With sustained growth of our economy, there is an ever-increasing demand for professionals with legal expertise. Industries, and even individuals, are increasingly dependent on practitioners of law. As a result careers in the field of law are very lucrative.

Litigation

The traditional career path is to practice law in the courts. For this, law school graduates are now required to qualify a Bar Exam before they start practicing.

Further, it is advisable for any fresh graduate to learn the ropes under a senior counsel, initially. Litigation provides a wide range of employment options in both private and public spheres. You may specialize in a particular field of law such as Taxation, Constitution, Family, etc. You may chose to focus on appellate work, trial-level practice, civil litigation or criminal cases.

Corporate Counsel

You may work with a company/corporate entity as an in-house legal counsel, advising on legal matters related to its business. An in-house counsel plays an important role in drafting, vetting and negotiating contracts, ensuring and monitoring compliance with rules and law and handling legal disputes.

In the private sector, you may work in Multinational corporations, private companies, private banks, etc. On the other hand, in the public sector you may work with government agencies, Public Sector Undertakings, etc. 

Law Firms

These are business entities engaged in the practice of law. A noticeable trend that has emerged in the last few years is the shift from solo practice to well organized law firms that comprise several lawyers working together as one entity.

As part of a law firm, one advises clients about their legal rights and recourses as well as about other legal matters and also represents them in trials. Further, corporate houses often outsource due diligence work to law firms.

Judicial Services/Civil Services

The State Judicial Services Examination, organized by the High Courts for their respective states, is a safe and sound option for those who look to pursue a stable government career.

One may also opt for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, which, for many, is the most prestigious examination in the country.

Academia

Are you looking for a career that provides intellectual stimulation and rigor? A career that not only allows you to pursue your intellectual interests and work on research projects but also offers a wide degree of flexibility and autonomy and pays you to read, talk and think. If yes, then teaching law is the right career for you.

Media & Law

As professions, both journalism and law are intertwined as they require superior research and writing skills as well as critical knowledge of the government and the legal system.

Legal journalism covers legal proceedings in courts, arbitration events, criminal matters, etc., which are disseminated to the public.

• Legal Publishing: Lawyers get an opportunity to work as editors for various types of print and electronic media. It is a good option for those with a knack for writing.
• Law Reporting: One can take up a career as a law reporter with TV Channels and newspapers. The work done by law reporters is quite varied and encompasses high profile cases to concerns related to social issues and human rights.

Social Work

A sizable number of law school graduates join Non-Governmental Organizations that work for social causes. If you are passionate about socio-legal issues, then this is the right avenue for you.

One may work with NGOs and civil society organizations on issues related to environmental protection, gender concerns, caste-based discrimination, employment, working conditions, marginalization of various sections of the society, etc.

Law School graduates are also offered opportunities to work with international organizations such as UN.