Careers In Law
A bar is a collective body of lawyers, especially litigating lawyers. The main purpose behind setting up the National Law Universities was to improve the standard of the Bar. Increasingly, law is becoming the career of choice for students. A career in law comes with power and responsibility. It also opens up the pathway to money, fame, and a position from where you can influence change. Also, a career in law no longer entails life in courts but has evolved to include working in corporate offices, media houses and others. To be a good lawyer, there are certain attributes that are very important. First and foremost, good communication skills, both verbal and oral, go a long way. A passion for reading, understanding different view points and articulating them in an easy to understand manner are also important. Being able to review things objectively and draw conclusions through logical reasoning are also indispensable.
Specialisations in Law
There is an opportunity to choose from a wide range of specialisations in keeping with your aspirations and personality. These include civil law, criminal law, corporate law, taxation law, international law, family law, constitutional law, labour law, administration law, patent law and more. Based on these specialisations, you can choose one of the many careers in Law.
Litigation
Practising law in courts is the traditional career path in law. Working under a senior counsel, fresh graduates learn how to practice in court. Graduates are supposed to sit for a Bar Exam and qualify before they can join the Courts of Law. Within litigation, you can choose to work in the public or private sector. You can choose to make Constitution, family, taxation, appellate work, trial-level practice, civil litigation, criminal cases and others your field of focus.
Corporate Counsel
You may work as an in-house legal counsel for corporates and advise them on legal matters related to their dealings. Your role will be to draft, vet and negotiate contracts, monitor compliance and handle disputes.
Private Sector
There are many international corporations, companies, banks and other organisations which need the services of a legal advisor.
Public Sector
Government sector and public sector undertakings also require services of a legal expert. Most Government organisations recruit lawyers through competitive exams and interviews. You could apply to work at one of these institutions or at one of the public or nationalised banks.
Law Firms
Being a part of an organised law firm is looked up to. The job description is the same and you do the same things that you would in a solo practice. There are some very prestigious law firms in India and being a part of them is highly valued.
Social Work
If social issues are something that you are passionate about, you can use your legal prowess to work with NGOs and civil society organisations on issues that concern society and the environment at large.
Judicial Services
The High Courts of respective states organise State Judicial Services examination. This is a prestigious exam and once you clear it, you have a stable, well respected job.
Civil Services
The Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission is an important national level exam and it is a distinguished achievement to clear it.
Legal Process Outsourcing
LPO is a lucrative career option and requires one to work on core legal functions that are delegated to them and attend to them based on set parameters and within a fixed timeframe.
Judicial Clerkship
It offers valuable insight into the legal system as students get to work as legal assistants with varying duties.
Media
From legal publishing in the capacity of an editor, legal reporting as a reporter for varied media as well as covering legal proceedings in courts, arbitration events and criminal matters, among other things, there are many options if you want to explore a career in media.
Teaching
It is the perfect option for those who are intellectually inclined or interested in pursuing research work.
General Practitioner
You deal with a wide variety of legal problems, as and when they arise. You will get to handle most legal cases from all subject areas
Compensation
As in most professions, in the beginning you will work more and be paid less. But as time progresses, there is scope for a lot of earning and a lot of work as well. As you grow in stature and respect, you will earn way more than you will be required to work. Your compensation depends on your experience, your mastery of the craft, your knowledge, competence and opportunities that come your way.
Perks
This profession commands a lot of respect and recognition. It also gives you the satisfaction of having fought for the rights of those who are oppressed. In high-profile cases, you earn so much repute that people in the farthest corners of the world recognise you by your name
