A law degree is broadly aimed to inculcate serious advocacy skills, empowering one to argue in favor of any cause. Lawyers normally advice clients and provide solutions to legal issues at both private and public level. They basically interpret laws, rules and regulations and prepare legal documents. They also argue and debate at the courts and take decisions on legal matters. People in the field of law typically work in various corporate houses, law agencies, law firms, litigation, administrative services amongst others. Some top options in the field of law include civil law, corporate law, patent law, corporate management, legal services and administrative services.
Career Opportunities in Law
- Law Firms
- Corporate Counsel
- Litigation
- Judicial Services/Civil Services
- Social Work
- Legal Processing Outsourcing
- Judicial Clerkship
- Media and Law
How to Become a Lawyer
| Stream | Graduation | After Graduation | After Post Graduation | |
| Path 1
|
Clear Class XII in Any stream | Pursue BA.LL.B./ BBA.LL.B./ B.Com. LL.B. for 5 years | Pursue LLM in Multiple Specialization for 1-2 years | Pursue PhD in Multiple Specializations
|
| Path 2
|
Clear Class XII in Science stream | Pursue B.Sc. LL.B. for 5 years | Pursue LLM in Multiple Specialization for 1-2 years | Pursue PhD in Multiple Specializations |
| Path 3
|
Clear Class XII in Any stream | Pursue Graduation in any Discipline for 3-4 years | Pursue LL.B. for 3 years | Pursue LLM in Multiple Specializations for 1-2 years |
Important Facts
- Some colleges also have eligibility criteria of minimum 45% aggregate marks in Class XII for general category and 40% aggregate marks in Class XII for SC & ST category candidates.
- B.Sc. LLB, BBA.LL.B.. and B.Com. LL.B. are available as courses majorly in selected colleges.
- There is no mandatory subject in Class XII.
- Entry to top level colleges requires a high score in entrance tests like CLAT/LSAT/AILET amongst others.
Law Entrance Exams
Undergraduate
| College | Tentative Date | Important Elements | Website
|
| Common Law Admission Exam (CLAT) | May | General Knowledge, English, Current Affairs, Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning | www.clat.ac.in |
| Law School Admission Test (LSAT) | May | Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension | www.pearsonvueindia.com/lsatindia |
Postgraduate
| Institution | Tentative Date | Important Elements | Website
|
| All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) | May | General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability, English | www.nludelhi.ac.in/ailet2017.aspx |
| Common Law Admission Exam (CLAT) | May | Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and Labour & Industrial Law | www.clat.ac.in
|
Work Description
- Meet and consult clients in order to understand and manage their legal transactions
- Draft official papers, letters and agreements duly personalized to the client’s specific requirements
- Suggest clients on legal and law matters according to their case
- Gather evidence to formulate defense strategy, by means of interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts
- Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses
- Analyze probable scenarios in cases, using knowledge of legal theory and precedents
- Negotiate and bargain with clients and other related network partners to achieve the given objective
- Manage and supervise the execution and drafting of contracts
- Correspond with clients and conflicting advocates
- Represent clients in Court during disputes
Pros & Cons of a Career in Law
Pros
- It is a highly respected profession which provides power, respect and money.
- Provides opportunities to help people and serve society
- Lawyers are seen as one of the pillar of Justice
Cons
- It requires the professional to always be an extensive reader
- Hard decisions and arguments are supposed to be made during most of criminal and civil trials, hence it can be stressful.
- Ethical and moral issues.