Legal Blog Posts

Summary: In this article, you will learn about the Top 7 Career Options in Law In India. Criminal Lawyer Corporate Lawyer Judicial Services Legal Journalist Legal Analyst Civil Lawyer 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. 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: – Our Learners also read: Free Law courses online! 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- Good knowledge of the law Adaptable  Negotiation Critical Thinking 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 The average pay of a criminal lawyer in India is INR 7 lakh per annum. 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.  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 The average salary of a corporate lawyer in India is INR 6.9 lakh per year. 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.  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- Reasoning Analytical Thinking Critical Thinking Active Listening Writing Empathy Rational Thinking Leadership  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- Active listening Good writing skills General Knowledge Current Affairs Shorthand Legal Journalist Salary in India The average salary of a journalist in India is INR 3.7 lakh per annum. 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.  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. You can also check out our free courses offered by upGrad in Management, Data Science, Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, and Technology. All of these courses have top-notch learning resources, weekly live lectures, industry assignments, and a certificate of course completion – all free of cost! Legal Analyst Salary in India The average salary of legal analysts in India is INR 4.14 lakh per year. 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.  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- Persuasion Communication Writing Knowledge of law General knowledge of society and current affairs 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. Different specializations offer different salaries as divorce lawyers earn INR 10 lakh per annum on average, while Intellectual Property lawyers might earn considerably more than the former.  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. 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 The average salary of legal advisors in India is INR 5.9 lakh per annum. Freshers in this field earn around INR 2.73 lakh per annum. However, with sufficient skills and experience, your pay can go up to INR 40 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.  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. 

The judiciary is one of the four pillars of democracy. And in India, the Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country. Thus, it automatically makes the Supreme Court lawyers one of the country’s pivotal professionals. But is it that easy to attain this prestigious position? Certainly not. However, with utmost dedication and sincerity, the chances of being an advocate in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India rise exponentially.  Undoubtedly, students are perplexed about their careers after passing class 12th. But we have it sorted out for those who wish to pursue litigation. This blog will explain in detail how to become a Supreme Court lawyer.  Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Supreme Court Lawyer in India To see oneself as an advocate in the Supreme Court of India requires enduring many hardships. Along with a solid academic foundation, the candidates should learn how to deal with real-world problems. As in this strenuous journey, the aspirants must dedicate time to practising what they have learned to solve real cases.  Now, let us see the steps required to achieve the prestigious position of Supreme Court advocate.  Step 1: Completing the Undergraduate degree in Law  The very first step towards the goal of becoming a Supreme Court lawyer is to enrol in an LLB programme. Those candidates who have recently cleared the higher secondary will go for a 5 year integrated course through CLAT or other private colleges. Although, those who have graduated in other disciplines would need to do a 3-year LLB programme.  Step 2: Gaining Experience One of the most crucial elements in becoming a lawyer is to gain practical experience. To do so, a student can wait for the completion of their LLB programme. However, it is advisable to engage in internships with advocates or law firms during the tenure of the course.  Absorbing practical knowledge and building the legal skills required to solve real-world problems is essential. It will make you industry-ready with added professionalism.  Step 3: Enrol with State Bar Council The profession of a lawyer in India is not only highly respected but is of utmost importance as well. Thus, to ensure sanity in the realm, it is mandatory for any lawyer first to get registered with the State Bar Council to be eligible to practise law as an advocate in the court. Only after BCI approves them can they use their theoretical knowledge in the courts of India.  Step 4: Clear All India Bar Examination (AIBE)  Like other professions that hold a qualifying examination for their candidates, the field of law does the same. Here, aspiring lawyers must clear the All India Bar Exam to practise in the courts of law. This 100 marks exam is held annually by the Bar Council of India. The entire paper is based on objective questions for which the candidates get 3 hours and 30 minutes. And upon passing the examination and obtaining the certificate, the advocates can practise in court. Step 5: Acquire Required Experience Being a Supreme Court lawyer in India is a complex process. It takes a minimum of 6 years after completing the LLB programme. Now, how is that so? The answer is experience.  One can practise as an advocate in the Supreme Court of India after completing 5 years of experience at subordinate courts, i.e., district and high courts. And then can go on to serve as a trainee under a Supreme Court advocate before independently practising the law.  Step 6: Pass the Advocate on Record Exam Another mandatory step before practising in the Supreme Court of India is to clear their examination. The Advocate on Record Exam (AOR) is conducted to evaluate the calibre of the lawyer practising in the apex court of India. Therefore, when the lawyer passes the exam, they are qualified to practise law in the Supreme Court of India. They must register as an Advocate on Record Member in the Supreme Court Bar Association. Step 7: Own an Office  After completing each required step, the lawyer must register for an office space. One thing that must be taken care of is that the registered office is within 10 miles of the premises of the Supreme Court. Also, the presence of a registered office clerk is mandatory. Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition. Detailed Structure of AOR Examination One examination unique to those who aspire to be Supreme Court lawyers is the Advocate on Record exam. It ensures that those practising law there are well-versed with the required knowledge and legal skill. And after passing this exam, the lawyers are given a prestigious title and a huge responsibility. Thus, it is evident that the AOR exam isn’t an easy nut to crack.  Let us see the complete structure of the Advocate on Record Exam.  The AOR examination is conducted once every year to determine which lawyers can practise law and represent their clients in the Supreme Court of India. The entire exam is split into 4 sets of papers conducted on 4 different days.  Paper 1: Practice and procedure of Supreme Court Paper 2: Drafting Paper 3: Professional Ethics Paper 4: Leading Cases Each paper has 100 marks and is filled with descriptive questions. There are 27 questions spread over four papers.  The time duration for each paper is 3 hours.   The lawyer must secure 50% in each paper and a total of 60% marks to pass the examination. Although, if the candidate couldn’t secure 60% marks in aggregate but successfully got 50% marks in each paper, or vice versa, they can reappear for the examination. However, the lawyer can only choose one of their preferred papers to repeat.  The candidates are only given five attempts to appear in the AOR examination.  The pattern of exam papers varies almost every year. The committee of three judges, chosen for this task by the Chief Justice of India, appoints special examiners for the AOR examination. If you are wondering how to become a Supreme Court advocate, enrol in LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law from JGU to learn from the cutting-edge curriculum about the legal aspect of corporate finance. The course will give you a thorough knowledge of the legal intricacies of corporate law firms, structuring commercial deals, and much more. What Is Independent Law Practice? In this journey of being a successful advocate, guidance from seniors is of great value. However, after getting the required training, several lawyers operate their legal firms rather than assist in a larger organisation. In this setup, with the freedom of choosing cases and clients comes an equal cut of unique challenges.  With autonomy over work schedules come managing administrative tasks and limited resources. Here, one needs to build a reputation with a sound track of clients, which requires strong networking skills. Another element that lawyers in their independent journey must remember is to uphold ethical principles. This will help them gain high credibility and trust, two crucial components of the profession.  Being an independent law practitioner, one also learns entrepreneurial skills. It also allows young lawyers to choose their niche and specialise in it.  Pursue LL.M in Intellectual Property and Technology Law from upGrad, to gain in-depth knowledge of topics ranging from patent law to digital rights. Challenges of Young Lawyers Practising in SC/HC The respect of being a lawyer can only be enjoyed after dealing with its fair share of challenges. Young law practitioners of the Supreme Court or high court especially go through some common issues. These affect them deeply in the initial days of their career. Some of these challenges are listed below: Lack of experience Dealing with higher expectations  Extensive working hours Difficulty in dealing with an environment of practise Read our Popular Articles related to Law Top Career Options for Lawyers Top 7 Career Options in Law In India: Which One Should You Choose Average Corporate Lawyer Salary in India [For Freshers & Experienced] Skills To Be a Successful Advocate Every profession demands a particular set of skills to ace it. Similarly, in the profession of an advocate, there are a particular set of skills that one must master to be a successful career in practising law. These skills are also the answer to how to become a lawyer of Supreme Court. So, let us dive into it.  Public speaking skills The first and foremost quality of a lawyer everyone notices is how they present their argument in a court of law. Therefore, it must be a lawyer’s most vital skill as it holds the power to turn things favourable on their part.  Some elements that their speech must have are information, logic, clarity, terminologies, and expression.  Investigating and applying logic The various things that make a lawyer best at their job is how their mind works. Unlike the common people, they dive deep into a subject and investigate it using their analytical and logical skills. Explore our Popular Law Courses LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Jindal Law School Teamwork It might look like a lawyer works in isolation, but that’s not the reality. They work closely with secretaries, support staff, and some experts. Thus, the skill of working in a team is crucial for lawyers.  Perseverance In the journey of being a successful advocate, perseverance is one quality that the lawyer must have. During the initial days and even after attaining a good position, there will be days when the situation will be much more harsh than expected. And in those days, perseverance will help surpass it all. Learn Law Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn an LLM Degree to fast-track your career. Conclusion To be a Supreme Court lawyer in India demands a lot of dedication, perseverance and honest commitment towards the pursuit of justice. Challenges will come your way even after this, but the entire journey will be rewarding.  A tip for all young lawyers would be to build strong networks and seek mentorship. Along with this, staying updated with legal developments is essential. All in all, there shouldn’t be any compromise in gaining advocacy skills, as this will only help you reach heights in this esteemed profession. You can also sign up for LLM in Dispute Resolution to scale your career under the guidance of industry mentors and learn how to become an advocate in Supreme Court. The relevant case studies and dissertation will provide you with in-depth knowledge.  FAQs

