The legal profession is in high demand today. Due to the changing social and economic circumstances and the ever-increasing regulatory role that the government is taking on, the demand for lawyers is increasing. Law is not only financially lucrative but also an adventurous and exciting career option. Gone are the days when students chose only engineering and medical professions. The legal profession has evolved tremendously over the past few years. But the question that most students have is how to become a lawyer in India.
Becoming a lawyer is one of the most rewarding career options in terms of both job satisfaction and salary potential in India. According to the Bar Council of India, the Indian legal profession has about 12 lakh registered advocates, 950 law schools, and 4-5 lakh law students. In India, about 60,000-70,000 law graduates enter the legal profession every year.
To become a lawyer, certain eligibility criteria must be met. The first and primary eligibility criteria are that the candidate must have passed the 12th class examination from a recognized board or university. After which he can take various law entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, SLAT, etc. Read the full article to know all the details about how to become a lawyer in India.
But before we move further, let’s understand…
Topics covered
Who is a lawyer?
A lawyer is a qualified, licensed practitioner who drafts legal documents for the administration, prosecution, or defense of legal actions. Lawyers are mainly responsible for solving the legal problems of their clients. According to their specialization, lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including divorce, property disputes, marital problems, and criminal offenses. They are compensated for the causes they fight.
Read about the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Advocate
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Types of Lawyers in India
The work of a lawyer is not easy, different specifications study the details and subtleties in different fields and sectors. Below are the types of lawyers you can consider after becoming a lawyer.
| Type of Lawyer | Description |
| Civil Lawyer | Handles civil matters like property disputes, contract breaches, family law, consumer disputes, and other non-criminal legal issues. |
| Criminal Lawyer | Specializes in criminal law, representing individuals or entities accused of crimes, ensuring their rights are protected during legal proceedings. |
| Corporate Lawyer | Deals with corporate legal matters including governance, mergers, contracts, intellectual property, compliance, and other business-related issues. |
| Family Lawyer | Focuses on family legal matters like divorce, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, inheritance, and related issues within families. |
| Labor Lawyer | Specializes in labor and employment laws, representing employees, employers, or labor unions in workplace disputes, rights protection, compliance, and other labor-related matters. |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer | Handles cases related to intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, assisting in their protection and enforcement. |
| Tax Lawyer | Specializes in tax law, providing legal advice and representation in tax planning, disputes, compliance, and other tax-related issues. |
| Constitutional Lawyer | Focuses on constitutional law, dealing with issues related to the interpretation and application of the Indian Constitution, fundamental rights, constitutional challenges, and public interest litigation. |
| Environmental Lawyer | Deals with legal matters concerning environmental regulations, conservation, sustainability, pollution cases, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. |
| Real Estate Lawyer | Handles legal aspects of property transactions like buying, selling, leasing, and development, ensuring legal compliance, resolving disputes, and reviewing contracts in real estate deals. |
Also, read; Career in Law
How to become a lawyer after 12th in India?
Becoming a lawyer after completing class 12 in India is a structured process with several key eligibility that pave the way for a successful legal career.
Here’s a simplified guide on how to navigate this journey:
- Complete Class 12: The first step is to finish your Class 12 education from a recognized board, irrespective of the stream you choose.
- Obtain an Undergraduate Degree: If you want to know how to become a lawyer after graduation! You’ll need an undergraduate degree in any discipline to qualify for an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) program. However, you can opt for an integrated LLB course to skip this step. Also, before enrolling in these courses, they have to clear the law entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, LSAT, etc.
- Complete law Degree: Once you secure admission, you’ll undergo either a traditional LLB course or an integrated program, culminating in an LLB degree.
- Internship Experience: As part of your LLB curriculum, participating in internships exposes you to real-world court procedures and legal services.
- Register with State Bar Council: To practice law, you must register with the State Bar Council after completing your LLB. This registration also qualifies you for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
- Qualify for AIBE: A successful AIBE exam outcome is crucial for obtaining a license to practice law, especially for roles like Corporate Lawyers or court practitioners.
- Begin Practicing and Gain Experience: With the necessary qualifications and licenses in hand, you can start practicing law, gaining experience, and exploring opportunities in government sectors or law firms.
