must also have strong oration skills as you’d need to present your client’s case as strongly as possible. Criminal lawyers are experts at conducting research, performing legal analysis, and interacting with other people. 

Criminal lawyers have to be really sharp and possess attention to detail because of the demand of their job. Clients hire criminal lawyers for their extensive knowledge of the law; also, they know how to navigate a case while protecting their clients.

It is one of the good after law career options to pursue. One must be equipped with the right skill set to be better at their job. Some of the in-demand skillset for criminal law are mentioned below-

1. Good knowledge of the law
2. Adaptable 
3. Negotiation
4. Critical Thinking
5. Resourceful

They handle cases of numerous types such as drugs, fraud, domestic violence, abuses of various types and many more. This is why criminal lawyers should have a decent understanding of their environment that activates their rational ability to think critically, which helps their case.

Criminal Lawyer Salary in India

Beginners in this field earn around INR 2 lakh per annum while experienced criminal lawyers can earn up to INR 30 lakh per annum. 

You can join a law firm as a criminal lawyer or start your independent practice. This is a big reason why it’s among the most popular career options in law. If you want a career focused on litigation, then becoming a criminal lawyer would be the most suitable choice for you.

Average Annual Criminal Lawyer Salary: ₹ 3.1 Lakhs

Source

Average Criminal Lawyer Salary based on Location:
 

City	Salary
Kolkata	₹ 2.7 Lakhs
New Delhi	₹ 3.5 Lakhs
Mumbai	₹ 2.9 Lakhs
Surat	₹ 2.7 Lakhs
Agra	₹ 4.0 Lakhs
Chandigarh	₹ 1.3 Lakhs
Gurgaon	₹ 3.0 Lakhs
Pune	₹ 3.0 Lakhs

Source

Average Criminal Lawyer Salary based on Experience:
 

Experience	Salary
1 Year	₹ 2.5 Lakhs
2 Year	₹ 3.0 Lakhs
3 Year	₹ 4.2 Lakhs
5 Year	₹ 4.9 Lakhs
7 Year	₹ 5.4 Lakhs

Source

Average Criminal Lawyer Salary based on Industry:
 

Industry	Salary
Law Enforcement & Security	₹ 2.7 Lakhs
Legal	₹ 1.3 Lakhs
Federal Agencies	₹ 2.7 Lakhs
Financial Services	₹ 4.2 Lakhs
Analytics & KPO	₹ 2.8 Lakhs

Source

2. Corporate Lawyer

Corporate lawyers help companies in complying with the rules and regulations of their industry. They are responsible for assisting their client with all the legal processes related to a company’s formation and management. 

As a corporate lawyer, you’d have to advise your client in claiming liability, and business transactions, and represent in court during a trial. Corporate lawyers help their clients in reviewing and submitting legal documents related to their issues. 

Corporate lawyers must be familiar with many subjects including Competition Law, Advanced Company Law, Commercial Contract Drafting, M&A Transactions, Banking, Financial Law, etc. 

A corporate lawyer has the responsibility to make sure that the company’s transactions are in compliance with corporate law. They protect the company from any possible legal actions. 

Along with that, they are also responsible for the drafting of contracts, negotiations and partnerships done by the companies.

Corporate lawyers should be aware of business studies as they would be working at a corporate. They should align their thinking analytically in order to advise the business better. And most importantly, they should be acquainted with thinking critically and devising strategies.

Corporate Lawyer Salary in India

As a beginner, you can expect to earn INR 1.47 lakh per annum including the base salary and the offered bonuses. The upper limit for this profession is quite high and your pay can go up to INR 20 lakh per annum. This field is among the best career options in the legal sector in terms of growth opportunities and income potential.

