How to become a lawyer in India- 7 easy steps

Movies like To Kill a Mockingbird, My Cousin Vinny, The Devil’s Advocate, and more can inspire one to become a lawyer. Apart from the film, a sense of justice and a passion for serving the nation’s people is necessary. Of course, the money that comes with it is good enough. If you have these attributes and the willingness, here’s how you can become a lawyer. 

What is the job of a lawyer?

Lawyers use their knowledge and skills to assist clients in understanding and navigating legal issues. While their roles and responsibilities may differ depending on their area of expertise, most lawyers are responsible for the following-

• Creating legal documents and submitting them to the proper courts/authorities.
• Attending client trials and hearings.
• Working with cops and investigators to build cases for trials and mediations.
• Evaluating a case and advising clients on legal options.
• Presenting arguments and evidence in favor of the client before a judge.

What are the types of law specialization?

Different lawyers choose different legal specializations. They select their specialization considering various factors, such as training period, pay, and more. Here are some popular legal specializations-

• Civil law
• Real estate law
• Corporate law
• Criminal law
• Administrative law
• Tax law
• Family law
• Cyberlaw
• Animal rights Law
• Consumer protection law
• Intellectual property law
• Environment law
• Labour law
• Human rights law

Qualifications to become a lawyer

To begin your career in law, you must complete a law degree program at a recognized university. There are numerous courses available to assist you in your endeavor, such as-

Combined LLB

You can pursue a combined law degree, which condenses the duration of two degrees into five years, rather than the usual six. The most well-known combined Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degrees are-

• BA LL.B
• B.Com LL.B
• BBA LL.B

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)

The traditional law degree is primarily a post-graduate course that a student can pursue with an undergraduate degree in the arts, commerce, or science. This is a three-year program that follows the first bachelor’s degree.

Master of Laws (LL.M)

A master’s degree in law, also known as an LL.M, is only available after obtaining a Bachelor of law. It is usually a two-year or one-year program.

While an LL.B course can fulfill basic lawyer prerequisites, many lawyers prefer to pursue a master’s degree to help enhance their abilities and advance their careers.

How to become a lawyer?

Here are 7 easy steps to becoming a lawyer

Step 1. Higher education is a must

To pursue a bachelor’s degree in law, you must complete your higher secondary education (10+2) from a recognized school education board. A bachelor’s degree is open to students from any discipline, including science, arts, and commerce.

Step 2. Graduation stream

After graduation, you can pursue a law degree through a three-year LL.B. program. If you choose this path, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in any field. You can apply for the three-year LL.B program if you have a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Science (BSc), a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

Step 3. Law entrance exam

Most law schools choose students based on their performance on a law entrance exam. The Common Law Admission Test is one of the most popular national-level entrance exams (CLAT). 

It is a two-hour exam with 150 multiple-choice questions, with one mark for each correct answer and a deduction of 0.25 points for each incorrect answer. To be eligible for admission, candidates must score at least 50% on the CLAT. The majority of law schools accept the CLAT scores.

Other law entrance exams are as follows-

• All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)
• Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Maharashtra Common Entrance Test – Law (MC-CET)

Step 4. Apply to a law school

After receiving your law entrance exam results, you can begin applying to law schools. You must submit official transcripts, law entrance test scores, letters of recommendation, and additional information with each application.

Many schools look for candidates with high CLAT scores, solid letters of recommendation, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Interning at a local courthouse or law firm can demonstrate your interest in the field.

Step 5. Finish your bachelor’s degree in law

You will study political science, sociology, and economics during your undergraduate law degree. These courses help you learn more about society, which is your field of profession. In addition to these subjects, you must also study law, including constitutional law, criminal law, and family law. To become a law graduate, you must pass all of your subjects in your final year.

Step 6. Clear the All India Bar Examination

To be eligible to practice as a lawyer in India, law graduates must pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), according to government guidelines. The Bar Council of India holds this exam annually, and all aspirants must register in advance. To be eligible for the All India Bar Examination, you must first register as an advocate with a State Bar Council.

Step 7. Experience is the key

After passing the AIBE, you will be able to practice law professionally. The next best step would be to either seek a legal job as an associate advocate with a law firm or to begin practicing law independently. Choose what’s best for you.

Key takeaways

• A lawyer has to carry many roles and responsibilities. They must help the public with their skills and knowledge.
• To get into the best law colleges, giving an entrance exam is a must.
• You study subjects like political science, sociology, and economics to help you learn about the current state of affairs.
• After you clear the AIBE, you are eligible to practice law in India.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to contact us for more information on how to become a lawyer in India. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

Liked this blog? Read next: LLB | Here’s everything you need to know before getting an LLB degree!

FAQs

Q1. How much will it cost to become a lawyer in India?

Answer- On average, LLB course fees in India range from INR 1 lakh to INR 2 lakh per year.

Q2. Can I become a lawyer at 30 in India?

Answer- The Bar Council of India Rules of Education, 2008 schedule III clause 28 states that general category students seeking admission to BA (law) courses must be under the age of 20, while reserved category students must be under the age of 22.

Q3. What is the average income of a lawyer?

Answer- Average salary for a Lawyer in India is 3.5 Lakhs per year. It varies depending on education and experience.