Reader’s Digest - Whether you're looking for a lawyer to represent you in court or just some legal advice, you can find anyone that fits your needs in this diverse country. So get ready to explore the many types of lawyers in India!

Hey there! Are you looking for legal advice? Trying to figure out which type of lawyer you need? 

Well, you’re in luck! India has a wide variety of lawyers, each specialising in something different. 

From the classical Civil Litigator to the ever-versatile Tax Lawyer, the swashbuckling Corporate Lawyer, and the wise Family Lawyer, there’s something to cater to everyone’s needs.

Lawyers in India are highly skilled professionals who specialise in various areas of law. Depending on their expertise, they can practice in legal fields such as civil, criminal, corporate, international, labour, and family law. 

Each type of lawyer has its unique purpose and responsibilities, helping individuals and organisations resolve their legal issues.

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How Many Types of Lawyers Are There In India?

Lawyers, lawyers everywhere! No matter where you look, you can find a lawyer. But did you know that many different types of lawyers exist in India? 

Here are just a few of the types of lawyers you can find in India and some reasons why they might be so popular.

1. Criminal Lawyers 

Criminal lawyers are legal professionals who specialise in defending individuals and corporations charged with criminal offences. In India, they are regulated by the Bar Council of India, the highest legal body in the country. There are various types of lawyers in India, including the following:

A) Public Prosecutors: These lawyers represent the government in criminal court proceedings and are responsible for prosecuting individuals who have been charged with criminal offences. They are also responsible for ensuring that all evidence and facts are presented in court to secure a conviction.

B) Defense Attorneys: These lawyers represent the accused in criminal court proceedings. They are responsible for gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and presenting arguments in court on behalf of their clients.

C) Bail Lawyers: These lawyers are responsible for securing the release of individuals charged with criminal offences. They work to ensure that their client is released on bail pending their trial.

D) Juvenile Lawyers: These lawyers represent minors who have been charged with criminal offences. They are responsible for ensuring that the minor is treated relatively in court and that they receive the best possible outcome.

E) Plea Bargain Lawyers: These lawyers are responsible for negotiating plea bargains with prosecutors on behalf of their clients. They work to reduce the severity of the charges and sentencing that their clients may face.

F) Appeals Lawyers: These lawyers are responsible for representing individuals who have been convicted of criminal offences in appellate courts. They work to ensure that their clients receive a fair trial and that any errors made in their original trial are corrected. 

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Criminal lawyers in India are an essential part of the justice system. 
• They are responsible for ensuring that individuals charged with criminal offences receive a fair trial and that the guilty are punished according to the law. 
• If you have been charged with a crime and need legal representation, you must consult a qualified, experienced criminal lawyer.

Salary 

• The salary of a criminal lawyer in India depends on several factors, such as qualifications, experience, seniority level, and even the type of law firm they work for. 
• As such, it is difficult to give a definitive answer as to what the average salary of a criminal lawyer might be. 
• At the lower end of the spectrum, fresher lawyer who has just completed their legal studies may earn an entry-level salary of around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month. 
• On the other hand, more experienced and senior lawyers who specialise in criminal law can easily earn Rs. 1 lakh or more per month.

Scope

• Crime is increasing at a tremendous rate. So, keeping in mind the crime rate in cities around the world, we can expect the role of a criminal lawyer to expand.

2. Tax Lawyers 

Tax lawyers are a specialised type of lawyer in India who specialise in legal and tax matters. They are responsible for helping individuals, businesses, and organisations understand the complex laws and regulations that govern taxation in India. 

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Tax lawyers advise on a wide range of topics, including tax planning, tax filing and compliance, estate planning, business formation and asset protection. 
• Tax lawyers in India advise on all aspects of taxation, including tax planning, tax filing and compliance, estate planning, business formation and asset protection. 
• They are experts in the field of taxation. They can help you with tax-related issues such as filing tax returns, handling audits, preparing tax documents and navigating the complexities of the tax code. 
• Tax lawyers also provide legal advice on a wide range of topics, including tax-related transactions, tax litigation, tax audits, tax planning and tax compliance. 

Salary 

• Tax lawyers are highly paid professionals in India. 
• They are some of the most sought-after types of lawyers in India and are known for their expertise in taxation.
• The salary of tax lawyers in India varies depending on the type of lawyer and the region in which they practice.
• Corporate tax lawyers earn the highest salaries, ranging from Rs. 6 to Rs. 15 lakhs per annum.
• On the other hand, individual tax lawyers tend to earn lower salaries, ranging from Rs. 3 to Rs. 8 lakhs per annum. 
• The salaries of tax lawyers tend to be higher in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore due to the higher demand for their services.