Average Annual Corporate Lawyer Salary: ₹ 9.1 Lakhs

Source

Average Corporate Lawyer Salary based on Location:
 

City	Salary
New Delhi	₹10.0 Lakh
Mumbai	₹6.6 Lakh
Bangalore	₹23.9 Lakh
Pune	₹8.5 Lakh
Kolkata	₹2.4 Lakh
Noida	₹13.3 Lakh
Hyderabad	₹8.5 Lakh
Chandigarh	₹15.6 Lakh

Source

Average Corporate Lawyer Salary based on Experience:
 

Experience	Salary
1 Year	₹4.5 Lakh
2 Year	₹5.5 Lakh
3 Year	₹5.7 Lakh
4 Year	₹5.9 Lakh
5 Year	₹6.1 Lakh
6 Year	₹7.7 Lakh
7 Year	₹8.9 Lakh
10 Year	₹13.2 Lakh

Source

Average Corporate Lawyer Salary based on Industry:
 

Industry	Salary
Legal	₹13.3 Lakh
IT Services & Consulting	₹3.3 Lakh
Manufacturing	₹4.0 Lakh
Pharma	₹4.0 Lakh
Fashion & Textile	₹9.5 Lakh
Insurance	₹7.3 Lakh

Source

3. Judicial Services

A judge presides over court proceedings. They give the final verdict on a case after hearing arguments from both sides and evaluating the legal situation of the case. Judicial services are among the most respected careers in India. 

To pursue a career in the judicial services of India, you would need to appear for the state-level exam for judicial services. 

Judiciary is one of the pillars of Indian democracy that keeps a check and balance between the legislature and executive. It is one of the highly revered positions, where the judge gets enormous responsibility to deliver justice to people seeking it. That brings a lot of respect from society.

While working in the judiciary, the professional should have the following skillset-

1. Reasoning
2. Analytical Thinking
3. Critical Thinking
4. Active Listening
5. Writing
6. Empathy
7. Rational Thinking
8. Leadership 
9. Honesty

Judicial Services Salary in India

The salary of a High Court judge in India is INR 2.2 lakh per month. Similarly, the salary of a Supreme Court judge in India is INR 2.5 lakh per month. As it’s a government job, it offers many additional allowances and perks.

4. Legal Journalist

If you have a knack for writing, then you can pursue a career in legal journalism. Legal journalists attend court hearings and report the facts directly. They write articles for publications that could be online (blog, website, and social media) as well as offline (newspaper, magazine, etc.). 

Legal journalists might take part in discussions on legal issues as they have a strong understanding of the law and current affairs. 

This field requires strong communication skills and writing skills. However, it’s also possible for a legal journalist to work in visual media (television, YouTube, etc.) instead of being limited to writing. It’s certainly a unique career with a specific set of opportunities and challenges. 

Legal journalists have creative freedom and have the tool of words they must use very consciously. They document the hearings and create articles to be published to the broader public.

Some of the below-mentioned skills are important that legal journalists should possess-

1. Active listening
2. Good writing skills
3. General Knowledge
4. Current Affairs
5. Shorthand

Legal Journalist Salary in India

Beginner-level professionals in this field earn around INR 1.6 lakh per annum however senior-level professionals can earn up to INR 9.89 lakh per annum. It’s among the best career option in the legal industry for creative people.

Average Annual Journalist Salary: ₹ 4.1 Lakhs

Source

Average Journalist Salary based on Location:
 

City	Salary
New Delhi	₹4.8 Lakh
Kolkata	₹5.1 Lakh
Mumbai	₹4.9 Lakh
Bangalore	₹6.0 Lakh
Hyderabad	₹2.5 Lakh
Noida	₹2.9 Lakh
Chennai	₹2.8 Lakh
Pune	₹4.1 Lakh

Source

Average Journalist Salary based on Experience:
 

Experience	Salary
1 Year	₹2.5 Lakh
3 Year	₹3.4 Lakh
4 Year	₹3.8 Lakh
6 Year	₹4.3 Lakh
10 Year	₹5.8 Lakh

Source

Average Journalist Salary based on Industry:
 

Industry	Salary
Media & Entertainment	₹5.0 Lakh
Printing & Publishing	₹3.5 Lakh
Broadcasting	₹3.3 Lakh
Internet	₹4.4 Lakh
Financial Services	₹3.4 Lakh
IT Services & Consulting	₹7.1 Lakh

Source

5. Legal Analyst

Legal analysts are responsible for researching and reviewing legal issues while making recommendations on the same. They assist legal teams and lawyers in performing research, gathering evidence, preparing legal documents, and performing various tasks to help the lawyers perform their duties.