Introduction: Law is the system that upholds the true meaning of righteousness and justice of any country. It is one of the most honourable and respectable professions globally. Adorning the black coat, which symbolizes discipline and confidence to a lawyer, comes with great responsibility. There is a good scope to build a career in law, as almost all sectors have legal matters which require professionals in Law. In fact, in FY19, the legal expenses of listed Indian companies increased to more than Rs. 38,660 crores due to the new laws that came into force. A career in law is satisfying both financially and in terms of the sense of fulfilment that comes from assisting society’s members in becoming more aware of and comprehending their fundamental human rights. It is crucial to emphasize that a legal profession in India does not always entail defending clients in courts or tribunals, although it does. Law graduates can work as Judges, Litigators, Consultants, Analysts, and more, in addition to providing legal advice to government organizations, corporations, and people on legal conflicts and challenges. When one concentrates on a topic of interest, their professional profile improves even more. Learn Law Courses from the World’s top Universities to fast-track your career. How to start your career in Law? To start a career in Law, you’ll need excellent communication, research, analytical, and time management abilities. Students interested in Law can hone these abilities in law school. Determine which law job best fits your interests before enrolling in a school. Then figure out what kind of degree you’ll need to go into that field. There are two different types of undergraduate degrees available in Law, i.e., Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree. While an associate degree in Law provides you with a legal job, like paralegal, police officer, legal assistant, or probation officer, just after two years of education, it restricts your chances of having further education. So if you want to do a master’s or doctorate in Law, you should opt for a bachelor’s degree in Law. You can do an integrated five-year course just after completing 12th, where you’ll get a bachelor’s degree in a field of your choice along with your LLB (Bachelor’s of Law) degree. You can opt for a bachelor’s degree in Law after completing your bachelor’s in any other field, like BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, etc. To get into the finest law schools in India and overseas, you must either go through a rigorous screening process or pass Law entrance examinations. Common-Law Admission Test [CLAT], All India Law Entrance Test [AILET], Law School Admission Test [LSAT], IPU CET – Law, Army Institute of Law Test [AILT], Cambridge Law Test, Law National Aptitude Test [LNAT], and DU LLB exam are some of the exams that you must pass in order to pursue a career in Law. Specialization in the Field of Law Are you pondering is lawyer a good career? Indeed it is as the scope of law is very wide. As a lawyer, you can specialize in various areas of law, allowing you to gain expertise and provide specialized legal services to clients in specific fields. Here are some common specializations that lawyers can pursue to have a promising career in law: Corporate Law: These lawyers have a strong understanding of business law, finance and taxation. They advise businesses on forming a corporation, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. Criminal Law: Criminal lawyers represent individuals accused of crimes in both state and federal courts. They may work as prosecutors or defence lawyers. Constitutional Law: Constitutional lawyers interpret and defend the Constitution’s principles and rights. They handle cases of infringement of freedom of speech, privacy rights, and constitutional rights. Real Estate Law: Real estate lawyers handle property-related legal matters. They advise on property transactions, including buying, selling, leasing, and financing real estate. They may also assist with property disputes. Intellectual Property (IP) Law: IP Lawyers protect intellectual property rights. They represent their clients in creative works, inventions, patents, trademarks, and copyright infringement cases. Family Law: Family lawyers manage legal affairs related to marriage, divorce, child custody, alimony, adoption, and other family-related issues. Labor Law: Labor lawyers handle employment-related matters for employers or employees. They deal in cases like employment contracts, discrimination claims, workplace harassment, labor disputes, and employee rights. Tax Law: Tax lawyers handle taxation related cases like tax planning, tax compliance, tax disputes, and other tax-related matters. International Law: International lawyers handle cases involving trade, investment, and human rights that cross international borders.  Cybersecurity and Privacy Law: Cyber lawyers help clients with hacking, data breaches, and online fraud cases. They also advise clients on data protection, privacy regulations, cybercrime, and technology-related legal issues. Explore our Popular Law Courses LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Jindal Law School Opportunities in Law Studying Law provides access to a diverse range of opportunities that other professions cannot match. After completing your LLB programme, you will be qualified to work in different types of Law careers of a corporate law company, litigation firm, any other corporation as in-house counsel, conventional litigation, legal journalism, and a variety of other fields. A legal degree might also lead to career opportunities in other nations. You practise Law, work in law firms, and even pursue higher education in foreign countries with the help of your degree.   Given below are a few of the major job profiles you can opt for after completing your education in Law. State-Level or Local Level Judge Another lucrative career in law you can pursue after completing LLB is that of a judge or a magistrate. In a court proceeding, a judge listens to arguments and delivers a final verdict after careful evaluation. Those interested in pursuing law careers in the judicial stream can take exams conducted by the UPSC and State PSC. As a government job, this profession offers various perks and allowances. Public Prosecutor A public prosecutor represents the government in criminal trials. They are appointed by either the state or the centre. They represent prosecution’s case in criminal trials, present evidence and arguments against the accused and examine witnesses. You must have a degree in law and a minimum of seven years of experience as an advocate to be a public prosecutor. Legal Advisor/ Law Officer Both Legal Advisor and Law Officer are not directly related to Courts or the Judiciary System. Instead, they work for different organizations. A legal advisor is a field where you can work for law firms, private companies, corporate businesses, or banks. You can give legal advice on a variety of topics. Your legal knowledge might likewise be put to good use in non-profit organizations. These organizations offer legal advice to their customers. Legal counsel is employed by the majority of large firms and government agencies. A Law Officer is in charge of overseeing the organization’s legal affairs. Your major responsibility as a Law officer is to keep the company out of legal difficulties. Advocates Advocates are a company’s, person’s, or client’s legal representatives who handle and solve their legal actions and problems from beginning to end. There are private advocates who work in their own offices or spaces but are affiliated with a company or have practised Law. Corporate advocates are commercial law professionals who are in charge of ensuring that the company’s transactions are compliant with corporate laws.  Litigators Litigators and Trial attorneys are terms used interchangeably. They are in charge of overseeing the whole litigation process, from inquiry, pleadings, and discovery through pre-trial, trial, settlement, and appeal. Lecturer If you get a postgraduate and higher degree in Law, then you can become a lecturer. In this profession, you’ll be expected to design and deliver lessons and lectures to cover the legal degree subject in a college or university. Apart from these jobs, there are many other careers in law that are available for legal professionals such as investigators, criminologists, solicitors, and other paralegal professions. You can also give the government exam called Indian Legal Services held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Clearing this exam will help you get into different legislative jobs available in the Department of Legal Affairs.  Salary Apart from being intellectually stimulating, a career in law can be financially rewarding. However, this depends on how you begin and chart out your career.  If you begin your career in a top-tier law firm or a leading company, your salary could begin at a few lakhs per year. The salaries could range anywhere between Rs 3 lakhs per month to Rs 20 lakhs per month apart from bonuses or incentives.  As you grow up the ladder, you can expect your salary to increase exponentially For instance, partners with around 10-15 years of experience in top tier law firms can easily expect to be paid Rs 50 lakhs per year to Rs 60 lakhs per year However, an advocate who practices litigation may start off with hardly a few thousand rupees every month. In most cases, a litigating advocate would be associated with a Chamber of a senior advocate. As time passes and the advocate gains credibility, he/she may start charging a few thousand to a few lakhs per appearance. Some of the top advocates in India charge a few lakhs for every appearance. If you are interested to pursue a career in financial or corporate Law, then you can opt for the LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law (Blended Learning Program) offered by Jindal Global Law School, in collaboration with upGrad. This course offers a cutting-edge curriculum, world-class faculty members and industry experts, career support, and much more.  Read our Popular Articles related to Law Top Career Options for Lawyers Top 7 Career Options in Law In India: Which One Should You Choose Average Corporate Lawyer Salary in India [For Freshers & Experienced] Conclusion There are several alternatives for law graduates, which are not limited to practising as an advocate in court or corporate businesses. These include teaching in universities, working with NGOs, and researching other legal professions. It is no longer a secret that being a well-known lawyer may drastically change your life. However, in order to become a lawyer, you must possess the necessary abilities; otherwise, you may find yourself with a legal degree but unable to advance in your job. So, on your journeys towards your Legal profession, all you need to do is work hard and be dedicated towards your goal.  Learn LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law from OP. Jindal Global University at upGrad.

