Career Scope After LLB: Exams, Job Roles & Salaries

LLB, which is the Bachelor of Law, is a highly regarded degree which serves as a point of entry into a wide range of career paths in the legal field. It gives students in depth study of the law, its practice and its role in many sectors. We see that study of law which puts students into the critical thinking, legal analysis, and problem-solving arenas, very much so a base for a legal career or work within a legal setting. 

Upon graduation with an LLB degree students may go into many different career directions. This includes private practice as a lawyer, work in the judiciary, as an in-house counsel at a corporate law firm, or the public sector. Also, many of the LLB graduates go into academic or research roles, in legal consulting, or international law. The flexible scope of the degree gives law graduates’ choice in what specialized field which best matches their interest and career goals. 

We will look at the main exams LLB graduates have to pass, the many job options available, what to expect in terms of salary in those roles, and how far your career may take you if you choose a legal path. We have put together this guide for you whether you are at the start of your LLB or are at a point to think about what’s next in your legal career. 

What does LLB stand for? 

LLB is a professional degree which is an abbreviation of Legum Baccalaureus which in turn is a Latin term for Bachelor of Laws. This degree serves as a base in many legal fields and prepares individuals for law careers. It puts forward study of both theory and practice of law which includes analysis of the structure of legal systems, legal rights and duties and the rules which run social life. Also, the program is structured to give a comprehensive study of law which in turn is applied in many practice areas. 

The 3-year law course and the 5-year integrated law course. In the 3 year program which we see is that which enrols students who have already obtained their bachelor degree in a different field  it is a very pure play into the law which we see as a great option for people looking to get into law after they have had experience in a different field. Also, we have the 5-year integrated law course after 12th which combines undergraduate study with legal education this is for the student that wants to go straight into law from high school. Also, it is common for this program to include study in another subject like business or economics which in turn gives students a wider view of legal issues. 

LLB programs overall include a core of subjects which are Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Family Law, and Contract Law. Also, we see that some programs put forth in specialized fields like Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Environmental Law which in turn allows students to tailor their study to their own interests. 

Key Exams for LLB Graduates: 

In the field of law which is what many are aimed at you will have to pass certain key exams which in turn will grant you admission to law school or the chance to practice law professionally. 

The CLAT is a very important entrance exam for law aspirants in India. CLAT is for students which wish to get into the 5-year integrated LLB program at leading National Law Universities (NLUs). In terms of preparation CLAT requires students to do well in areas like English, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Aptitude. The exam is very competitive and doing well in it is the ticket into some of the best law schools in the country. 

Another which is very important is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) which is accepted by law schools all over India and the rest of the world. LSAT looks at a student’s reading comprehension, logical and analytical reasoning. For students that wish to study law at international universities LSAT is a requirement. It also provides a global stage for law study and opens to our students’ opportunities at home and abroad. 

The Bar Exam is a very important element for law school graduates which if they wish to practice law in India must pass. Once you leave out the LLB and enter the professional stage of your career you must pass the Bar Exam to be a registered advocate and practice in Indian courts. The Bar Exam looks at what you know in terms of law and your base in ethical issues as a pre-requisite to that practice. Passing this exam is a large step in the process of becoming a licensed lawyer in our country. 

Also, we see that which exams an LLB graduate takes is based on their chosen specialization or career path. In the case of the judiciary exams which are for as aspiring judges and magistrates. Also, we see that for those aiming at corporate law or specific legal fields there are related exams. These exams which include assessment of specialized legal knowledge are a requirement to get into very specific roles. 

Career Pathways After LLB: 

An LLB degree which is your ticket into many career paths which each present their own set of opportunities and issues. The most popular path is Private Practice. Many LLB graduates opt to become practicing lawyers which include clients in courts or giving out legal advice in areas like civil, criminal, corporate or family law. This may involve setting up a private practice or joining a law firm, starting out as a junior associate and working your way up to senior counsel. Also, by specializing in a particular field of law you also improve your job prospects in private practice. 

In another major career field graduates may join the Judiciary. After clearing judicial exams, LLB graduates may aim to become judges or magistrates. The entry into the judiciary is a very rigorous process which requires years of preparation and experience. But in the judiciary career stability is paired with great responsibility of interpretation of laws and delivery of justice. 

In the field of corporate law, we see great opportunities for those that are interested. Corporate lawyers we see as integral players in the growth of a company we see them advise on mergers and acquisitions, draft contracts, and navigate regulatory compliance. Also, they may be found practicing at large law firms or within multinational corporations. Also, in house counsel roles within companies which may not be as high profile as their private practice counterparts do offer very stable careers with competitive salaries. 

Also, in that which LLB graduates do is to go into the Public Sector which includes government agencies, public sector undertakings and legal teams in banks. In the public sector they provide legal advice and represent in issues related to the government. The public sector presents secure jobs and great benefits which is what many law grads are looking for. 