Legal analysts are also known as paralegals, or litigation analysts, and their work can vary a lot depending on the case they are working on and who they are assisting. They are responsible for handling tracking systems and databases while collating, tracking, and reviewing important documents. 

They work during the usual business hours but might have to work overtime while working on big cases. Moreover, they might have to travel for researching more on their cases. Legal analysts must have a basic understanding of the law, legal documentation, research in law, and management. 

Legal analysts should have the skills to research, analyze, and have good research skills. Having good time management and organizational skills are also crucial skills that one must possess. 

The answer to common apprehension, “Is law a good career in India?” would be yes. It is an excellent career in India, where there is high pay and various paths one can choose post-completion of their course.

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Legal Analyst Salary in India

It’s an attractive field for beginners in the legal industry who want to get hands-on experience. The pay of a legal analyst in India can go up to INR 9.8 lakh per annum.

Average Annual Legal Analyst Salary: ₹ 5.1 Lakhs

Source

Average Legal Analyst Salary based on Location:
 

City	Salary
New Delhi	₹ 4.8 Lakhs
Mumbai	₹ 5.8 Lakhs
Bangalore	₹ 6.3 Lakhs
Pune	₹ 5.1 Lakhs
Kolkata	₹ 4.4 Lakhs
Noida	₹ 4.7 Lakhs
Hyderabad	₹ 7.0 Lakhs
Gurgaon	₹ 4.6 Lakhs

Source

Average Legal Analyst Salary based on Experience:
 

Experience	Salary
1 Year	₹ 4.3 Lakhs
2 Year	₹ 4.7 Lakhs
3 Year	₹ 5.4 Lakhs
4 Year	₹ 5.7 Lakhs
5 Year	₹ 6.9 Lakhs

Source

Average Legal Analyst Salary based on Industry:
 

Industry	Salary
IT Services & Consulting	₹ 4.8 Lakhs
Legal	₹ 3.9 Lakhs
Software Product	₹ 5.4 Lakhs
Financial Services	₹ 6.1 Lakhs
Internet	₹ 5.5 Lakhs

Source

6. Civil Lawyer

Civil lawyers handle non-criminal litigation, but their duties are the same as criminal lawyers. Civil lawyers take over the litigation once a defendant hires them. A civil lawyer is responsible for all the case-related tasks such as communicating with the other party’s lawyers and the judge, interviewing the people related to the case, filing motions, hiring expert witnesses, presenting the case, and much more.

There are many specializations among civil lawyers so the field is quite diverse. Common specializations in this field include divorce law, taxation law, excise law, etc. 

Civil lawyers support their clients by maintaining a good hold of their cases. They look into the dispute and devise necessary strategies to achieve success.

Various domains fall under civil law, such as property disputes, family, business, and many more. Civil lawyers have the knowledge and mind to look through the details. They make a lot of research and effort to save the legal rights of their clients.

Some of the skills required in the field of civil law are mentioned below-

1. Persuasion
2. Communication
3. Writing
4. Knowledge of law
5. General knowledge of society and current affairs
6. Empathy

Civil Lawyer Salary in India

As we mentioned before, there are many branches civil law, so it’s rather challenging to determine the average civil lawyer salary in India but it is around ₹3 Lakhs per annum.

The pay in this field depends primarily on your experience. The more experienced you are, the better is your understanding of the country’s law and litigation process. The answer to the common apprehension of “Is lawyer a good career in India?” would be yes, it is a very good profession.