Corporate lawyers are among the most in-demand professionals in our country, thanks to the unique skillset and expertise of such professionals.  When you plan a career in law, curiosity about the general lawyer salary in the country is very normal. The lawyer salary, or specifically, the lawyer salary in India, depends on a lot of parameters and has no single figure as an answer.  In order to find the answer to how much does a lawyer earn in India, one has to look into all of those parameters and get an estimation. The first and foremost parameter would be the category of the lawyer. Whether they are corporate lawyers, patent attorneys, criminal defense lawyers, and so forth. Compared to the other types, the salary of a corporate lawyer is usually on the higher side. However, the best way to determine how much in-demand a job really is through checking how much pay it offers. The average salary of lawyer in India depends on several factors ranging from the high demand in a specific location to the level of experience a lawyer brings to the table. Thus, to help you in understanding the demand of corporate lawyers in India, we have prepared the following article on corporate lawyer salary in India. Let’s get started: What is the Average Corporate Lawyer Salary in India? Take a look at the given figures based on the salary of a lawyer in India to understand how the salary figure works for lawyers based in India. These are estimated ranges of figures which are prone to change lawyer salary in India per month with a change in the company and their offered salary packages. The average corporate lawyer’s salary in India is INR 6.9 Lakh per annum. Freshers in this field earn around INR 1.47 Lakh per annum on average. This figure depends on the base salary, shared profit, and the received bonus.  Corporate lawyers are in evergreen demand because of the unique nature of their skill. Organizations of various sectors require the expertise of corporate lawyers to help them get through legal problems. It’s certainly one of the most sought-after professions and as the number of companies in India is increasing, the demand for corporate lawyers is increasing accordingly.  This might have given a rough idea of how much a lawyer earn in India, mainly a corporate one. However, there are many layers in determining a corporate lawyer salary in India. Our Learners also read: Free online Law courses with certificates! Job Description of Corporate Lawyer The job description plays a major role in determining the salary of a corporate lawyer and how much a lawyer earn in India. The more responsibilities they take, the higher their pay gets. Corporate lawyers will guide any company to run under the norms of the legal jurisdiction. They can work in-house, as a consultant, or even as advocates, policymakers, and researchers. From major operational decisions to new mergers to even cases against a company or business deals, corporate lawyers will be needed to set the parameters well. This field has emerged only recently and thus has hordes of opportunities as well as growth options. Corporate law offers immense potential to make it big, given the immense scope involved. If you have the mettle and are also hardworking and thorough in Business Law and sub-areas such as Investment Law, Financial Law, Human Rights, Diligence, Compliance, Environmental Law, IP Laws, Insurance Law, Constitutional Law, and International Trade Law; you can make a plunge in the field of corporate law. This prominently serves as the reason why the salary of a lawyer in India substantially grows with time. Primarily, corporate lawyers advise their clients in business transactions, defend them in lawsuits, claim liability, advise on prosecutions, obligations, and legal rights. They handle all the aspects of corporate law which consists of legal tasks pertaining to the formation, management, and administration of a company (or an entity similar to a company).  Common examples of such enterprises include LLCs (limited liability companies), partnerships, etc. They are responsible for assisting in formatting the new company which requires the filing of various legal documents related to incorporation and ensuring that the company meets all the local, state, and federal regulations. After the formation of a company, the corporate lawyer would advise the business on handling transactions with other corporations for helping the same comply with the regulations.  Corporate lawyers represent their clients in court or before government organizations. They are responsible for presenting and summarizing these cases to judges. In this process, the corporate lawyer might have to collect evidence, evaluate all the findings, and create strategies to present the case. They assist their companies in licensing new technologies and handling any legal issues that may arise. Corporate lawyers have to plan and advise their clients on corporate mergers, large deals, and acquisitions. Due to the unique requirements of their role, corporate lawyers must be experts at the corporate law of their country, state, and locality. They must be familiar with the various rules and regulations related to company formation, compliance, transactions, and other related aspects.  Corporate lawyers have to meet judges, argue motions, analyze laws, question witnesses and interpret regulations with probable case outcomes during a trial. Clearly, they require strong oration and interpersonal skills.  While corporate lawyers work in business hours they might have to work overtime because of the hectic nature of their role and during large transactions, legal cases, or mergers. They work with other legal team members such as patent lawyers to prepare their cases or ensure everything goes smoothly. The upper management of a company relies on the corporate lawyer to assist them with regulatory problems and corporate strategies.  As a corporate lawyer is responsible for meeting with regulators and government agencies, they might have to travel sometimes although the role doesn’t require much traveling. However, a lot of work conditions depend on the kind of enterprise they work with. For example, if your corporation has a lot of satellite offices, you might have to travel frequently.  Getting the top corporate lawyer salary in India depends on a lot of factors. We have discussed the most important determining factors of corporate lawyer salary in India in the next section.  According to a survey by Gallup, despite the scarcity in start-up practice from the lawyers’ end,  60% of lawyers in corporate departments have entrepreneurial ambitions. To become a corporate lawyer, you have to- Complete a bachelor’s degree in law or a related field Complete a relevant internship Apply for a license from the relevant Bar Association Network, work on gaining experience, and work developing a resume.  Factors Affecting Corporate Lawyer Salary in India There isn’t any one-rule-fits-all norm for deciding upon how much does a lawyer earn in India. Your background, credentials, and performance at law school matter at the outset as does your experience and the firm you are seeking employment at to decide the salary of lawyer in India! 1. Location How much do lawyers earn in India greatly varies with their working location. Your location plays a huge role in determining how much you make as a corporate lawyer. Some locations offer salaries higher than the national average while some places offer less than the average pay. It’s important to know which kind of place you live in to calculate your potential earnings in this field. Corporate lawyers in Chennai earn around 99.9% more than the national average. Similarly, corporate lawyers in Bangalore and New Delhi earn 41% and 17.5% higher than the average wages respectively.  Then there are locations that offer less than average pay such as Kolkata, where corporate lawyers earn 67.5% less than the national median. Other locations that offer less than average salaries include Pune (57%) and Ahmedabad (29%).  2. Skills Another notable factor that affects your corporate lawyer’s salary in India is the skills you have. The unique nature of this role requires you to have a strong grasp on certain skills, especially law-related.  According to the statistics, corporate lawyers with certain skills in their arsenal earn significantly more than others. For example, corporate lawyers with corporate governance skills earn 131% more than the average. Other beneficial skills for these professionals include Mergers and Acquisitions which offers 23% higher pay than the average and Contract Management which offers 70% more than the median pay.    If you want to get lucrative pay then you must focus on developing the most in-demand skills such as Corporate Governance and Contract Management. They will help you get a high-paying job in this field very easily.  3. Experience Wondering how much does a lawyer earn in India? Here is a peek at the average salary of lawyer in India and the factors affecting it. One of the most influential factors in determining your pay is the amount of professional experience you have.  Freshers in this field with less than a year’s experience earn INR 5.11 lakh per annum on average. Corporate lawyers with one to four years of experience earn around INR 5.82 lakh per annum on average. However, after a certain level of experience, your pay in this field increases substantially. Corporate lawyers with a significant amount of experience (five to nine years) make INR 14.5 lakh per annum on average. This figure stays relatively the same as you gain more experience. It’s clear that as you gain more experience in this sector, your pay increases accordingly. Percentage-wise, freshers in this field earn 26% less than the median whereas late-career professionals in this sector earn 111% more than the median.   4. Employer When calculating what the average lawyer salary in India per month is, remember that experience with a reputed employer is one crucial parameter that dictates the average salary of lawyer in India and abroad. Finally, a significant influencer of your pay as a corporate lawyer is who you work for. Corporate lawyers can work in various industries as their expertise can be used in nearly all sectors. Companies of all fields have to ensure they follow all the regulations and want to avoid legal issues. Apart from working directly with a company, a corporate lawyer might work in a law firm alongside several other lawyers.  Different employers offer different salaries such as Lexlit Advocates and Solicitors, a law firm, offers up to INR 48,000 to corporate lawyers while EXL Service offers up to INR 62,000.      Indian Law Firms that Pay the Highest Lawyer Salary in India:  How much do lawyers earn in India also depends on the law firm they are associated with. Top law firms in India can pay up to INR 14 lakh per annum to their employees. Apart from high remuneration these law firms also provide a great opportunity of grooming and prepare their employees to become experts and serve their valuable clients worldwide. These law firms extend the valuable experience to fresher candidates. Below are some of the top law firms for corporate lawyers that heavily influence how much does a lawyer earn in India. 