How to Become a Lawyer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Freshers

Are you passionate about justice, analytical thinking, and helping others navigate complex legal challenges? A career in law might be your calling. The legal profession isn’t just about memorizing laws and regulations, it’s about being a guardian of justice, a problem solver, and a voice for those who need representation. However, the path to becoming a successful lawyer requires careful planning, dedication, and a clear understanding of the journey ahead.

If you’re a college student or fresher considering this career path, this article is your comprehensive guide to becoming a lawyer in India.

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Lawyers, also known as advocates or attorneys, serve as legal representatives for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Their responsibilities include:

• Providing legal advice to clients
• Researching and analyzing legal issues
• Interpreting laws, regulations, and previous court decisions
• Preparing and filing legal documents
• Representing clients in court proceedings
• Negotiating settlements
• Drafting contracts and legal agreements
• Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations

Different types of lawyers may focus on specific areas such as corporate law, criminal law, civil rights, intellectual property, or family law.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Lawyer

Before embarking on your journey to become a lawyer, ensure you meet these basic eligibility requirements:

• Educational Qualification: A 5-year integrated LLB course after 12th grade (e.g., BA LLB, BBA LLB). OR, A 3-year LLB course after completing a bachelor’s degree in any stream.
• Age Criteria: Most law schools have no upper age limit, but candidates should check specific institution requirements.
• Entrance Exams: Popular law entrance exams include CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), AILET, LSAT India, and SLAT.
• Bar Council Registration: After completing your law degree, you must register with the Bar Council of India (BCI) to practice law professionally.

As you prepare to embark on your legal journey, consider assessing your skill readiness with Naukri Campus’s Pathfinder. Pathfinder is a role-based skill readiness assessment designed for college students and freshers. It evaluates your preparation for specific job roles and highlights areas for improvement. Whether you’re aiming for a legal career or exploring other fields, Pathfinder provides valuable insights to guide your career planning.

How to Become a Lawyer – In India

Here’s a step-by-step guide for aspiring lawyers:

• Complete Higher Secondary Education (10+2): Choose any stream during your higher secondary education, though opting for arts or commerce can provide foundational knowledge in legal concepts.
• Clear a Law Entrance Exam: Prepare and appear for exams like CLAT or LSAT India to gain admission into reputed law schools.
• Enroll in a Law Degree Program:

1. 5-Year Integrated LLB: Ideal for students fresh out of 12th grade.
2. 3-Year LLB: Suitable for graduates from other streams.

• Internships: Pursue law internships at law firms, corporate legal departments, or NGOs during your law course to gain hands-on experience.
• Pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE): After completing your LLB, clear the AIBE conducted by the Bar Council of India to receive your Certificate of Practice.
• Specialize in a Legal Field: Opt for higher studies like an LLM or certifications in niche areas such as intellectual property law, corporate law, or criminal law to boost your expertise.
• Start Practicing: Begin working at a law firm, or corporate entity, or set up your practice as an independent lawyer.

Education and Skills Needed to Become a Lawyer

Becoming a successful lawyer requires a blend of formal education and essential skills that enable you to navigate the complexities of legal systems and advocate effectively for your clients. A robust educational foundation in law equips you with theoretical knowledge, while practical skills like analytical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving prepare you for real-world challenges. 

Whether you’re drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, or representing clients in court, your education and skills form the backbone of your legal career.

Educational Requirements to Become a Lawyer

• Undergraduate Degree: A 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB.
• Postgraduate Degree (Optional): Specializations through an LLM program.

Essential Skills to Become a Lawyer

• Analytical Thinking: Lawyers must assess situations critically to provide sound legal advice.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for drafting documents and arguing cases.
• Research: Effective legal research skills to understand case laws and statutes.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building trust and relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Problem-Solving: Developing creative solutions to complex legal problems.

Legal Skills to Become a Lawyer

A successful legal career requires more than just academic knowledge. Lawyers need a strong set of legal and soft skills to navigate complex legal systems, represent clients effectively, and build a reputation in the field. 

Here are the key legal skills essential for aspiring lawyers:

Core Legal Skills

1. Proficiency in legal databases (Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis)
2. Understanding of legal research methodologies
3. Ability to find relevant case laws and precedents
4. Skills in analyzing legal journals and articles
5. Knowledge of library resources
6. Understanding of legal indexes and digests
7. Ability to cross-reference legal materials
8. Skills in document organization

Legal Writing Skills

1. Legal drafting
2. Memo writing
3. Brief preparation
4. Contract drafting
5. Legal correspondence
6. Opinion writing
7. Clear and concise language
8. Proper legal citations
9. Logical structure

Legal Analysis

1. Case analysis
2. Statutory interpretation
3. Legal Reasoning
4. Problem-solving
5. Critical thinking
6. Risk assessment
7. Strategic planning
8. Solution evaluation
9. Judgment formation

How Long Does it Take to Become a Lawyer?