Average Annual Civil Lawyer Salary: ₹ 3 Lakhs

Source

Average Civil Lawyer Salary based on Location:
 

City	Salary
Delhi	₹4.0 – 15.0 Lakhs
Mumbai	₹4.5 – 20.0 Lakhs
Bangalore	₹3.5 – 12.0 Lakhs
Chennai	₹3.0 – 10.0 Lakhs
Kolkata	₹3.0 – 10.0 Lakhs
Hyderabad	₹3.0 – 12.0 Lakhs
Pune	₹3.0 – 10.0 Lakhs
Ahmedabad	₹2.5 – 8.0 Lakhs

Source

Average Civil Lawyer Salary based on Experience:
 

Experience	Salary
Entry-level (0-2 years)	₹3.0 – 6.0 Lakhs
Mid-level (2-5 years)	₹6.0 – 12.0 Lakhs
Senior-level (5-10 years)	₹12.0 – 20.0 Lakhs
Experienced (10+ years)	₹20.0 Lakhs and above

Source

Average Civil Lawyer Salary based on Industry:
 

Industry	Salary
Corporate Sector	₹6.0 – 25.0 Lakhs
Law Firms	₹5.0 – 30.0 Lakhs
Government Sector	₹5.0 – 20.0 Lakhs
Judiciary	₹1.0 – 1.5 Lakhs
Legal Consultancies	₹5.0 – 20.0 Lakhs

7. Legal Advisor

One of the most career options in law is legal advisor. As a legal advisor, you’d be responsible for advising your client on legal issues, preventing litigation, and taking care of contractual and regulatory problems. 

Legal advisors have to negotiate with the other party to resolve disputes and analyze contracts for their organization. Organizations rely on legal advisors to prevent legal disputes. Legal advisors usually offer advice to the upper management of a company and work with them to resolve any legal disputes that arise. 

Prominent skills in this sector include Legal Research, Contract Negotiation, Contract Management, and Litigation Case Management.

 Legal Advisor Salary in India

Freshers in this field earn around INR 1.4 lakh per annum. However, with sufficient skills and experience, your pay can go up to INR 14 lakh per annum. It’s certainly one of the most lucrative career options in law, and if you’re interested in a corporate career away from litigation, then you should definitely give this field a try.

Average Annual Legal Advisor Salary: ₹ 6 Lakhs

Source

Average Legal Advisor Salary based on Location:
 

City	Salary
Delhi	₹ 7.2 Lakhs
Mumbai	₹ 6.4 Lakhs
Bangalore	₹ 7.2 Lakhs
Chennai	₹ 5.3 Lakhs
Kolkata	₹ 5.0 Lakhs
Hyderabad	₹ 4.1 Lakhs
Pune	₹ 5.3 Lakhs
Gurgaon	₹ 6.2 Lakhs

Source

Average Legal Advisor Salary based on Experience:
 

Experience	Salary
1 Year	₹ 3.5 Lakhs
2 Year	₹ 3.9 Lakhs
3 Year	₹ 4.3 Lakhs
4 Year	₹ 4.9 Lakhs
5 Year	₹ 5.6 Lakhs

Source

Average Legal Advisor Salary based on Industry:
 

Industry	Salary
IT Services & Consulting	₹ 4.9 Lakhs
Legal	₹ 5.1 Lakhs
Real Estate	₹ 10.0 Lakhs
Financial Services	₹ 4.0 Lakhs
Internet	₹ 5.3 Lakhs

Source

Future of Indian Legal Profession

In my experience, the Career Options in Law in India are po poised for significant growth and transposed for significant growth and transformation. With the country’s expanding economy, the demand for legal services will become even more crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Technological advancements are already reshaping the practice of law, with a notable shift towards digital platforms and e-discovery tools. Specializations such as cyber law and intellectual property are expected to gain prominence in this evolving landscape. Furthermore, alternative dispute resolution methods and the emergence of legal tech startups are set to enrich and diversify the legal profession making it a dynamic and thriving field. 

Conclusion

As you can see, the legal sector offers various career opportunities. You should pick one of these careers according to your interests and aspirations. For example, if you’re a creative person who loves to write then pursuing a career in legal journalism would be best for you. On the other hand, if you have strong interpersonal and oration skills, you can become a civil lawyer. 

With so much variety available in the law sector, it can get quite daunting to choose one particular stream. Be sure to consider all the factors while making your selection so you can make an informed decision regarding your career.