1. Khaitan and Co. Found back in 1911, Khaitan and Co is India’s one of the oldest top law firms. The firm has more than 115 partners. The practice area of the firm includes banking and finance, competition law, dispute resolution, corporate, capital markets, energy, hospitality, infrastructure, intellectual property, funds, labour and employment, infrastructure and resources, and various other fields such as technology, and media, taxation etc. The firm has several national and international clients and has won the prize of being the best law firm of the year. The average salary of a legal associate with an experience of 1 to 5 years in this firm is around INR 10 lakhs per annum. 2. Sahrdul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co This law firm is considered to be the current largest law firm in India with its offices being across several cities of the country, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Gurugram. The firm has a global client base with more than 110 partners all around the world. The firm has also won the “Innovation in Legal expertise” title. An associate with an experience between 1 to 5 years can earn an average of 17 lakhs per annum by working for this firm. The remuneration of associates with experience between 1 to 6 years ranges anywhere between INR 12 lakhs to INR 22 lakhs per annum. 3. Trilegal India Trilegal India is one of the top law firms in India that has employed more than three hundred lawyers across India in the four major cities, Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Gurgaon. The firm mainly deals with real estate, infrastructure, energy, technology, and information technology fields. The firm is known for providing a great environment of analytical thinking for budding lawyers. As a fresher of 0 to 1 year, one can get paid an average of INR 14.8 lakh per annum. A legal associate’s salary at Trilegal India ranges from INR 13 lakhs to INR 16 lakhs per annum. 4. Desai & Dewanji Established in 1930, Desai & Dewanji is one of India’s oldest law firms and is widely popular for its high salary structure. The firm primarily deals with clients that are from the field of banking and finance, project and infrastructure, capital market, corporate problems and dispute resolution. The firm is located in three major cities of the country, Mumbai, Delhi and Gurgram. The firm has more than 24 partners and a tidal of more than 185 lawyers across its offices. A legal intern can earn an average of INR 2 lakh per annum by working for the company. Whereas legal associates with an experience between 2 to 6 years can earn anywhere between INR 7.2lakhs to INR 9.7 lakhs per annum. 5. Vaish Associates Founded in 1971, Vaish Associates is a full-service law firm that deals with both national and internal clients. The company has its three major companies in Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi, where New Delhi is the headquarters. However, the law firm also provides support in several other metropolitan cities. The firm gained its popularity by dealing in the fields of taxation, corporate, banking and finance, etc. Currently, the company has more than a dozen of partners and hundreds of associates working across the globe. Associate trainees in the company get paid an average of INR 4 lakhs per annum. Whereas associates and Senior Associates with experience between 1 to 7 years earn an average of INR 9.1 to 9.2 lakhs per annum. 6. Talwar Thakore and Associates The corporate law firm founded in 2007 is commonly known as TT&A. Around 60% of their current operations are now international. TT&A collaborated with Linklaters for the first time in 2011. Since then, the two organizations have successfully worked on different international projects together.  The remuneration offered by this corporate law firm begins at Rs 13 lakhs. The firm also provides a hefty bonus spending on factors like devotion to client’s work, performance, and more.  7. S&R Associates S&R Associates is a highly successful law firm established in 2005. Only 20% of its operations are focused on the domestic market. The remaining 80% of work is international. The firm runs on a 50:50 ratio with 6 female and 6 male partners. It is one of the most prestigious firms for a corporate lawyer to work in India.  Apart from corporate law, the firm also covers legal matters related to capital markets, private equity, IT & media, and more.  The firm offers a lucrative corporate lawyer salary of more than Rs 13 lakhs in the beginning. S&R Associates also offer a performance-related bonus to lawyers. The firm hires top talents from educational institutions like ILS, NALSAR, and ILS.  8. J Sagar and Associates JSA is a national law firm with 40 partners and more than 200 lawyers. The corporate law firm has multiple offices in different locations, including New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. It was established by Jyoti Sagar in 1991.  The firm offers around Rs 11.5 lakhs as the corporate lawyer salary in India. It also offers a lucrative bonus to employees. Moreover, every lawyer working at the firm can expect an increase in their base salary at the end of each year.  How to Get the Top Corporate Lawyer Salary in India? As we discussed in the previous section, your corporate lawyer’s salary in India depends on several factors. However, out of all of those factors, the one you control the most is the skills you have. By increasing the in-demand skills you have, you can enhance the amount you can make. Moreover, we have already seen how certain skills enhance your pay by a huge margin.  There are multiple methods to develop such skills. However, the most efficient method to learn the most in-demand skills is through taking a course. Taking such a course would ensure that you learn all the necessary skills for this role and get the highest chance of earning the top corporate lawyer salary in India. Trending Skills for Corporate Lawyers in India The top skills that you should acquire to earn the average salary of a corporate lawyer in India are as follows: Business Awareness: it is one of the most important skills for a corporate lawyer to understand how businesses work. This skill is essential for understanding the reason behind the success of a business. Negotiation Skills: Good negotiation skills are extremely important for getting a high corporate lawyer salary in India. Negotiation skills are essential for settling disputes peacefully outside the court. It saves the cost of expensive litigation.  Company Law: In-depth knowledge of the Companies Act 2013 is necessary for all corporate lawyers. It helps understand legal aspects associated with appointing company officials, preventing fraud, and more.  Conclusion As you can see, pursuing a career in corporate law is certainly a smart choice. Not only is this role well-respected but it’s also very lucrative and offers tons of growth opportunities. Of course, it is an intensive field that makes you keep engaged in constant study and pressure-laced deadlines too! But the offered average salary of a lawyer in India and the added reputation often lead people to feel an inclination towards this path, which is completely worth it if the candidate is willing to put in the work! Do you have any suggestions for this article? Let us know in the comments.

A significant contributor to the advancement of the Indian economy, the corporate sector has rapidly developed, increasing the demand for corporate lawyers. From litigations to contracts, mergers to compliances, corporate lawyers oversee it all, and a lot of the business’s operations might rest on the counsel of the corporate lawyer.  if you are wondering how to become a corporate lawyer and are interested in knowing about the day-to-day workings of corporate lawyers, you have come to the right place. This blog will give you a comprehensive overview of the designation of a corporate lawyer, also sometimes called a business lawyer, the job responsibilities, and the educational qualifications required to become one.  Steps To Follow To Become a Corporate Lawyer Read on to get a grasp on the entire step-by-step procedure of becoming a corporate lawyer: Complete the 10+2 and clear the law entrance exam: As is applicable in any other career, to pursue corporate law, you must pass your 10th and 12th with 50% or above in each exam. It is the minimum qualification needed to apply to law colleges. Gain a Bachelor’s degree: After attempting the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) or a similar entrance exam, you can enrol at a higher education institution for an integrated undergraduate course of five years, like the B.A. LL.B. Alternatively, if you have pursued a Bachelor’s degree in any other discipline and then taken a three-year LL.B. degree, you can take the CLAT exam after that as well. Acquire skills relevant to corporate law: During your undergraduate, your specialisation will determine the theoretical knowledge of your practice area. To gain practical experience, you must develop research, business communication and negotiating skills. Register at the Bar Council: This is the first step towards becoming a practising lawyer. You can provisionally register yourself at the Bar Council of your state. You have to submit the required documents for the provisional registration and pay a certain fee. Prepare for and attempt the Bar exam: Within two years of Bar Council registration, you must pass the All India Bar Exam (AIBE). Once you pass this exam, the Bar Council of India will award you a certificate of practice with permanent validity. Corporate Lawyer- Types Corporate lawyers can branch out into several specific specialisations based on their inclinations. Depending upon the practice areas, corporate lawyers can be classified into several types, as given below: Contract Lawyer: Contract lawyers specialise in drafting and ensuring the legal security of contracts, that is, legal agreements between two or more companies, which can be enforced by a court of law if breached by any involved parties. Lawyer for Merger and Acquisitions: Usually falling under the domain of general corporate, the law for mergers and acquisitions helps one company purchase or join forces with another company to become a single unit. For companies to expand and develop, mergers and acquisitions can prove crucial in determining the changes in market share. Corporate lawyers specialising in mergers and acquisitions help acquire and divest shares or assets, arrange schemes for merging or de-merge companies, restructure capital flow, etc.  Lawyers in Venture Capital: Venture capital law practitioners represent an investor or any other financial service provider in industries of private equity and public and private arrears. They supervise the legal aspects of structuring funds onshore and offshore, finding efficient avenues for tax-efficient investment and drafting documents for raising funds. Corporate Lawyer- Job Description and Responsibilities As the name suggests, corporate lawyers monitor legal issues of the corporate sector. Usually, they handle the legal aspect of their client’s business and assets, such as taxes or overseeing acquisitions. If required, a corporate lawyer can also defend their client in court. Given below are some of the primary job responsibilities of a corporate lawyer: Preparing or assisting in the preparation of legal documents for selling or restructuring organisations Negotiation in preparing and signing contracts Providing legal advice to clients Managing affairs related to employment law Collaborating with the company or the client on legal strategies Educational Qualifications Required To Become a Corporate Lawyer India’s primary corporate lawyer qualifications are the same as for any other law specialisations. Aspirants wishing to opt for corporate law as their future career ought to complete their higher secondary examinations with an aggregate of at least 50%.  