The timeline varies based on your chosen path:

5-year integrated program

• 5 years of law school
• 6 months for Bar exam preparation

Total: Approximately 5.5-6 years

Traditional route to Become a Lawyer

• 3 years bachelor’s degree
• 3 years LLB
• 6 months of Bar exam preparation

Total: Approximately 6.5-7 years

Career Options after Becoming a Lawyer

After earning your law degree and passing the AIBE, you can explore a variety of career paths, such as:

• Litigation Lawyer: Represent clients in court.
• Corporate Lawyer: Handle corporate legal matters, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Legal Advisor: Offer consultancy services to businesses and individuals.
• Judiciary: Appear for judicial services exams to become a judge.
• Academia: Pursue teaching or research in law.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Specialize in arbitration, mediation, or negotiation.
• Public Prosecutor: Represent the state in criminal cases.

Lawyer Salary in India

Lawyer salaries in India vary widely based on experience, specialization, and location.

• Entry-Level Lawyers: INR 2-5 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum).
• Mid-Level Professionals: INR 6-12 LPA.
• Experienced Lawyers or Partners in Firms: INR 15-25 LPA or higher.

Corporate lawyers, criminal lawyers, and intellectual property lawyers often command higher salaries.

Lawyer Salary Per Month

The monthly salary of a lawyer in India varies depending on their experience, specialization, and location. Entry-level lawyers can earn between ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per month, while experienced professionals may earn significantly higher, especially in metropolitan areas.

Government Lawyer Salary

Government lawyers, including public prosecutors, earn salaries in line with government pay scales. On average, a government lawyer in India earns ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month, with additional perks and benefits.

• Entry Level Public Prosecutor: ₹35,000 – ₹50,000
• Assistant Government Pleader: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000
• Senior Government Counsel: ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000

Additional Benefits:

1. Pension schemes
2. Healthcare benefits
3. Job security
4. Regular increments
5. Housing allowance

Company Lawyer Salary

Company lawyers or in-house legal counsels typically earn ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month, depending on the size and industry of the company. Senior legal advisors can command even higher salaries.

• Junior Legal Counsel: ₹40,000 – ₹80,000
• Legal Manager: ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000
• Senior Legal Manager: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000
• General Counsel: ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000+

Corporate Lawyer Salary in India

Corporate lawyers specializing in business law, mergers, and acquisitions often earn ₹70,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month, especially when working with top-tier law firms or multinational corporations.

• First Year Associate: ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000
• Mid-Level Associate (3-5 years): ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000
• Senior Associate (5-8 years): ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000
• Partner: ₹8,00,000 – ₹20,00,000+

Top-tier law firms starting salary can be as high as ₹15-25 lakhs per annum. partners can earn crores annually.

Attorney Lawyer Salary

Attorneys, similar to lawyers, have varying salaries depending on their field and experience. A general attorney’s monthly income in India ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000, with specialists earning more.

• Junior Attorney: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000
• Established Attorney (5+ years): ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000
• Senior Attorney (10+ years): ₹3,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+

Criminal Lawyer Salary

Criminal lawyers handling defense or prosecution cases can earn ₹25,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month. High-profile cases or private practice often lead to significantly higher earnings.

• Junior Criminal Lawyer: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
• Mid-Level (3-5 years): ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
• Senior Criminal Lawyer: ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000+

High-Profile Cases: Can earn several lakhs per case. The income variations are based on:

1. Case complexity
2. Client profile
3. Court level (District/High Court/Supreme Court)
4. Success rate

Top Law Firms in India – For Freshers

Here’s a list of top law firms in India that are renowned for hiring freshers and providing excellent growth opportunities:

Tier 1 Law Firms

1. Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM)

• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Starting Package: ₹15-18 LPA
• Key Practice Areas: M&A, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets
• Training Program: Structured 12-month training with rotations
• Hiring Process: CLAT PG scores, interviews, case study analysis
• Work Culture: Fast-paced, meritocratic, intensive learning environment

2. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

• Headquarters: Delhi
• Starting Package: ₹15-17 LPA
• Key Practice Areas: Corporate Law, Dispute Resolution
• Training Program: Comprehensive mentorship program
• Hiring Process: Campus recruitment, multiple interview rounds
• Work Culture: Professional growth-oriented, collaborative

3. AZB & Partners

• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Starting Package: ₹15-18 LPA
• Key Practice Areas: Corporate Advisory, M&A
• Training Program: Hands-on training with senior lawyers
• Hiring Process: Rigorous interview process, writing tests
• Work Culture: Client-focused, entrepreneurial spirit