Scope

• Governments worldwide are fully willing to make tax enforcement rules. So, tax lawyers are valuable assets for citizens and businesses to help them abide by those rules. 
• Tax lawyers are highly sought-after professionals due to the complexity of the tax system and the importance of proper tax planning and management. 
• Tax lawyers can also help individuals and businesses understand the tax code and the implications of their decisions on taxation. 
• Tax lawyers are also well-versed in the various tax laws and regulations in India, making them valuable assets for businesses that operate in India.

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3. Corporate Lawyer

Corporate law is a branch of law that governs the formation, organisation, and operation of corporations. This involves the legal framework that applies to the formation and operation of companies, the rules governing the activities of their officers and directors, and the laws that regulate the relationships between shareholders, officers, and directors. 

Corporate lawyers are wide-ranging and diverse legal professionals specialising in business and corporate law. 

In India, there are several different types of lawyers. These include:

A) Corporate Litigation Lawyers: Corporate litigation lawyers represent companies in court as plaintiffs or defendants. They handle many disputes, including contract disputes, copyright and trademark infringement, shareholder disputes, and more.

B) Corporate Transactions Lawyers: Corporate transaction lawyers advise companies on the legal aspects of corporate transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other business combinations. They also draft and review the legal documents associated with these transactions.

C) Corporate Governance Lawyers: Corporate governance lawyers provide legal advice to companies on matters related to corporate governance, such as corporate structure, board of directors, and financial disclosures.

D) Intellectual Property Lawyers: Intellectual property lawyers advise companies on the protection and enforcement of their intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. 

E) Compliance Lawyers: Compliance lawyers assist companies with their compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. They also help companies develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Corporate lawyers provide legal advice and representation to companies and their employees on various issues, including corporate governance, corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, compliance, and more. 
• Corporate lawyers are also responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various documents, such as contracts, leases, and other legal documents. 

Salary 

• The salary of a corporate lawyer in India depends on several factors, such as the firm's size, the type of work, the experience of the lawyer, and the location. 
• Generally, corporate lawyers in India earn salaries ranging from Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 per year. 
• In some cases, corporate lawyers are also paid a bonus depending on the success of their legal representation.

Scope

• The scope of corporate law in India is broad and complex, and the types of lawyers practising in India are just as varied. 
• In the fast pacing business world, the need for different types of lawyers is more than ever. 

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4. Immigration Lawyers 

Immigration lawyers play an essential role in helping individuals and organizations move to India. They are responsible for assisting with the legal and paperwork requirements of immigration and offer guidance through the process. 

There are several types of lawyers available in India. These include the following:

A) Visa Lawyers: Visa lawyers provide advice and assistance in obtaining different types of visas to India. This includes student, work, family, and tourist visas. Visa lawyers can help with the paperwork and filing process and advise on the best options for obtaining a visa to India.

B) Immigration Lawyers: Immigration lawyers provide legal advice and assistance with the paperwork and filing process for immigration to India. These lawyers are knowledgeable about the different types of visas to India and can advise on the best options for a person or organization regarding immigration.

C) Refugee Lawyers: Refugee lawyers provide legal assistance and advice to those seeking asylum in India. These lawyers are knowledgeable about the refugee process and can provide advice on the best options for a person or organization when it comes to seeking asylum in

D) Business Immigration Lawyers: Business immigration lawyers provide legal advice and assistance for businesses seeking to move to India. These lawyers can help with the paperwork and filing process for immigration to India and provide advice on the best options for a business when it comes to immigration.

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Immigration lawyers are experts in immigration law and can advise on the best options for a person or organization regarding immigration. 
• They can help with the paperwork, filing, and appeals process often required for immigration to India. 
• Immigration lawyers are also knowledgeable about Indian laws and regulations related to immigration and can provide legal counsel on any immigration-related matters. 

Salary 

• In India, the salary of an immigration lawyer is highly dependent on the experience and expertise of the individual. 
• Generally, immigration lawyers in India are paid per hour, and the fee charged depends upon the type of case. 
• Generally, the fee for a consultation is around Rs. 1000 to 3000 per hour, and the fee for a court appearance is higher at Rs. 3000 to 7000 per hour.

Scope

• Immigration lawyers are essential for anyone seeking to move to India. 
• They are knowledgeable about Indian laws and regulations related to immigration and can provide legal advice and assistance with the paperwork and filing process. 
• Immigration lawyers can also advise on the best options for a person or organisation regarding immigration to India.

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5. Family Lawyer 

Family law deals with family-related matters and domestic relations, including marriage, adoption, child custody, paternity, and other related matters. In India, family law is regulated by the Family Courts Act of 1984, which established special courts for family disputes. 

Here are the different types of lawyers in India, specialising in family law. 

A) Marriage Lawyers: Marriage lawyers in India handle all legal aspects of a marriage. This includes filing applications for marriage registration, creating marriage contracts and agreements, and handling divorce proceedings. Marriage lawyers also provide legal advice on matters related to the parties' pre- and post-marriage rights and obligations. 