After completing the 12th, the candidates must appear for a national or institute-specific entrance examination such as CLAT or LSAT to enrol in a law college. Candidates can opt for an integrated bachelor’s programme in law, such as a B.A. LL, B or BBA. LL. B or they can complete their three years of graduation in any other discipline followed by a three-year LL. B course. The LL. B course will help further cement their preferred specialisation for law practice, as in this case, corporate law. After LLB, you can go for professional practice or to further your studies by pursuing a Master’s degree. Once you decide to go for professional practice, you have to register yourself with the Bar Council of any Indian state to get acknowledged as an advocate. Following your registration with the Bar Council, you must pass the All India Bar India examination within two years to make your enrolment permanent. Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition. Top Skills Sought in a Corporate Lawyer As a corporate lawyer, you must possess extensive knowledge in your field and stay updated and informed about the latest developments in corporate and legal sectors. To achieve this, you must acquire skills that will give you an edge over your peers.  Language proficiency is necessary, and you must be adept in negotiations and solving problems. Efficiency in interpersonal communication is a bonus. Furthermore, you need to be adept in research and critical thinking and possess the ability to build long-term rapport with clients. Explore our Popular Law Courses LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Jindal Law School Essential Certifications for a Corporate Lawyer  Apart from the usual undergraduate degree of LL.B., aspirants can choose to pursue a Master’s degree in Law, namely LL.M., to fortify their specialisation. Many top institutions offer law courses with a specialisation in corporate law. The LL.M. in Corporate and Financial Law offered by Jindal Global Law School in partnership with UpGrad is a highly profitable course for those wishing to pursue higher studies in corporate law. How Long Does It Take To Become a Corporate Lawyer? Often, law aspirants are plagued by the question- ‘How many years to become a corporate lawyer?’. The answer varies depending on the educational qualifications one decides to have as a lawyer. If you choose to study an integrated law programme such as B.A. LL.B, or BBA. LL.B, you may become a corporate lawyer in five or six years. However, if you prefer to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in some other discipline followed by a three-year-long LLB programme, then it might take you a minimum of six to eight years to realise your dream of becoming a corporate lawyer.  Difference Between Corporate Lawyer and Commercial Lawyer For people uninitiated in the domain of law, corporate and commercial law might seem the same, especially because corporate law is also commonly referred to as business law. Although both are concerned with business or commercial organisation operations, the scope of work is quite distinct. Hence, it is essential to understand how the responsibilities differ for a corporate and a commercial lawyer.  Here’s a table listing the differences between the two: Corporate Lawyer Commercial Lawyer Corporate lawyers are concerned with the activities of individual companies. Commercial lawyers are concerned with the general legal aspects of businesses. The responsibilities of a corporate lawyer involve the internal structure of the organisation, such as the formation of the company, rights of the stakeholders, expansion of the company through merger or acquisition Commercial lawyers come into the picture when the company is involved in any external operation, namely a commercial transaction. They supervise terms and conditions for purchase or subscription, required permits for a transaction, and affiliate partnerships. Learn Law Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn an LLM Degree to fast-track your career. Corporate Lawyer- Career Advancement Opportunities The rising demand for corporate lawyers makes career advancement in this field highly possible. The versatility of the responsibilities of corporate lawyers makes their job extremely rewarding. Both government-owned and private sectors seek corporate lawyers for several purposes, such as an advocate for a firm.  However, advocacy is a later stage in the professional career of a corporate lawyer, and it requires experience in court. Furthermore, a career in corporate law is highly flexible as one can work as an in-house advisor for a company and a freelance consultant on corporate law. Read our Popular Articles related to Law Top Career Options for Lawyers Top 7 Career Options in Law In India: Which One Should You Choose Average Corporate Lawyer Salary in India [For Freshers & Experienced] Corporate Lawyer- Employment Scope One can get appointed as a legal counsel or legal officer for a company, ensuring the firm’s operations are well within the legal periphery. Those working as legal counsels in the corporate sector usually hold the following positions— legal manager, legal advisor, or legal associate (senior or junior). Besides, you can also work as a professor or lecturer specialising in corporate law if you are interested in the academic scope of corporate law. Universities often recruit academics specialising in corporate law if they have at least a Master’s degree. Salary of a Corporate Lawyer A corporate lawyer in India earns INR 697,292 on average per year.  However, this amount can vary from individual to individual depending upon various factors, such as skill set, experience, and educational qualifications. Furthermore, companies might offer different salary ranges, affecting the yearly average. Individuals beginning their careers as corporate lawyers in India can earn approximately 146,000 INR annually. Conclusion With a prosperous and dynamic employment field and multiple avenues to employ their knowledge, corporate lawyers are one of the main pillars of a business’s operations. They perform what can be termed corporate housekeeping— supervising the legal aspects of the daily operations and guiding legal documentation. This article will hopefully take you one step towards answering the question- how to become a business lawyer and a successful one. Enrol in the LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law from JGU, offered in collaboration with upGrad. With a cutting-edge curriculum taught by highly qualified faculties and career support in the form of mock interviews, job fairs and case studies, this course can be especially beneficial for those wishing to acquire additional skill sets in corporate law. FAQs 

Introduction Do you desire to practice law so that you may promote justice and defend peoples’ rights because you are captivated by the legal system’s complexities? One of the most intellectually captivating and satisfying ways one might take is to seek after a profession in law. To prevail as a lawyer, you should have a thoroughly examined plan, set forth a ton of effort, and be devoted. If you’re an Indian student who is unclear about how to study law beyond your 12th grade or even after you graduate, this step-by-step guide can assist. Step 1: Understand the Legal Profession  Before you enter the world of law, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the legal profession and the many branches of the law. There are many other areas of law that can be studied, such as corporate, criminal, intellectual property, and constitutional law. Investigate each specialty to see which one appeals to you the most. Knowing the complexities of the legal sector can assist you with settling on a more educated conclusion about your career path. Step 2: Meet Educational Requirements  To know how to study law after 12th in India, the first requirement is to complete your 10+2 education (or equivalent) in any stream, including arts, commerce, or science. After completing your 12th, you become eligible on how to pursue law after 12th. Step 3: Entrance Examinations  Most law schools in India admit students based on entrance examinations. The two most popular law entrance exams in the country are:  CLAT (Common Law Admission Test): Conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, CLAT is the gateway to prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) across India.  AILET (All India Law Entrance Test): Conducted by the National Law University, Delhi, AILET is specifically for admissions to NLU Delhi.  Prepare well for these exams as they are highly competitive, and your performance will determine your eligibility for admission to the top law colleges in the country.  Step 4: Undergraduate Law Program (LLB)  After clearing the entrance exams, you can enroll in a 5-year integrated undergraduate law program (BA LLB) offered by NLUs and other reputed institutions. This program combines the Bachelor of Arts (LLB) or Bachelor of Business Administration (LLB) with the Bachelor of Law (LLB). After earning your bachelor’s degree in any field, you can enroll in a 3-year LLB program.  How to study law after graduation? You will study a variety of legal topics during your LLB program, including contract law, criminal law, administrative law, and more. To help you polish your legal skills, the integrated program also offers moot courts, internships, and other chances for practical study. Step 5: Participate in Internships  Internships are an integral part of legal education. During your LLB program, actively participate in internships at law firms, courts, NGOs, or corporate legal departments. Internships increase your employability, provide you with significant insight into the legal industry, and help you understand the law more practically.  Step 6: Choose a Specialization (Optional)  You may decide to concentrate on a particular field of law while you know how to pursue law after graduation. You can take optional courses and engage in suitable internships to develop your knowledge in any topic, including corporate law, intellectual property, environmental law, and other areas. Learn Law Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn an LLM Degree to fast-track your career. Step 7: Clear the Bar Council Exam  After effectively completing your LLB program, you should pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), which is regulated by the Bar Council of India (BCI). This exam assesses your knowledge of basic legal concepts and decides if you are competent to practice law in India.   Step 8: Enroll in a State Bar Council  The next crucial step is to enroll yourself with the State Bar Council of the particular state where you plan to practice law after passing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) administered by the Bar Council of India (BCI). In India, obtaining this registration is a need in order to practice law. Joining the State Bar Council will officially concede you to the legal community and set before you the way to turning into a lawyer. An essential step solidifies your standing as an able attorney and offers you the chance to influence the legal profession and the court framework fundamentally.  Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition. Step 9: Postgraduate Studies (Optional)  Although earning a postgraduate degree is not a prerequisite for practicing law, it can offer several benefits that can greatly advance your legal career. To expand your understanding and proficiency in a particular field of law, take into consideration enrolling in an LL.M (Master of Laws) program. Your credentials will be strengthened by earning an LL.M., and you’ll get access to greater employment possibilities, academic positions, and perhaps even an international legal career. By taking advanced legal courses, you may keep up with legal advancements and gain the knowledge and abilities necessary to confidently handle challenging legal situations.  Step 10: Gain Practical Experience  After completing your education and obtaining the necessary licenses, gaining practical experience is a crucial phase that will shape your journey as a competent lawyer. Consider working with seasoned senior advocates, joining a renowned law practice, or engaging in regular district court practice to gain practical legal knowledge. Accepting these changes will provide you with vital practical experience, expose you to the complexity of the legal system, improve your problem-solving abilities, and give you more confidence in your ability to handle various legal situations successfully. This practical experience will serve as the cornerstone of your successful and satisfying legal career.  Read our Popular Articles related to Law Top Career Options for Lawyers Top 7 Career Options in Law In India: Which One Should You Choose Average Corporate Lawyer Salary in India [For Freshers & Experienced] Step 11: Stay Updated and Engaged  The legal profession is dynamic and constantly changing, so it’s vital to stay aware of the latest court decisions, historical rulings, and regulative changes. Participate in continuous legal discussions, seminars, workshops, and gatherings to widen your insight and associate with other legal experts if you have a desire to stay ahead in your profession. You may deepen your knowledge of the law and create lasting ties within the legal community by committing to lifelong learning and actively engaging in professional events. This will help you become a more capable and prosperous lawyer.  Step 12: Professional Ethics and Integrity  Let’s not forget the crucial role that integrity and professional ethics play in the legal profession. Future solicitors must comprehend that upholding high moral standards is not only required by law but also by moral responsibility. Upholding the pillars of professional ethics ensures that the trust placed on lawyers by their clients and society remains unwavering. Honesty, secrecy, justice, and impartiality are values that not only protect the integrity of the legal system but also the dignity of the legal profession. Embrace these values wholeheartedly to stand as a true guardian of justice and a beacon of integrity in the legal arena.  Explore our Popular Law Courses LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Jindal Law School Conclusion  Commencing a career in law promises a fulfilling journey of learning and personal growth. This step-by-step guide has outlined the way to a prosperous legal career in India. As you embark on your journey, keep your sights on your goals, be open to challenges, and work hard. Remember that the legal profession has the ability to build a fair and just society and that you, as a lawyer, have the power to shape the way justice is administered to future generations. Upholding professional ethics and integrity will not only cement your reputation but also earn the unwavering trust of your clients. Embrace this noble pursuit with passion and dedication, and the legal world will welcome you with boundless opportunities to make a profound impact on society’s fabric. Learn more about this via LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law from JGU. FAQs

Harbouring the dream of working as a lawyer at the Indian Judiciary demonstrates a strength of character and the willingness to contribute to society’s progress. Lawyers protect the rights of the citizens; hence, they occupy an indispensable position in society. Definition of Lawyer Also termed as an attorney or a counsellor, a lawyer is a professional individual who, having received training in the legal field, can advise people on legal matters and, with some experience, can also represent clients in court. Depending upon their level of professional expertise, lawyers can be differentiated into advocates, solicitors, counsellors, attorneys, barristers and so on. What Does a Lawyer Do? The professional range of duties a lawyer has includes: 1. Providing advice to clients A lawyer’s first and foremost responsibility is to provide their clients with objective counsel on a matter requiring legal scrutiny. They should advise and inform the client about the applicable laws and the best way to secure their legal rights. 2. Court representation of clients When lawyers act as advocates, they are instrumental in representing their clients in court. This involves arguing cases and providing evidence to support the client’s perspective. 3. Settlement of disputes Skilled lawyers can sometimes settle a legal dispute without taking it to a trial. This helps resolve legal issues much more efficiently and quickly. 4. Protecting the confidentiality and rights of the client As part of their ethical conduct, lawyers are expected to represent the best interests of their clients and never act in a manner that might conflict with the client, nor can they persuade the client to engage in any profitable business. They are also ethically responsible for safeguarding any information the client provides them to resolve their case. But how to become a lawyer in India? If you wish to delve into the interdisciplinary aspects of law and advance into senior roles in the legal field, register for the Doctor of Juridical Science(SJD) degree offered by Golden Gate University School of Law in partnership with upGrad. What Are the Eligibility Criteria Required To Become a Lawyer? The eligibility criteria to become a lawyer include passing higher secondary examinations with at least 60 per cent in total or an equivalent cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Additionally, aspirants must clear law entrance tests approved in India, such as the All India Law Admission Test(AILET) or CLAT(Common Law Admission Test).  After clearing the exams, aspirants can complete a five-year integrated course of Bachelors and Law degrees such as B.A. LL.B., B.Com. LL.B. and BBA. LLB from a recognised institute. Alternatively, they can get a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree first, followed by a Master of Law (LL.M), spanning one or two years.  Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition. Types of In-Demand Law Specialisations in India Taxation Law This specialised branch deals with taxation regulations through an in-depth approach. Students learn about the rationale behind a public authority levying a tax, the government’s taxation policies and solutions in case of default.  Students learn about various kinds of tax laws such as income tax, sales tax, tax on real estate, property tax, services tax, corporate tax and so on. Furthermore, the curriculum involves learning about tax credits and deductions and documenting taxes. Civil Law The most popular area in law specialisation, civil law, mainly involves rules and regulations for mitigating cases with no criminal aspect. It falls under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), which governs civil affairs in India.  Civil lawyers must deal with disputes between organisations, individuals, families, and partnerships. In civil law, lawsuits are often solved through compensation and not the imposition of penalty or punishment. Criminal Law One of the most popular applications of law is to prevent and protect against crime. Not only do criminal lawyers have to learn about rules for preventing crime, but also about developing and modifying policies to safeguard against criminal offences. Business and Corporate Law With the expansion of the corporate sector and the 1991 reforms of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation in India, the prospects of a career in corporate law have increased significantly. Corporate lawyers help businesses comply with corporate law regulations promulgated by the state and central governments and international regulations.  Aspirants interested in expanding their knowledge of business law to international arenas can apply for the LL.M. in International Business & Finance Laws from GGU. How to Become a Lawyer in India – Eligibility Becoming a lawyer in India requires completing Higher Secondary Examinations and obtaining a degree in a law programme from an authorised institute. Students can directly pursue it after completing either higher secondary education or graduation. How to become a lawyer after 12th To become a lawyer after passing the 12th or higher secondary examination, one must prepare for the entrance examinations for law institutes and colleges.  At the undergraduate level, one must clear the Common Law Entrance Test or the Law School Admission Test, whichever applies to the chosen university. Irrespective of the stream — Humanities, Commerce or Science chosen by the candidate in their 10+2, they can pursue law. However, knowing the right kind of law course for the aspirant is essential. Courses such as B.A. LL. B, LL.B., B.Com. LL.B. and B.Sc. LL.B. are nowadays quite popular. However, admission in these courses in most institutes requires a specific cutoff score in entrance exams like the CLAT or LSAT as universities prefer admission test scores in these exams, although some universities may offer seats based on class 12 scores, too. Read our Popular Articles related to Law Top Career Options for Lawyers Top 7 Career Options in Law In India: Which One Should You Choose Average Corporate Lawyer Salary in India [For Freshers & Experienced] How To Become a Corporate Lawyer Before you specialise in corporate law, you must gain the qualifications required to become a lawyer. You can either complete a five-year B.A. LL.B undergraduate degree or a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline you choose, followed by an LL.B degree. Then, you must clear the Bar exam, which the Bar Council of India hosts. This is imperative to test your knowledge of the legal procedures in India. Following the clearance of the bar exam, you can apply for a corporate law position or gain some experience and skills as a lawyer before choosing to specialise in corporate law. To establish your specialisation as a corporate lawyer, you can take up advanced corporate law courses or learn business management and leadership skills by working in mergers and acquisitions, real estate, corporate governance, etc. Learn Law Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn an LLM Degree to fast-track your career. Skills Required To Become a Lawyer Being a lawyer requires a comprehensive knowledge of the legal field and acquiring soft and hard professional skills. Excellent communication, analytical skills and networking are some of the transferable skills that a lawyer must acquire to succeed in their profession. Here are some of the essential skills that will enable a lawyer to advance in their career: Being detail-oriented A vital skill for lawyers paying minute attention to detail to identify inconsistencies in cases and to avoid discrepancies in legal documents like clauses and contracts is necessary. It can help lawyers succeed and avoid potential pitfalls due to unintended errors. Organisational skills The responsibilities of a lawyer can be immense, ranging from maintaining client records and documents to networking and attending meetings. Hence, keeping track of schedules and learning to sort duties according to priorities is crucial. Analysis and research Working on a case requires a significant amount of research to extract information. Furthermore, lawyers ought to analyse aspects of a case and infer the context of any legal issue. It contributes to the lawyer’s critical thinking and reasoning abilities, which help them provide the necessary guidance to the client. Interpersonal skills Since lawyers have to interact with a variety of people from different social backgrounds, they need to develop interpersonal skills such as teamwork and the ability to connect and empathise with others to interpret other people’s perspectives correctly.   