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Transactional + advisory work at top law firms. M&A, capital markets, dispute resolution.

What they actually do

Corporate lawyers at Tier-1 Indian firms (AZB, Khaitan, CAM, JSA, S&R) advise on M&A, IPOs, fund-raising, joint ventures, regulatory compliance, employment + competition law. Hours intense; pay among highest in legal profession.

A typical day

• Due diligence on transactions
• Drafting + reviewing contracts (SHA, SPA, JV agreements)
• Negotiation with opposite-side counsel
• Regulatory filings (SEBI, RBI, MCA, CCI)
• Client + partner meetings

How to become a Corporate Lawyer (Law Firm)

2 viable paths.

• CLAT → NLU → Tier-1 firm placement

  Most direct. Top 50 in graduating class at NLSIU/NLUD/NALSAR get Tier-1 offers via campus.

  CLAT →

• Non-NLU → LLM (NLU/abroad) → Tier-1 firm

  Possible via LLM from top institute; harder route.

Salary bands by experience

Wide bands — real salary depends on city, employer, performance. Pick the midpoint for planning.

• Associate (0-2 yr)₹15 - ₹22 LPA

  Top-tier Indian firms ₹15-19L; foreign-firm Mumbai/Singapore ₹40L+.

• Senior Associate (3-5 yr)₹25 - ₹50 LPA
• Principal Associate (6-8 yr)₹50 - ₹90 LPA
• Partner (8-12 yr)₹1 Cr - ₹5 Cr+

Career growth + employers

Associate → Senior Associate → Principal Associate → Partner → Equity Partner

Top employers (informational, not endorsement)

• AZB & Partners
• Khaitan & Co
• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• S&R Associates
• Trilegal, JSA, Luthra

Honest pros + cons

Demand outlook

Strong. M&A volumes growing; foreign-firm presence expanding post 2023 BCI changes.

Related careers

• Advocate (Litigator)

  Court practice — civil, criminal, corporate. 5-year integrated BA-LLB or 3-year LLB.

• In-House Counsel (Corporate Legal)

  Lawyer inside a company. Lower hours than law firm; broader exposure to business decisions.

Relevant exams

• CLAT