B) Divorce Lawyers: Divorce lawyers are specialized lawyers who handle divorce proceedings. They are responsible for preparing and filing all the necessary documents for a divorce, including applications for divorce, divorce decrees, and other legal documents related to the divorce process. They also advise the parties involved and help negotiate the divorce settlement's terms.

C) Child Custody Lawyers: Child custody lawyers in India are responsible for handling child custody and visitation matters. They provide legal advice to both parents on matters related to child custody, visitation, and other related matters. They also represent the child's interests in court proceedings and help to ensure that the child's best interests are considered. 

D) Property Lawyers: Property lawyers in India are responsible for handling all property-related legal matters. This includes filing applications for property registration, creating agreements for the sale and purchase of property, and handling disputes related to property ownership. Property lawyers also provide legal advice on matters related to property tax, inheritance tax, and other related issues. 

E) Paternity Lawyers: Paternity lawyers are specialized lawyers who handle matters related to paternity. This includes filing applications for paternity tests, creating legal documents related to the paternity of a child, and representing the child's interests in court proceedings. 

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Family lawyers are professionals who specialize in legal matters involving family-related issues. 
• These lawyers handle various cases, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, prenuptial agreements, and spousal support. 
• They are also responsible for helping families resolve disputes over matters such as inheritance and guardianship.

Salary 

• The salary of a family lawyer in India depends on several factors, such as the lawyer's experience and expertise, the type of cases they handle, and the size of the law firm they work for. 
• Generally, family lawyers in India earn between INR 3 to 5 lakhs per annum. 
• Those with more experience and expertise may earn up to INR 10 to 12 lakhs per annum.

Scope

• The scope of family law extends to many aspects of family life. 
• For instance, it covers issues related to marriage and divorce, such as spousal maintenance, division of assets, alimony, child support, and visitation rights. It also involves matters related to adoption and guardianship, paternity and pre-nuptial agreements. 

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6. Lawyer of Personal Injury 

In India, several types of lawyers specialise in different fields of personal injury. The four main types of personal injury lawyers are medical malpractice lawyers, product liability lawyers, negligence lawyers, and premises liability lawyers. 

A) Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Medical malpractice lawyers in India specialize in cases involving medical negligence, such as misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, and other errors made by doctors, hospitals, and other medical professionals. These lawyers work to hold medical professionals accountable for any errors that lead to the injury or death of patients. 

B) Product Liability Lawyers: Product liability lawyers in India specialize in cases involving defective products, such as medical devices, home appliances, and other consumer products. These lawyers work to hold the manufacturers and sellers of defective products liable for any injuries or deaths caused by their negligence. 

C) Negligence Lawyers: Negligence lawyers in India specialize in cases involving negligent behaviour, such as unsafe working conditions, inadequate safety protocols, and other instances of negligence. These lawyers work to hold the responsible party accountable for any injuries or deaths caused by their negligence. 

D) Premises Liability Lawyers: Premises liability lawyers in India specialize in cases involving accidents on property, such as slips and falls, dog bites, and other instances of injury or death due to unsafe conditions. These lawyers work to hold the responsible party accountable for any injuries or deaths caused by their negligence. 

E) Personal Injury Lawyers: In India, personal injury lawyers are essential members of society. They provide legal representation to those who have suffered injury or death due to another person or entity’s negligence or wrongful behaviour. 

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Personal injury lawyers are highly specialized legal professionals representing clients who have suffered physical or psychological injuries due to another person or entity’s negligence or wrongful behaviour. 
• These lawyers help their clients seek compensation for losses, such as lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. 
• Personal injury lawyers are often referred to as “trial attorneys” or “plaintiff’s lawyers” in India.

Salary 

• The salary of a personal injury lawyer in India depends mainly on the type of work they are engaged in and their experience. 
• Generally, senior lawyers with higher levels of experience command higher salaries than junior lawyers. 
• The base salary for a personal injury lawyer in India ranges from Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 per month.

Scope

• Personal injury lawyers are found in most countries, including India. 
• In India, personal injury lawyers specialize in various areas, such as medical malpractice, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, and workers’ compensation.
• The scope of personal injury lawyers in India is very wide. 

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7. Labor & Employment Lawyer 

There are a variety of labour and employment lawyers in India who specialize in different aspects of the law. Some of the most common types of lawyers include: 

A) Employment Lawyer: An employment lawyer provides legal advice and representation to employers and employees on labour and employment law matters. They can advise on issues such as the formation of employment contracts, the enforcement of laws protecting employee rights, and the termination of employment.

B) Labor Lawyer: A labour lawyer is an attorney who specializes in representing labour organizations and their members in collective bargaining and other labour disputes. They also help employers comply with labour laws and advise on labour relations issues.

