Law is one of the most prestigious courses for people these days. It has changed with time and has grown exponentially. Students interested in pursuing a career in law have the option of a five-year integrated law course or can do a three-year law course after their graduation. It was believed formerly that studying law only limits an individual to the court, but the options have only expanded and branched out with time.
The academic field, which was intended to enlighten its practitioners, has become one of the most sought-after professions for those who wish to make it big. From becoming an advocate to occupying a top-level employee in a corporation, an LLB degree presents you with immense possibilities to grow from.
The notion of a lawyer who can spot 'loopholes' in the system is a widespread one in our country, but we cannot deny that to one-up the law, one must know the law. From writers to politicians to freedom fighters, lawyers have been everywhere. Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Franz Kafka, and Abraham Lincoln - all these were lawyers. However, even with so many illustrious role models, many students are confused by one basic question - What are my career options after my LLB degree?'
In this article, we are going to look at a few career options after BA LLB.
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ADVOCATE
An advocate is the first answer to expect when you ask someone about the career options after LLB. An advocate is “a person, who assists, defends, pleads or prosecutes for the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court.”
To become an advocate, one has to do a compulsory internship under a practicing advocate after graduation. After that, they have to become a member of the bar council to start independent practice.
Advocates can practice law in the District Court, the State High Court, or the Central Supreme Court. There are many tribunals and forums they can choose from.
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TRIAL LAWYER:
They mainly deal with disputes and crimes as proposed by clients. The objective is to present the client’s case in court.
One can start their career in this field by working with a well-practicing lawyer. This way, one can get experience before venturing independently. Another option is to work with an established firm and make your way through it.
Most of the litigators are self-employed, and they charge as per the number of appearances made. The range may vary from Rs. 200 to Rs. 30 Lakhs depending on their experience.
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CORPORATE LAWYER:
A corporate lawyer is expected to ensure that the company functions within the framework of general as well as corporate roles, act as a legal advisor in case of disputes, establish terms of agreements between the company and its stakeholders.
One can become a corporate lawyer by completing the LLB course and also specializing in corporate law. A few years of experience in corporate law can help you find a reputed job.
Taking up exams like LPC, BPTC and getting a training contract in the industry gives you a strong lead over others.
The salary may start from Rs. 30,000 and goes to six-figure with experience.
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LEGAL ADVISOR:
A legal advisor offers guidance regarding laws to an organization or government. They advocate the laws and rights of the corporate firm. They also guide the firm with legal duties and obligations.
Advisors need to pass the bar exam after graduating from law school. Furthermore, acquiring a license from your state is mandatory before practicing the profession.
With proper experience, the pay scale can be anywhere from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 Lakh.
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JUDGE:
There are lower-level judicial services and higher-level judicial services.
To become a grade-2 civil judge, the minimum qualification is to have an LLB degree, after which one can appear for the judicial services exams.
These exams are conducted by respective high courts of different states to fill the vacancies available.
The exams include three stages; the preliminary stage, the mains, and the personal interview.
If the candidate qualifies through the exams, they will be given magistrate roles. Later on, they move forward to become civil judges, judicial judges, and senior judges based on seniority.
To qualify for judges in higher-level courts, a law degree and at least seven years of practice in a higher-level court are mandatory.
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INDIAN ARMY LAWYER:
Indian army has a wing of law professionals known as the Judge Advocate General(JAG) branch. This branch includes legally qualified army officers, and the JAG Corps of officers take care of all law-related matters for the army.
Their duties include representing the army in certain matters as well as assisting the presiding officers in case of court-martials.
Most officers of the JAG corps start as army lawyers, and they either become JAG officers after joining the military or enter the military with the JAG requirements completed.
Just like civilian advocates, they represent either the defense or the prosecution during court-martials. Officers Under this entry are mostly law graduates, and they work exclusively with military personnel, and JAG officers can work within any branch of the Indian armed forces.
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TEACHING:
To become a professor in any law college, one needs to go for LLM and take a Ph.D. in law.
A few years of relevant experience as a law practitioner will be necessary to get into reputed private law colleges as a lecturer.
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JOURNALISM:
After a thorough knowledge of the Indian law system, one can go into journalism and writing. It is an exciting and adventurous option suitable for someone who wants to do something different in the field of law.
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HIGHER STUDIES:
The last option but the most sought-after one is to pursue higher education. Doing LLM from a reputed college is the next step if your goal is to be a specialized lawyer in a certain field, and it allows us to go deeper into the field and widens the job possibilities.
Found this interesting? Read more such blogs and learn how to advance your career as a lawyer at Rest The Case.
Author: Shweta Singh
