Becoming A Successful Law Student In India

Becoming a lawyer in India is a challenging and competitive process. It requires dedication, hard work, and a strong academic foundation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a good law student and eventually a successful lawyer in India:

Step 1: Complete Higher Secondary Education

Firstly, you need to successfully complete your higher secondary board exam (10+2) from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate score of 50-60%. This is the basic eligibility criterion to pursue a bachelor's degree in law.

Step 2: Choose Any Stream after Class 10th

There is no specific stream required to pursue a law degree. Students from all streams, including science, commerce, and humanities, can aspire to a career in law. Popular subjects for law aspirants include Political Science, Legal Studies, Economics, History, and Psychology, as they provide a good foundation for understanding the legal system.

Step 3: Apply for a Bachelor's or Integrated Law Degree

You can choose to pursue a 3-year Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree after class 12th or after graduation in any subject. Alternatively, you can opt for a 5-year integrated program, such as BA LL.B, BBA LL.B, or B.Com LL.B, which combines a bachelor's degree in law with another discipline. These integrated programs offer early exposure to law subjects and save a year of study.

Step 4: Register and Clear Law Entrance Exams

Most law colleges in India admit students based on their performance in law entrance exams. Popular exams include the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), and Symbiosis Law Aptitude Test (SLAT). These exams assess your knowledge in areas such as English, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, and Mathematics.

Step 5: Apply to Reputable Law Schools

Once you have your law entrance exam results, start applying to law schools. Consider factors such as the reputation of the institute, faculty, and placement records. Top law schools in India include National Law School of India University, Bangalore, National Law University, New Delhi, and Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad.

Step 6: Complete Your Law Degree

During your law degree, you will study a wide range of subjects, including civil law, criminal law, family law, tax laws, and constitutional law. Work hard to pass all your subjects and gain a strong foundation in legal knowledge.

Step 7: Pursue Internships

Internships are crucial for gaining practical experience and understanding the real-world application of legal concepts. Aim to intern with advocates or law firms during your degree to strengthen your skills and build industry connections.

Step 8: Register with the State Bar Council and Clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)

To practice law in India, you must register with the State Bar Council and pass the AIBE, a mandatory exam for law graduates. This exam is conducted annually by the Bar Council of India, and passing it will grant you a certificate of practice, allowing you to appear in court as an advocate.

Step 9: Gain Experience and Build Your Career

After becoming a licensed lawyer, focus on gaining diverse work experience. You can join private or government firms, start your own law firm, or even explore other career paths such as corporate counsel, litigation, social work, legal publishing, or academia.

Remember, becoming a good law student and a successful lawyer requires not just academic excellence but also strong communication skills, analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a passion for justice.

Choose any Stream after Class 10th

Choosing a stream after Class 10 can be a challenging and crucial decision, as it will shape your future career path. If you aspire to become a lawyer in India, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when selecting your stream. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to help you make an informed choice:

Identify Your Interests and Strengths

The first step is to assess your interests and strengths. Reflect on the subjects that you are passionate about and consider your hobbies. If you are particularly strong in mathematics and science, the Science stream might be a good option. On the other hand, if you are more inclined towards business and finance, the Commerce stream may be a better fit. For those who enjoy creative and expressive subjects, the Arts stream could be the right choice. It's important to choose a stream that aligns with your interests and natural talents.

Research Available Streams

Take the time to research the different streams available to you, such as Science, Commerce, and Arts. Each stream offers a unique set of subjects and career paths. For law, the Arts stream is often recommended as it provides a solid foundation in social sciences, including economics, history, and political science. These subjects nurture critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of societal dynamics, which are essential for a career in law. However, don't hesitate to choose the Science or Commerce streams if you have a strong inclination towards those subjects. Ultimately, your passion and dedication will matter more than the specific stream.

Explore Career Goals

Consider your long-term career goals and how your choice of stream can impact them. If you aspire to become a lawyer, research the educational requirements and determine if your chosen stream will provide a smooth pathway to law school. Think about the specific field of law you want to practise and ensure that your stream choice supports that goal.

Seek Professional Guidance

Discuss your options with professionals who are already in the legal field or are familiar with the industry. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on their experience. Counsellors and teachers can also guide you in making the right choice by considering your interests, strengths, and goals.

Popular Stream Options:

Science Stream

The Science stream is ideal for students who excel in mathematics and science. It offers a broad range of career opportunities and is suitable for those aspiring to become engineers, doctors, or scientists. Within the Science stream, you can choose between different combinations of subjects:

• Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB): Ideal for students interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other healthcare fields.
• Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM): Suited for those aiming for engineering, computer science, data analysis, or physical sciences.

Commerce Stream

If you have an interest in business and finance, the Commerce stream is a good option. This stream lays the foundation for careers in management, entrepreneurship, and finance-related fields. Core subjects include Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies.