C) Employment Rights Lawyer: An employment rights lawyer is an attorney specialising in defending employees who have been wrongfully terminated or discriminated against in the workplace. They can provide advice on filing complaints and bringing legal action against employers.

D) Labor Relations Lawyer: A labour relations lawyer is a lawyer who specialises in representing labour organisations and their members in collective bargaining and other labour disputes. They can advise on labour relations issues and help employers comply with labour laws.

E) Workplace Safety Lawyer: A workplace safety lawyer is an attorney who specialises in providing legal advice and representation on workplace safety and health matters. They can advise on safety regulations and help employers comply with safety laws.

F) Employment Benefits Lawyer: An employment benefits lawyer is an attorney who provides legal advice and representation on employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans. They can help employers comply with benefits laws and advise on employee benefit plans.

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Labour and employment law in India regulates labour and employment relationships between employers, employees, and unions. 
• It provides the framework for regulating wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment, including the right to form unions, the right to collective bargaining, the right to strike, and a safe and healthy workplace. 
• It also covers laws governing the formation and dissolution of employment contracts, the termination of employment, and the protection of employee rights.

Salary 

• The salary of a labour and employment lawyer in India depends on several factors, including experience, qualifications, and the size of the firm they work for. 
• Generally, the salary of a labour and employment lawyer in India ranges from Rs. 6 to Rs. 10 lakhs per annum. 
• Experienced lawyers may earn more than this, depending on their expertise and the firm's size.

Scope

• Labour and employment law is a complex and ever-evolving area that affects virtually every employer and employee in India. 
• It involves a wide range of legal issues, from how employers must pay their employees to how they must provide benefits to how they must treat employees with disabilities or those who face discrimination. 
• It is also constantly changing, so it is essential for labour and employment lawyers to stay up to date on the latest laws and regulations.

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8. Public Interest Lawyer 

Public Interest Law is a legal practice that protects the public from government and corporate abuse and promotes individual rights, civil liberties, and social justice. 

Public interest lawyers work in various settings, including public interest organisations, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private law firms.

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Public interest lawyers in India are involved in various legal issues such as environmental protection, consumer protection, human rights, labour rights, and public health. 
• They provide legal representation to individuals and organisations that need legal assistance. 
• They also engage in litigation, policy advocacy, and research to promote the public interest. 
• Public interest lawyers in India specialise in civil liberties, constitutional law, criminal law, environmental law, family law, international law, labour law, public health, and public policy. 
• They are often involved in the drafting of legislation and regulation, as well as in the enforcement of existing laws. 
• They also work to improve access to justice, particularly for marginalised populations, and to ensure that the legal system is fair and equitable.

Salary 

• The salary of a public interest lawyer in India will vary depending on the type of work they do, their region, and the size of the organization they work for. 
• Generally, public interest lawyers in India can expect to earn anywhere between ₹2 to ₹5 lakhs per annum, depending upon their experience and qualifications.

Scope

• Public interest lawyers in India play a vital role in ensuring that the justice system works for everyone. 
• They also help promote human rights and social justice and strive to make the world better and safer.

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9. Intellectual Property Lawyer 

Intellectual property law is a field of law that deals with the protection of creative works, ideas, and inventions. An Intellectual Property Lawyer is an attorney specialising in these law areas. 

In India, there are several types of lawyers who deal in intellectual property:

A) Patent lawyers specialize in obtaining and enforcing patents. 

B) Copyright lawyers protect the rights of authors and creators of literary and artistic works. 

C) Trademark lawyers specialize in obtaining and enforcing trademarks. 

D) Trade secret lawyers specialize in protecting confidential information and trade secrets. 

E) Intellectual property litigation lawyers represent clients in court proceedings related to intellectual property disputes.

Roles & Responsibilities 

• The primary role of an IP lawyer in India is to provide legal advice and assistance to clients in protecting and enforcing their IP rights. 
• This includes protecting copyrights, trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and other creative works.
• They help clients register patents, trademarks, and copyrights and advise them on the best legal strategies to protect their IP assets. 
• IP lawyers also assist in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts related to the transfer of IP rights. 

Salary 

• The salary of an intellectual property lawyer in India varies depending on the type of law firm they work for, their experience, and the geographical location of their practice. 
• Generally, the salary range for IP lawyers in India is Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 25 lakhs per annum. 
• This is higher than the national average for all lawyers in India, which is Rs. 6.2 lakhs per annum.

Scope

• As intellectual property increasingly becomes a significant asset to businesses, the demand for IP lawyers is growing in India.
• Intellectual property lawyers in India advise clients on the best ways to protect their intellectual property rights and represent them when their rights are infringed upon.

Conclusion

We hope this blog solves all your doubts about the types of lawyers in India. Happy Reading!

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