Analysis of Common Jobs for LLB graduates: 

LLB graduates have a range of careers to choose from which play to their interests and career goals. Of all the options out there the most popular is that of a Lawyer. Lawyers we represent clients in the courts for a range of cases including criminal, civil and commercial. While litigation is very rewarding it also has its challenges which include very long hours and the pressure to win cases. 

What successful litigators do is they build up a great base of clients and gain extensive experience in the courtroom. 

Legal advisors or which are also known as Legal Consultants play an important role in the advice they give to businesses, real estate developers, and government agencies on legal issues. They help clients to navigate through complex regulations, draft up contracts, and report to that they are in fact compliant with the law. Legal consultants are very much in demand for their expertise which they apply in many sectors including banking, insurance and real estate. 

Another key role is that of Corporate Counsel in which legal professionals work within companies to handle issues of corporate governance, business transactions and compliance. Corporate counsels are vital in see to it that companies are in fact abiding by legal standards and that they also avoid legal issues. 

Notaries and Legal Officers are charged with the certification of documents; we also see them conducting notarization processes and which is to also see to it that legal documents are valid. These roles are very much so a part of the legal practice and put forward very important support in many legal issues. 

Also, in that which Legal Analysts and Paralegals do is research for lawyers, prepare documents, and manage legal filings. Paralegals play key role in the legal process for which they support lawyers in the representation of their clients at the same time see to it that all the paperwork and research is done in an efficient manner. 

Salaries in Law Careers: 

The salary for an LLB graduate is a variable which depends on the career path, industry, and experience level. Fresh out of school starting salaries may range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs per year. Location at which a graduate is employed, the scale at which the firm operates, and the field within law in which the individual practices also play a role. By way of an example, in metro cities which are large business centres law firms tend to pay out larger salaries as compared to small firms or the government sector. 

Experienced attorneys can expect to see much larger salaries which range from INR 10 to 20 lakhs per year. In the case of senior counsel, corporate lawyers and partners in law firms we see greater wages which they earn in hand. Also, it is noted that professionals which have specialized in fields like intellectual property or tax law may bring in even higher salaries. 

In the judiciary and government, we see very stable and competitive salaries. In India judges and magistrates report to get between INR 50,000 to 1,00,000 per month which varies by rank and years of service. Also, government legal officers do very well but salaries do tend to vary with the position and department. 

For in the fields of international and corporate law which is to say that lawyers in these roles may command much higher salaries. In multinational corporations and global law firms which are the main players in this space we see salary ranges from INR 20 to 50 lakhs per annum which may go beyond that depending on the lawyer’s experience and the company’s financial structure. 

Professional Development in the legal field: 

The professional law field has great growth for the dedicated individual that is continuous in their learning and professional development. In some speciality areas like cyber law, environmental law, or mediation which also have unique career tracks and may command higher salaries we see also see many of these professionals grow. 

Networking and in mentoring are key to success in the legal field. We see value in developing relationships with senior professionals, attending legal conferences, and being a part of legal communities which in turn expand your career options. Also, it goes without saying that which that practical experience you gain from internships or from assistive work with senior lawyers is invaluable and very much to your benefit in the early stages of your career. 

Challenges Faced by Law Graduates: 

While the legal field is a very exciting career choice it also brings out many challenges. A key challenge is that of competition within the industry. In the legal field we see great competition in areas like litigation and corporate law. Success here requires dedication, perseverance, and a constant effort to improve your skills. 

Another issue is that of work life balance. In the field of law, we see that especially those in litigation and corporate practice report to put in very long hours which in turn leads to burn out and stress. To do this and at the same time attend to personal wellbeing is key to long term success. 

Also, it is that at times we are put under great pressure by high expectations and deadlines which may be especially hard for new players in private practice or those that have joined corporate firms. But we may manage these issues through better time management, seeking out support and from what we do which in turn comes with experience. 

Pondering over which Institute for LLB in Pune? 

Choosing your law school is a very important decision for your legal career. What you choose puts you on a certain path which may include a strong academic background as well as which direction you will network and how you will advance Career in Law. In that light Suryadatta Law College in Pune is a great option for the aspirant law student. They have a practical approach to their curriculum, very dedicated faculty and report very good placement results. Also, the school has connections in the professional and corporate legal world which in turn better prepare you for the real practice of law. 

Conclusion: 

LLB is a route into a very dynamic field of law. We see a great range of career options available to graduates which in turn allows them to choose the path that best fits their passions and skills. If you go into private practice, the judiciary, corporate law, or the public sector we have found that your LLB degree will be very beneficial in setting you up for success. 

Today is the time to think about your future in law and which path to choose that will help you attain your goals. If you are looking at the LLB route, put your foot in the door now by looking at top ranked law schools like Suryadatta Law College. 

Ready to begin your journey in law? At Suryadatta Law College we have the top LLB programs for you to choose from which will set you up for success in your legal career.