Overview
Have you completed your graduation, but your interest now seems to have shifted towards developing a legal career in India? Don’t worry, the doors are still open. Any graduate can pursue law; all they have to do is enroll in a 3-year LLB program or a 5-year integrated BA LLB program. However, if you have just completed your 12th and want to begin your career in law, you can apply for BA LLB, which is a 5-year integrated program.
A legal career in India offers intellectual challenge and financial promise. This blog will provide a comprehensive perspective on the diverse career paths available with a law degree, the qualifications needed for each, expected salaries, and how to enroll in top law programs to further your legal education. We will then go on to talk about the Faculty of Law at SGT University, the best law college in Delhi NCR, which offers rigorous training for future judges, attorneys, corporate counsels, policy advisors, and more.
Opportunities For a Legal Career in India
- Lawyer- This is likely the most common career people think of when considering law. As a lawyer, you can choose to practice various types of law, including criminal law, corporate law, family law, etc. The day-to-day work involves conducting research, providing legal advice, drafting contracts and legal documents, and representing clients in court.
- Judge- Judges preside over trials in local, state, and federal courts. They are responsible for overseeing procedures, assessing evidence, and delivering verdicts. To become a judge, you must first gain considerable experience practicing law, be a citizen of India, and be a law graduate. Apart from this, there are different requirements for different judges.
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Civil Judge/District Magistrate:
- Qualify for the state judiciary exam.
- Complete a training program at a judicial academy.
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District Judge:
- A minimum of 3 years in the post of judicial magistrate
- Or 7 years of serving in the legal profession as a pleader, public prosecutor, or advocate
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High Court Judge:
- 10 years of experience as an advocate of a High Court
- Or 10 years of experience as a judicial officer in the territory of India
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Supreme Court Judge:
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a judge of a high court or two such courts in succession
- Or at least 10 years of experience as a High Court advocate or two or more such courts in succession
- Public Defender - Public defenders provide legal representation for people who cannot afford a lawyer. They work for the government or a nonprofit legal agency. This role involves interviewing clients, performing investigations, negotiating plea bargains, and defending clients in court.
- Prosecutor - Prosecutors represent the government in court and are responsible for bringing charges against individuals suspected of crimes. Like public defenders, prosecutors must gather evidence, question witnesses, and argue cases in court.
- In-House Counsel - Many companies hire lawyers to serve as their in-house legal counsel. These lawyers help ensure the company complies with regulations and provide legal advice on corporate matters.
Eligibility for a Legal Career in India
To practice law in India, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Have at least a 3-year LLB degree
- Pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
- Register with the Bar Council of India
However, some law careers, like those of judges, may require many years of experience practicing law before qualifying.
Salary Prospects of a Legal Career in India
Salaries for legal careers can vary significantly depending on factors like:
- Years of experience
- Type of employer
- Location
- Reputation and skills
However, here are the average salary ranges for common law positions:
- Lawyers - ₹5-15 lakh per year
- Judges - ₹50,000-3 lakh per month
- Public Defenders - ₹3-8 lakh per year
- Prosecutors - ₹3-10 lakh per year
- In-House Counsel - ₹8-25 lakh per year
With time and experience, salaries at top law firms and prominent positions often grow.
Required Qualifications for a Legal Degree in India
To start a career in law, you must complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. Here are some tips for enrolling in an LLB program after graduation:
- Research and shortlist accredited law colleges based on rankings, facilities, specializations, tuition fees, location, etc.
- Check the eligibility criteria set by different colleges in terms of educational background, entrance exam scores, etc.
- Popular entrance exams for LLB include CLAT, LSAT, AILET, SLAT, etc. Apply for your desired exams well in advance.
- Apply to colleges before their application deadlines by submitting all required documents.
- An LLB program generally lasts 3 years and includes a mix of compulsory and elective courses.
- LLB curricula cover topics like constitutional law, civil and criminal law, corporate law, and trial advocacy.
About the CUET UG 2024 Exam
The Common University Entrance Test is conducted every year by the Ministry of Education and UGC for admission into postgraduate programmes in central and other participating Universities / Institutions / Organizations / Autonomous Colleges. The registration fee for CUET UG 2024 is:
- INR 750 for general candidates
- INR 700 for OBC-NCL and EWS candidates
- INR 650 for candidates who identify as third-gender, SC, ST, or PWD
CUET UG 2024 Exam Schedule
The CUET UG 2024 exam is scheduled to be conducted from May 15 to May 31, 2024.
Syllabus for the CUET UG 2024 Exam:
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- General Mental Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning
Some of the Best Colleges for a Legal Career in India:
If you manage to successfully clear your CUET UG 2024 exam with top marks, you will have the option to apply to any number of colleges across the country. Amongst the crowd, some of the best law colleges in India are considered to be:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
- Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
- National Law University (NLU), Bhopal
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- ILS Law College, Pune
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
For the majority of aspirants, the goal is to be a part of National Law Universities (NLUs) and set themselves up properly for a legal career in India. But if you aren’t getting a good NLU, you can opt for some private institutions. The Faculty of Law at SGT University, located in Gurgaon, Haryana, is considered the best law college in Delhi NCR, and sets many up for a successful legal career in India.
Faculty of Law at SGT University
The Faculty of Law (FLAW) at SGT University is committed to providing its students with a comprehensive legal education, enabling them to become professionals in the legal field and work toward the advancement of marginalized groups in society by utilizing their legal knowledge to uphold the rights of the harmed and advance social welfare. With experienced faculty and expert guidance, the university offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs:
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Legislative Law (Hons.)
- Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Legislative Law (Hons.)
- Bachelor of Laws [LL. B. (Hons.)]
- Master of Laws
- Doctor of Philosophy (Law)
What makes the Faculty of Law stand out?
- MOUs with various universities, including the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, and think tanks like the CUTS Institute of Regulation and Competition, New Delhi.
- Established various centers for research in collaboration with foreign universities, including the India Center for Socio-Legal Research, University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA
- An Industrial Advisory Board comprising various academicians, industry experts, members of the bar, and reputed law firms.
- Moot Court competitions and workshops for students to help them develop their advocacy skills and give them a better application of mind and law.
- Regular workshops and guest lectures for the students to have a better understanding of contemporary legal issues.
For more details about the Faculty of Law at SGT University, you can visit their website at https://sgtuniversity.ac.in/law/
Conclusion
Pursuing a legal career in India can be highly rewarding but also demanding. If you are passionate about justice, arguing cases, performing research, and analyzing laws, then a legal profession may be the right choice for you. Carefully consider the different career paths, eligibility criteria, earnings potential, and route to gaining your LLB when making your decision. Also, take extra care in making sure you are applying for the best law college in Delhi NCR like SGT University and its Faculty of Law. With hard work and dedication, an exciting and meaningful law career can become a reality.
