Updated On : August 25, 2023
Reader’s Digest - Want to become a lawyer but confused about which field to choose? Read this blog to get insights on various types of lawyers in India and their salaries (average & high paid). ⚖️📜
If you're a Class 12 student with dreams of wearing the iconic black robe and becoming a lawyer in India, you might be interested in knowing about the different types of lawyers in India.
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, roles and responsibilities, pay scale, growth and promotion factors that revolve around their role.
Here's a sneak peek of the key topics we're about to dive into:
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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 a few types of lawyers in India and why they might be so popular.
Criminal lawyers are legal professionals specialising 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 charged with criminal offences. They are also responsible for ensuring 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 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.
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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.
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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 as plaintiffs or defendants in court. They handle many disputes, including contract disputes, copyright and trademark infringement, shareholder disputes, etc.
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.
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Immigration lawyers are essential 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 advise on the best options for a business regarding immigration.
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Family law deals with family-related matters and domestic relations, including marriage, adoption, child custody, and paternity. 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 advise on 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 advise both parents on 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 advise on 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.
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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 medical negligence cases, 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.
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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 represents 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.
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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.
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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, several types of lawyers in India 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.
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When it comes to the world of law, the question on everyone's minds echoes – what's the paycheck like? Let's unravel the salary secrets across different legal domains in India and give you the lowdown on what these legal minds take home.
Once you've finished your LLB, it's time to choose your focus area for practising law. While litigation doesn't have a set salary, you can earn well from clients if you put in the effort. Check out the average lawyer salaries in different specializations in the table below:
Type of Lawyer | Average Starting Salary | Mid-Career Average Salary | Experienced Top-tier Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Criminal Lawyer | ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,00,000 | ₹6,00,000 - ₹12,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 and above |
Corporate Lawyer | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 - ₹20,00,000 | ₹25,00,000 and above |
Civil Litigation Lawyer | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 and above |
Intellectual Property Lawyer | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000 | ₹7,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | ₹18,00,000 and above |
Environmental Lawyer | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 and above |
Human Rights Lawyer | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 and above |
Tax Lawyer | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | ₹8,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | ₹18,00,000 and above |
Labor Lawyer | ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,00,000 | ₹6,50,000 - ₹12,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 and above |
Real Estate Lawyer | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000 | ₹7,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | ₹18,00,000 and above |
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Qualifications play a pivotal role in the myriad factors that shape a lawyer's income. Holders of a 5-year LL.B. degree (BA/B.COM/BBA) from esteemed National Law Universities tend to command better pay packages.
Venturing into Postgraduate Law Courses or even pursuing a Doctoral Degree can work wonders for your earnings, setting you apart from the crowd.
Beneath, you'll find a table detailing the average lawyer's salary, each figure aligned with the pursued qualifications.
Type of Lawyer | Qualification | Average Starting Salary | Mid-Career Average Salary | Experienced Top-tier Salary |
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Criminal Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,00,000 | ₹6,00,000 - ₹12,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 and above |
Corporate Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 - ₹20,00,000 | ₹25,00,000 and above |
Civil Litigation Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 and above |
Intellectual Property Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000 | ₹7,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | ₹18,00,000 and above |
Environmental Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 and above |
Human Rights Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 and above |
Tax Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | ₹8,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | ₹18,00,000 and above |
Labor Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,00,000 | ₹6,50,000 - ₹12,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 and above |
Real Estate Lawyer | LLB / LLM | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000 | ₹7,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | ₹18,00,000 and above |
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In the world of law, it's all about experience. Your value to clients grows as you gain more wisdom in this realm. Seasoned advocates can command a hefty INR 5 Lakh for an appearance; for top-tier cases, fees can soar to a staggering INR 1 crore.
Check out the table below for insights into lawyers' average yearly earnings, aligned with their years of valuable experience. It's the journey that shapes the worth!
Type of Lawyer | Experience Level | Average Salary Range |
---|---|---|
Criminal Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹6,00,000 - ₹12,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹15,00,000 and above | |
Corporate Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹10,00,000 - ₹20,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹25,00,000 and above | |
Civil Litigation Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹12,00,000 and above | |
Intellectual Property Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹7,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹18,00,000 and above | |
Environmental Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹12,00,000 and above | |
Human Rights Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹12,00,000 and above | |
Tax Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹8,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹18,00,000 and above | |
Labor Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹6,50,000 - ₹12,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹15,00,000 and above | |
Real Estate Lawyer | Entry Level (0-3 years) | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000 |
Mid-career (4-9 years) | ₹7,50,000 - ₹15,00,000 | |
Experienced (10+ years) | ₹18,00,000 and above |
In public service, a Government of India Advocate takes home an average annual salary of ₹2.6 Lakhs, with experience spanning 1 to 9 years. Advocates at the Government of India witness salaries ranging from ₹1.0 Lakhs to ₹4.4 Lakhs yearly, a testament to their dedication to upholding justice.
Institution Name | Average Salary | Salary Range |
---|---|---|
Government Institution of India | ₹ 2,60,455/year | ₹1.0L/yr - ₹4.4L/yr |
District Court Ghaziabad | ₹ 2,60,455/year | ₹1.0L/yr - ₹4.4L/yr |
Self-Practice | ₹ 3,86,078/year | ₹1.2L/yr - ₹7.2L/yr |
High Court Lucknow | ₹ 4,21,163/year | ₹1.8L/yr - ₹7.4L/yr |
Advocate | ₹ 4,25,462/year | ₹1.2L/yr - ₹9.0L/yr |
Narayana Processed Foods | ₹ 2,66,185/year | ₹30.0K/yr - ₹5.2L/yr |
In conclusion, embarking on a legal career is a journey with possibilities. For Class 12 students aspiring to become lawyers, understanding the diverse landscape of legal specializations in India is paramount.
Key Takeaways:
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lawyers are there in India?
What is the role of a criminal lawyer in India?
What is the role of a commercial lawyer in India?
What is the role of a family lawyer in India?
What is the role of a civil lawyer in India?
What is the role of an immigration lawyer in India?
What is the role of an appellate lawyer in India?
What is the difference between a civil lawyer and a criminal lawyer in India?