Explore our Popular Law Courses LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Jindal Law School What Is the Difference Between an Advocate and A Lawyer?  Advocate Lawyer To be identified as an advocate, one has to represent their client in a court of law. Depending upon the facts of the case, an advocate can either seek redressal or compensation for a grievance or plead for the release of a client. It is a generic legal term used to denote any individual with a law degree, including solicitors, attorneys and barristers. Once you have cleared the exam and become a member of the state bar council, you become an advocate and can represent clients in court in an official capacity. To practice in a court of law, lawyers need to pass the All-India Bar examination first and get admitted to a state bar council. If you are wondering how to become a barrister, who is almost the same as an advocate, then this step is the answer. Advocates possess more professional experience than lawyers as they get the opportunities to practise law in multiple settings and legal domains, getting much-needed exposure. Lawyers’ experience is limited chiefly to academia as they do not have exposure to the professional arena as much as advocates, having only graduated from law school. The diverse and vast knowledge of legal matters possessed by an advocate, along with their experience and skills, qualify them to represent their clients in a court of law and attempt to get the most favourable verdict for the client.  A lawyer can provide legal counsel to their clients but cannot be present in a court of law to plead their cases. Conclusion The blog has comprehensively covered all the points prospective law students ask “how to be a lawyer in India”. Law has become a lucrative profession, especially in the corporate sector. Individuals seeking to upskill and make a career in corporate law can enrol themselves in the LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law from JGU, offered in partnership with upGrad. It is a first-of-its-kind LLM degree designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers. Visit the official website for more course-related information. FAQ

Lawyers and advocates play crucial roles within the legal system, advocating for justice and representing clients in legal matters. As legal professionals, they possess comprehensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and precedents and are adept at analysing complex legal issues. The primary difference between lawyer and advocate lies in their specialised roles within the legal system, with lawyers providing legal advice and advocates primarily representing clients in court proceedings. Definition of Lawyer A lawyer is a legal professional who has completed a formal education in law and obtained a degree in the field. They are licenced to practise law and provide legal advice and representation to individuals, businesses, organisations, and governments. Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the law, including statutes, regulations, and legal precedents. They use this expertise to assist clients in various legal matters, such as drafting contracts, giving legal advice, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court proceedings.  Definition of Advocate An advocate is a legal professional specialising in representing and defending their clients’ interests in legal proceedings, particularly in court. Advocates are trained to present arguments persuasively and effectively before judges and juries, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients. While “advocate” is commonly used in some legal systems, it may be synonymous with a “barrister” in countries following the British legal system. In other legal systems, “advocate” may refer to any legal professional practising law, including lawyers and attorneys.  Definition of Barrister A barrister is a legal professional, particularly in countries that follow the British legal system, such as England, Wales, Australia, and some other Commonwealth countries. Barristers are lawyers who specialise in advocacy and representation in court. They are usually experts in specific areas of law and are often engaged by solicitors or directly by clients to provide specialist legal advice and advocacy in court proceedings. Barristers typically wear distinctive black gowns and wigs when appearing in court.  Apply now and gain specialised expertise in law with LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law from JGU. Enhance your legal knowledge and career prospects with upGrad’s comprehensive programme. What Is the Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate? The lawyer and advocate difference lies primarily in their roles. Scope of practice: A lawyer is a general term for any legal professional who has completed law and is licensed to practise. Lawyers can work in various legal fields, including providing legal advice to individuals and organisations and drafting documents. Whereas, an advocate typically refers to a legal professional who specialises in courtroom advocacy and represents clients in court proceedings. Courtroom Representation: Lawyers may or may not represent clients in court, depending on their practice area. Advocates, however, have qualified for the requisite Bar Council Exam under the Advocates Act, 1961, which allows them to practice in any court of law. Their professional competence lies in arguing cases and presenting evidence before judges and juries. Legal System Variations: These terms’ usage and meaning can vary from country to country, depending on the legal system in place. In some countries, “advocate” may be synonymous with “lawyer,” In others, it may refer to a specific type of lawyer who focuses on courtroom representation. Professional Titles: In certain jurisdictions, “advocate” may be a formal title used for certain legal professionals, particularly those qualified to represent clients in higher courts. In other jurisdictions, the title “advocate” might not be used, and all legal professionals may be referred to as “lawyers” or “attorneys.” Explore our Popular Law Courses LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law - Jindal Law School LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Jindal Law School Similarities Between Lawyers And Advocates Here are the fundamental similarities between a lawyer and an advocate: Legal Professionals: Both lawyers and advocates are legal professionals who have gained a law degree and the necessary qualifications to practise law.  Legal Knowledge: Both comprehensively understand laws, regulations, and legal precedents relevant to their practice areas. Client Representation: Both provide legal representation to clients. They offer advice, guidance, and advocacy on legal matters to protect their client’s rights and interests. Ethical Obligations: Lawyers and advocates are bound by professional codes of ethics and conduct. They must uphold high integrity, confidentiality, and customer loyalty standards while maintaining their duty to the court and the justice system. Legal Specialisation: Both lawyers and advocates often specialise in specific areas of law, such as criminal law, civil law, family law, corporate law, or intellectual property law, to better serve their clients’ needs. Advocacy Skills: While all lawyers may not exclusively focus on courtroom representation, advocates possess advocacy skills, enabling them to present arguments and negotiate on their clients’ behalf effectively. Unlock your potential with an LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law from JGLS. Enhance your expertise in this dynamic field to explore its immense employment opportunities.  Lawyer vs Advocate vs Barrister The difference between lawyer, advocate, and barrister lies in their roles within the legal system. The key differences are: Lawyer Advocate Barrister Studied law and is licenced to practise Advocates are lawyers who have passed the Bar Council Exam of India, allowing them to represent clients in court. Typically found in countries with a British-based legal system, like England and Wales. Can work in various legal areas, including providing legal advice, drafting legal notices, deeds, wills and negotiating contracts Specifically trained and primarily engaged to argue cases and present evidence before judges and juries. Specialise in representing clients in court and arguing their case before a judge and jury. Experts in specific areas of law, barristers are often engaged by solicitors or clients to provide specialist legal advice and advocacy in court proceedings. Often hired as a legal adviser, in-house legal counsellor to corporates and organisations and consultants. Specialises in courtroom advocacy and representing clients in court proceedings Wear distinctive black gowns and wigs when appearing in court. Understanding the lawyer, advocate, barrister difference is crucial for comprehending the varied roles and specialisations within the legal profession. Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition. Steps to Become an Indian Lawyer To become a lawyer in India, follow these steps: Educational Qualification: Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B) from a recognised university. This is typically a three-year course for graduates and a five-year course for students who pursue law after 12th grade. Entrance Exam: After completing the LL.B., clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by the Bar Council of India. Passing this exam is mandatory for practising law in India. Enrol with State Bar Council: After passing the AIBE, register with the State Bar Council where you intend to practise law. You will be issued a “Certificate of Practice.” Optional Specialisation: Pursue a Master’s degree (LL.M.) for specialised knowledge in a particular area of law. Training: Undergo practical training by working as an intern or associate with senior lawyers or law firms. Practice: After completing the above steps, you can start practising law independently or with a law firm and offer legal counsel to clients. Read our Popular Articles related to Law Top Career Options for Lawyers Top 7 Career Options in Law In India: Which One Should You Choose Average Corporate Lawyer Salary in India [For Freshers & Experienced] How Can One Become an Advocate In India? To become an advocate in India, follow these steps: Educational Qualification: Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B.) from a recognised university. You can pursue a three-year LL.B. course after graduation or a five-year integrated course after 12th grade. Entrance Exam: Some universities and states may require you to clear the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) or state-specific entrance exams for admission to law schools. LL.B. Degree: Complete the LL.B. course, which includes various law subjects. Enrolment