List of law courses in India
Here are some of the courses you can consider to become a lawyer in India:
| Course Type | Eligibility |
| BA LLB (Hons) | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
| BA LLB | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
| BBA LLB | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
| LLB | Graduation degree from any recognized university |
| LLM | LLB degree from a recognized university |
| PhD (Law) or LLD | LLM degree from a recognized university |
Must read: LLB in India
Fees Structure
Candidates typically choose colleges based on both the fee structure and placement opportunities. The top National Law Universities have fees ranging from INR 4 to 15 lakhs for the entire course. Colleges across India offer various specializations to equip students with relevant market skills, spanning UG, PG, and Doctorate levels.
Admissions hinge on entrance tests conducted by universities, college consortia, or state-level exams. Generally, government colleges have lower fees compared to private ones. Notable institutions include both government and private colleges known for their quality education and placement records.
Suggested read: LLB Colleges in India & Law Colleges in Delhi
Job Opportunities & Salary
In India, the field of law has undergone significant transformations, offering diverse job opportunities beyond traditional courtroom practice. From legal analysis and document drafting to roles in journalism, advisory services, and academia, law graduates have a wide array of paths to explore. Moreover, the advent of technology, alternative dispute resolution, and specialized legal domains like intellectual property and data privacy have broadened the scope even further.
Job Opportunities
- Legal Analyst: Analyzing legal issues and providing insights.
- Document Drafting Lawyer: Crafting legal documents with precision.
- Legal Journalist: Reporting on legal developments and cases.
- Legal Advisor: Offering counsel to individuals and organizations.
- Solicitor General: Representing the government in legal matters.
- Law School Professor: Educating future legal professionals.
- NGO Work: Advocating for social causes and public interest.
Top Legal Firms and Emerging Trends
India boasts prestigious law firms like Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co., reflecting the industry’s growth. Emerging trends such as technology integration, alternative dispute resolution, and interdisciplinary skills are shaping the legal landscape, creating new job roles and demands.
Average Expected Salary
The financial rewards in the legal sector are substantial, with litigation lawyers earning around ₹419,728 annually and corporate lawyers averaging ₹692,821 per year. Additionally, opportunities in Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) offer competitive compensation packages. For those inclined towards social impact, a career in law can also lead to fulfilling public service roles.
The legal profession in India presents a dynamic blend of career prospects, financial stability, and opportunities for professional growth.
Epilogue!
Phew! So that was way too long and seriously if you’re bored or yawning, you must not take this weird passion of yours to be a Lawyer.
No wait, I am serious. If you found this article long then, pal, you are in for the wrong option. Choose wisely. The law may not be the best place for you.
Still, wondering how to become a lawyer? Well, then you better get in touch with our experts who can guide you specifically after assessing your troubles. You can avail of iDreamCareer’s special services for that.
We are here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful future!
Also Read:
- Peek into the Life of a Lawyer
- AIL LET Exam 2024
- Career in Cyber Law
- CLAT exam
- LLB in India
- Law Colleges in Chennai
- Career as a Public Prosecutor
- Career As a Corporate Lawyer
- Career as a Criminal Lawyer
- Career in Civil Law
FAQs
To become a corporate lawyer in India, you typically need a law degree from a recognized institution. After completing your degree, gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in corporate law firms. Consider specializing in corporate law through internships.
To become a government lawyer in India, you typically need to complete a law degree (LLB) from a recognized university. Then, you must pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to practice law. After gaining some experience, you can apply for government lawyer positions through competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission Exam, the State Public Service Commission Exam, and the Judiciary Exam conducted by state or central agencies.
To become a criminal lawyer in India, you typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university. After graduation, you must pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) and register with the Bar Council of India. Gaining practical experience through internships or working with experienced lawyers is also beneficial.
Integrated law programs such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, and BCom LLB typically span 5-6 years after 12th grade, leading to qualification as a lawyer in around 5-6 years from starting the bachelor’s degree.
After working for 5 years in subordinate or high courts, lawyers must train under a Supreme Court Advocate before practicing independently in India’s Supreme Court.
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Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.
Nice, it was very helpful and informative.