4. Khaitan & Co

• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Starting Package: ₹15-17 LPA
• Key Practice Areas: Corporate, Real Estate, IP
• Training Program: Structured learning and development program
• Hiring Process: Campus recruitment, multiple rounds
• Work Culture: Traditional yet modern, strong work ethics

Tier 2 Law Firms

5. J. Sagar Associates (JSA)

• Starting Package: ₹12-15 LPA
• Key Practice Areas: Infrastructure, Energy, Banking
• Training Benefits: Strong foundation in diverse practice areas
• Work-Life Balance: Better compared to Tier 1 firms
• Growth Opportunities: Merit-based fast-track promotions

6. Trilegal

• Starting Package: ₹12-15 LPA
• Key Practice Areas: Corporate Law, Private Equity
• Training Program: Focused mentorship
• Work Culture: Modern, progressive, employee-friendly
• Learning Curve: Steep but supportive environment

7. L&L Partners (Formerly Luthra & Luthra)

• Starting Package: ₹10-14 LPA
• Key Practice Areas: Project Finance, Litigation
• Training Aspects: Direct client exposure
• Work Environment: Dynamic and challenging
• Career Growth: Well-defined progression path

Emerging Law Firms (Tier 3)

8. IndusLaw

• Starting Package: ₹8-12 LPA
• Specialization: Technology, Startups
• Work Culture: Innovation-focused
• Learning Opportunity: Direct responsibility in cases
• Growth Potential: Rapid advancement possibilities

9. Phoenix Legal

• Starting Package: ₹8-10 LPA
• Key Areas: Corporate Advisory, Dispute Resolution
• Work Environment: Balanced workload
• Training Focus: Practical legal skills
• Career Development: Structured growth plan

Remember that success in the legal profession comes not just from academic excellence but also from practical experience, networking, and continuous professional development. Whether you choose corporate law, litigation, or any other specialization, stay committed to your goals and maintain high ethical standards.

Start by assessing your readiness through the Naukri Campus Pathfinder assessment, and then follow the structured path outlined in this guide.

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FAQs on How to Become a Lawyer

What qualifications are required to become a lawyer in India?

You need either a 5-year integrated LLB program after 12th or a 3-year LLB after any bachelor’s degree. Then clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) and register with the State Bar Council to practice law.

What is the average lawyer salary in India for freshers?

Fresh law graduates can earn ₹25,000-75,000 monthly in corporate firms, ₹15,000-35,000 in independent practice, and ₹30,000-50,000 in government sectors. Top-tier law firms offer starting packages of ₹12-18 LPA for freshers.

How to become a lawyer after 12th?

To become a lawyer after 12th, pursue a 5-year integrated law course like BA LLB or BBA LLB from a recognized university. Clear entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, or LSAT India. After graduation, enroll with a State Bar Council and pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to practice law.

How long does it take to become a lawyer after the 12th?

The integrated law program (BA LLB/BBA LLB) takes 5 years after the 12th, plus 6 months for Bar exam preparation. The total duration is approximately 5.5-6 years to become a practicing lawyer.

Which entrance exam is required for law courses?

Major law entrance exams include CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), LSAT-India (Law School Admission Test), AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), and various state-level law entrance examinations.

Is becoming a lawyer worth it in 2025?

Yes, the law remains a lucrative career with diverse opportunities. Corporate lawyers earn high packages, while litigation offers growth potential. The legal sector’s digitalization creates new opportunities in legal tech and consulting.

What are the best law colleges in India?

A: Top institutions include the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Delhi, West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), and ILS Law College Pune.

Can I become a lawyer without CLAT?

Yes, you can join private law colleges through state-level entrance exams or direct admission. Alternatively, pursue a regular bachelor’s degree first, then complete a 3-year LLB program.

What skills are required to become a successful lawyer?

Essential skills include analytical thinking, research abilities, communication skills, legal writing, negotiation skills, attention to detail, logical reasoning, and strong professional ethics.

Which type of lawyer earns the most in India?

Corporate lawyers, especially in top-tier firms, typically earn the highest salaries. Intellectual Property, Mergers & Acquisitions, and International Law specialists also command premium compensation.

Is practicing law a stressful career?

Yes, legal practice can be demanding with long hours, high-pressure situations, and complex cases. However, proper time management, specialization choice, and work-life balance strategies help manage stress effectively.

How to become a lawyer in the Supreme Court?

To become a Supreme Court lawyer in India, you must complete a law degree, enroll with a State Bar Council, and gain experience practicing in lower courts. After five years of practice, apply for the Advocate-on-Record (AoR) exam conducted by the Supreme Court. Passing this qualifies you to represent clients.