with Bar Council: Apply for enrolment with the State Bar Council in the state where you wish to practise law. Submit the necessary documents, including educational certificates, enrolment fees, and other required forms. AIBE Examination: After enrolment, clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by the Bar Council of India. Passing this exam is mandatory to practise law in India. Practise: Once you pass the AIBE, you can practise as an advocate in Indian courts, representing clients and handling legal cases. How Does a Lawyer Become an Advocate? In some legal systems, the terms “lawyer” and “advocate” are used interchangeably, and there may be no formal distinction between the two. However, assuming that “lawyer” refers to a legal professional who primarily provides legal advice and handles non-courtroom legal matters, and “advocate” refers to a legal professional who specialises in courtroom representation, the process of becoming an advocate typically involves the following steps: Education: Obtain a law degree (LL.B.) from a recognised university or law school. Practice Experience: Gain practical experience as a lawyer by providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, and handling non-litigation legal matters. Specialisation: Develop expertise in a specific area of law that interests you or aligns with your career goals. Training: Seek opportunities to gain courtroom experience, such as assisting senior advocates in court or participating in moot court competitions. AIBE Examination: Clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) or any other relevant bar examination to be eligible to practise as an advocate. Enrollment as an Advocate: Apply for enrolment with the State Bar Council as an advocate, which allows you to represent clients in court and engage in courtroom advocacy. Learn Law Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn an LLM Degree to fast-track your career. Lawyer or Advocate — Which Is More Preferable? The comparison between a lawyer and an advocate as better professions depends on individual preferences, career goals, and the legal system in which one practices. Lawyers may find satisfaction in transactional work, corporate law, intellectual property, or family law. On the other hand, advocates may thrive in the excitement of courtroom advocacy, presenting arguments, and litigating cases. Ultimately, the better profession is subjective and depends on an individual’s passion, strengths, and career objectives within the context of the legal system in which they practise. Conclusion Both lawyers and advocates are integral to the legal profession, upholding justice and safeguarding the rights of individuals and entities. While the terms may vary in meaning across legal systems, lawyers generally encompass a broader range of legal work, including advisory roles and courtroom representation, whereas advocates specialise in courtroom advocacy.  Unlock your potential with an LLM in Dispute Resolution offered by upGrad in partnership with Jindal Global Law School. Gain specialised legal expertise and skills to resolve conflicts and navigate complex disputes. Take your career to new heights with our comprehensive LLM programme. Enrol now and become a sought-after professional in the field of dispute resolution. FAQS

Acceptance Definition A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties is referred to as a contract. A contract may be expressed either orally or in writing that includes an offer, acceptance, consideration, etc. According to contract law, acceptance is the act of approving or consenting to the conditions of an offer. It can be expressed either orally or in writing. It is generally denoted as communication between two different parties. Offers can be accepted only if they are specific and transparent in their terms. If the offer contains some conditions or additional terms, then the conditions must be satisfied before it is accepted. I Acceptance in Contract Law Acceptance is an important theory in contract law. It is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that entails responsibilities, benefits, or other considerations.  In order for acceptance to be  valid some requirements must be satisfied including capacity, mutual consent, legality, sufficient consideration in a contract, etc. In legal terminologies when someone agrees with an offer then they have to obey the terms made in the offer. According to the Indian Contract Act, 1872, Section 2(b), acceptance is expressed as “When the person to whom the proposal has been made signifies his assent thereto, the offer is said to be accepted. Thus, the proposal when accepted becomes a promise.” In accordance with the definition, acceptance occurs when the offeree, to whom the proposal is made, accepts it unconditionally. This is like a promise once the offer is accepted.  For example, ‘X’ accepts Y’s offer to buy his car for five lac rupees. Once the offer is accepted it becomes irrevocable and becomes a promise. An offer does not constitute a promise but once it is accepted, a promise is made. This promise binds two different parties to legal obligations. Before acceptance, an offer may be withdrawn but once the acceptance is communicated it cannot be canceled.  Some situations which represent the term acceptance are presented below. According to insurance law, when an insurer accepts a person’s insurance application and subsequently issues them a policy to cover specific risks. When a bank pays for a check that was issued to a client who holds a checking account with the bank. You can also check out our free courses offered by upGrad in Management, Data Science, Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, and Technology. All of these courses have top-notch learning resources, weekly live lectures, industry assignments, and a certificate of course completion – all free of cost! Contract Offer and Acceptance Contract Law Offer: Offer is defined as an expression of willingness to enter into a contract with the other party on specific terms with the intention of creating a legally binding agreement. The indication of your willingness may be a letter, email, or even your actions. Here the intentions of a person are not important. If it can be reasonably demonstrated that he intended to create a legally binding contract based on the case, that is sufficient. The other party can accept or reject an offer. Acceptance: If the person agrees to all the terms of the offer made to him without adding any counter conditions then the offer is referred to as an acceptance. Sometimes, the offeree’s action may be considered an expression of acceptance. While determining if the acceptance has taken place or not, the court generally considers the correspondence between the parties.  It is important to notice whether the offeree accepts the proposal without conditions. Rules regarding Valid Acceptance There are some essential elements of a valid contract and acceptance that needs to be followed: Acceptance can only be given to whom the offer was made A specific offer or proposal can only be accepted by the person to whom it was made in the first place. The meaning of self-acceptance is that only the offeree’s acceptance is taken into consideration. No third party can accept the offer without the referee’s knowledge. If the offeree has designated a representative to accept on his behalf then also the acceptance is considered as a valid one. Example: Sam sold his company to Jack, but he did not inform all of his creditors. Sam’s creditor Jone gave him an order. The goods were accepted and provided by Jack. Jone refused to pay because he still owed Sam’s money. According to the rule, Jack cannot accept the offer because it was never made to him, so there is no contract. It has to be absolute and unqualified Acceptance must be unconditional and pure. Conditional acceptance is not permitted because that would be a counteroffer, and the counteroffer cancels the original offer.  Example: If Y is offered 5000 in exchange for X’s motorcycle. Y declares that he will agree if X will sell it for 3000. This will be considered as a counteroffer rather than the offer being accepted.  Acceptance must be communicated A proposal must be acknowledged by the offeror in order for it to be accepted and turned into a contract. Every offer must be acknowledged by the offeror in order to become a legally binding agreement.  The offeree must be aware that an offer has been made to him before he decides whether to accept it or not. It’s impossible to communicate acceptance without being aware of the offer. The communications must take place in any form that would normally be used in business. Example: Y receives an offer letter from X to purchase his car for three lakhs. Y signs the contract but neglects to reply to the letter. In this case, acceptance has not been communicated and it becomes invalid. It must be in the prescribed mode The offer must be accepted in the manner that is specified by the offeror. If the method is not specified then it must be in a practical way that would be used in daily operations. However, if the offeror does not object after the offer has been accepted in a different way then it will be assumed that he has approved of that acceptance.  Example: X makes Y an offer to buy his car for five lakhs. He requests that Y reply via postal mail. Y sends a mail approving his offer. If X does not ask Y to resend the response in a designated manner that means X has accepted B’s response. Implied Acceptance According to Section 8 of the Indian Contract Act of 1872, Acceptance by the promisee’s actions is acceptable. Therefore, implied acceptance is acceptable if a person takes certain actions that indicate that he has accepted the offer. In order to dive deeper into the contract law world, opt for Contract Law Bootcamp from upGrad.  Types of Acceptance There are various types of acceptance in contract law as mentioned below: Expressed Acceptance A written or verbal acceptance made by the offeree is regarded as an expressed acceptance of the offer. If some drawers accept the transaction, but not all of them do, this is referred to as acceptance by some. The agreement must make the condition of acceptance crystal clear and easy to understand. When the drawee consents to pay the bill in installments, then the bill is accepted for installment payments.  Example: X verbally and in person offers to buy Y’s car for five lakhs. X Sends the offer in an email and Y accepts the offer. This represents an open acceptance. Implied Acceptance It is referred to as an implied acceptance if the offeree’s conduct, mannerism, or any type of behavior convey the acceptance. Example: X has implicitly agreed to pay the amount that the grocery store is demanding in exchange for the goods. Conditional Acceptance Acceptance with conditions is also referred to as qualified acceptance. In this case, the offeree consents to accept the offer only if certain modifications are made to its terms and conditions. This offer is now a counteroffer. Example: If the work is finished by the deadline, X agrees to pay Y for the renovation of his home. Conclusion According to contract law, acceptance is the act of approving or consenting to the conditions of an offer. It can be expressed either orally or in writing. The difference between an offer and acceptance in contract law is clearly expressed here. After that various rules regarding essentials of valid contract are described.  Next, types of acceptance are classified to present a clear idea about acceptance in contract law.