Careers in Law

Career in Law has always been a reliable option that has attracted youngsters with a zeal for justice. But over the years, the career path and career graph for a lawyer has also undergone several changes. Wondering if Career as a lawyer is the right choice for you? Let’s find out!

Is Law the right career option for you?

Law is a profession that requires patience and logical skills. In Law, success doesn’t come overnight as it demands complete devotion towards work and commitment to become a successful lawyer. It becomes a lot easier if one trains under a Senior Counsel at the beginning of their career. Fluent communication skills along-with the ability to articulate and analyse a respective case in a proper way within the limited time period are pre-requisites for lawyers. Therefore, one should consider these points before choosing Law as a career option.

Law Courses and Eligibility Criteria

Now that you are clear about what it takes to become a Lawyer, let’s find out which are the different courses that you can take up to build a career in Law.

Diploma Courses in Law

The duration of Diploma courses are of 1 year, and the eligibility to join these courses is class 12^th pass or Graduation in any discipline. The most Diploma Courses in Law are as follows:

· Diploma in Taxation Law (DTL)

· Diploma in Cyber Law

· Diploma in Labour Laws and Labour Welfare

Bachelor Degree Courses in Law

Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.)

There are two options available to pursue LLB course. One is the 3-year course, and the eligibility for this course is Graduation in any discipline and the other one is an Integrated course of 5-year duration for undergraduate students.

Bachelor of Laws [L.L.B.] (Intellectual Property Rights)

It is a 3- year long course divided into six semesters, and the eligibility criteria to this course is Graduation in any discipline

Master Degree Courses in Law

Master of Law (LLM)

this course can be of 1 or years, divided into 4 or more semesters. In order to take admission to this course, students should have LL.B. degree from a recognized University with at-least 50% marks.

Law Entrance Tests

In order to take admission to a Law course, students need to crack either of the following Entrance tests, which are held at National and State levels:

Top Law Colleges in India:

Since you have got the overview of Law Courses and the eligibility criteria to join these courses, let’s take a look at the list of top Law colleges in India:

• Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

• Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

• Symbiosis Society's Law College (SSLC), Pune

• National Law University, Jodhpur

• National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore

• National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal

• NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

• ILS Law College, Pune

• Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)

• Government Law College, Mumbai

• Amity Law School, Delhi

• Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

Career Prospect in Law

One can also work as a legal adviser for various organisations. Teaching in colleges, working with NGOs and working as a reporter for newspapers and television channels are other attractive options.

There are ample career opportunities for Law Graduates. After completing the Bachelor Degree course in Law, one can work with corporate firm as business Lawyers or even practice as an Advocate in a Court of Law. A Law Graduate can even become a Judge by clearing entrance exams that are conducted by Public Service Commissions. With some years of rich experience, law graduates can even become a Public Prosecutor, Solicitor General, or even work with government departments and ministries. One can even work as a legal advisor for various private and public organizations. Law Graduates can also work in academics, television channels and NGOs as well, where they can work as teachers and consultants.

Job Opportunities in Law

Students after completing their Degree Courses in Law can work as: 

• Legal Journalist: Covers legal proceedings in courts, crime beats, arbitration courts, arbitration events, and international courts

• Legal Analyst: Works for law or corporate firms and analyses law system of a company and its operation

• Legal Advisor: Offers consultancy to companies in regard to their legal duties, obligations, and legal relations with other firms

• Judge: Gives judgment after conducting the court proceedings and hearing the concerned parties

• Government Lawyer: Works for the government and in close coordination with the police department

• Document Drafting Lawyer: Specialises in drafting various documents such as terms and conditions, agreements, and case material

• Criminal Lawyer: Specialises in criminal laws, IPC, Evidence Act and various other penal laws

• Civil Litigation Lawyer: Specializes in civil laws such as taxation laws and excise laws

Salary Packages in Law

Law Graduates who wish to start practicing in a court can get a stipend of Rs.5, 000 to Rs.45, 000 per month, depending upon the level of advocate he is working with. Those who are working with legal process outsourcing can expect to earn in the range of Rs.25,000 to Rs. 55,000 per month. Law is considered as a well-paid profession, and sky is limit, provided students have the right skill-set and a Law degree from a reputed college.