Law

Law is a very competitive field however in the government sector it is not as competitive as government lawyers most often work with each other and not against each other. Therefore chances of them fighting over a case are much lesser. Those whose families have been into the profession for generations in India usually opt to study law too. To become a lawyer it is neither neccesory to have a family background in law nor is it necessary that you belong to an affluent family. Anyone can choose to study law as long as one has the passion for it.

Students could specialize in either civil or criminal laws. Now this concept has changed and a students can opt to specialize in any of the various options offered like patent laws, corporate laws etc. A degree in law not only lets you practice as a lawyer in the courts in the company but also opens up career options in sectors like corporate management, legal services and administrative services. The LLB course is regulated by the Bar Council of India which sets rules and regulations regarding legal practice in the country.

Courses

  • L.B. (3 years)- three-year law course after graduation in any discipline.
  • A/BBA. L.L.B. (Integrated) – A 5 years course after 12th class.
  • L.M. – A 2 years master degree programme after degree in law.
  • MPhil / PhD.

Eligibility

The minimum qualification for under graduate programmes (BALLB or BBALLB) is  Senior Secondary School/Intermediate (10+2) or its equivalent certificate from a recognised Board with not less than 45% marks in aggregate (40%  for SC/ ST candidates). Candidates who are appearing or have appeared in the 10+2 examination and are awaiting results are also eligible to appear in the test.

The minimum qualification for graduate programme (LLB) is graduate degree in any stream or its equivalent examination from a recognised university with not less than 45% marks in aggregate (40% to SC/ST candidates). Candidates who are appearing or have appeared final examination and are awaiting results are also eligible to appear in the test.

The minimum qualification for post graduate programme (LLM), is LL. B/B. L. Degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized University with not less than 55% marks in aggregate (50% to SC/ ST candidates). The candidates who are appearing or have appeared in the qualifying degree examination and are awaiting results are also eligible to appear in the test.

Main law entrance exams

Career Prospects

After completing the bachelor degree in law students have to register with the local state bar council to be eligible to practice.  All law graduates who wish to practice in the courts have to register themselves in the Bar Council of India (BCI) and practice in courts under senior lawyers. One can either practice as an advocate in a court of law or work with corporate firms. By clearing exams conducted by Public Service Commissions, a law graduate can become a judge. After gaining experience, a law graduate can become Solicitor General, a Public Prosecutor or work with government departments and ministries. One can also work as a legal adviser for various organisations. Teaching in colleges, working with NGOs and working as a reporter for newspapers and television channels are other attractive options. One can also be magistrates and sub-magistrates through the Public service commission exam. Other posts for law gradutes are public prosecutors, public defenders, solicitor general, advocate general, district attorney etc. One can also  work as teachers, professors and writers of law.One can work  under the central government as law officers, legal advisors and assistant advisors and  under the state government. One can work as-

  •  Judge: Offers judgment after conducting the court proceedings and hearing al the concerned parties. One can become judge of Lower court, High court and up to Supreme court even highest level Chief Justis of India
  • Criminal Lawyer: Specialises in criminal laws CrPC, IPC, Evidence Act and various other penal laws.
  • Civil Litigation Lawyer: Specializes in civil laws (taxation laws, excise laws).
  • Legal Analyst: Works for corporate firms or law firms and analyses laws pertaining to the sphere of the company and its operation.
  • Document Drafting Lawyer: Specialises in drafting various documents containing agreements, terms and conditions, case material, etc.
  • Legal Journalist: Covers crime beats, legal proceedings in courts, arbitration courts, international courts and arbitration events.
  • Legal Advisor: Offers consultancy to corporate firms regarding their legal obligations, duties, legal relations with other firms.
  • Government Lawyer: Works for the government and in close coordination with the police.

Pay/Earnings

As a lawyer who wishes to start practicing in  a court can get a stipend of Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 per month, a law graduate working with Legal Process Outsourcing receives can earn attractive salary between Rs 40,000 and Rs1, 00,000 or more per month. It is a very high paying profession, but depends largely on the caliber, popularity and success of the candidate.

Institutes