Arts/Humanities Stream

The Arts or Humanities stream is perfect for students with a passion for creative fields, social sciences, languages, and human behaviour. It offers a wide range of career options, including law, journalism, civil services, and education. Core subjects include History, Political Science, Geography, Psychology, and Literature.

Stay Open-Minded and Informed

Remember that while your stream choice is important, it doesn't solely determine your future career. Stay open-minded and explore all your options. Keep yourself informed about the latest trends, emerging career paths, and the requirements for becoming a lawyer.

Choosing the right stream after Class 10 is a significant decision that will impact your academic and professional journey. Assess your interests, research the available streams, and seek guidance to make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B)

The next step in your journey to becoming a lawyer is to pursue a graduate degree in law. You can pursue this either right after class 12th or after your graduation in any other subject.

Route 1: Pursuing Law After Class 12th (5-Year L.L.B Program)

If you are determined to pursue a career in law, you should enrol yourself in a 5-year integrated program. 5-Year L.L.B degrees teach you basic graduation subjects along with the subjects of Law, with the most common course combinations offered being B.A L.L.B (Hons), B.Sc L.L.B (Hons), BBA L.L.B (Hons) and B.Com L.L.B (Hons). The benefits of 5-year programs are that you get an exposure to Law subjects early on (alongside your graduation), giving you greater insights into the core subjects of Law, and you also save a year of study as compared to Law after graduation.

Route 2: Pursuing Law After Graduation (3-Year L.L.B Program)

There are times when students do graduation in some other subject but realize later that they want to take up Law as a career. In such cases, you can still go on to pursue a degree in Law, through a 3-year L.L.B course right after your graduation. The only difference between a 3-year L.L.B and a 5-year L.L.B program is that in the former you only study core Law subjects, while the latter also teaches basic subjects of graduation along with the core subjects of Law.

Key Entrance Exams for L.L.B Programs

The top institutes in Law accept admissions into their 5-year integrated programs based on the scores of entrance exams. Different law institutes accept scores from different entrances. Here are some of the top undergraduate entrance examinations for Law:

• Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
• All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)

The entrance exams that you need to give for securing your admission in a 3-year L.L.B program are:

• DU L.L.B
• LSAT
• MH CET
• BHU L.L.B

Gain practical work experience through internships

Gaining practical work experience through internships is a crucial step in becoming a lawyer in India. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you make the most of your internship experience:

• Duration and Timing: The minimum duration of a law internship in India is typically one month. You can choose to intern during your graduation or after completing your degree. Some students opt for multiple internships under different advocates or law firms to gain diverse knowledge and exposure.
• Finding Internship Opportunities: Many law schools and universities have ties with senior advocates or law firms, which can provide internship opportunities for their students. You can also reach out to lawyers or firms independently and express your interest in interning with them.
• Learning and Networking: During your internship, focus on learning as much as possible about the day-to-day workings of the legal profession. Observe court proceedings, attend client meetings, and assist your mentor with legal research and document preparation. Building a good relationship with your mentor and colleagues is also beneficial for future references and networking.
• Understanding Specializations: Use your internship to explore different areas of law practice, such as civil law, criminal law, corporate law, or tax law. This will help you gain insight into various specializations and decide which area you would like to pursue as a career.
• Developing Skills: Internships provide a great opportunity to develop essential skills for your future legal career. These include communication skills, analytical and logical reasoning abilities, research skills, and a strong work ethic.
• Building Your Resume: Completing internships with reputable lawyers or firms can enhance your resume when applying for jobs after graduation. It demonstrates your dedication to the field and provides evidence of your practical experience and skills.

Enroll with the State Bar Council

Enrolling with the State Bar Council is a crucial step for law graduates aspiring to practice law in India. Here is a detailed guide on the enrollment process:

Step 1: Eligibility Criteria

Before initiating the enrollment process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria specified by the respective State Bar Council. The specific requirements may vary across states, but the general eligibility criteria include:

• Nationality: The applicant must be an Indian citizen. For foreign nationals, additional criteria must be fulfilled, including having permission to practice law in another country and meeting specified restrictions.
• Academic Requirements: Candidates must possess a law degree, either a 3-year LLB or a 5-year integrated LLB degree, from a recognised university.
• Age Limit: Applicants should be at least 21 years of age. There is no upper age limit.

Step 2: Obtain the Application Form

The first step in the enrollment process is to obtain the application form from the relevant State Bar Council. The application form can typically be obtained from the State Bar Council's office or downloaded from their official website, if available. Some State Bar Councils may charge a fee for the application form.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application Form

The application form will require you to provide personal, academic, and contact details. Along with the completed form, you will need to submit various documents, which may include:

• Law degree certificate or provisional certificate.
• Mark sheets of each semester/year of your law degree.
• Graduation mark sheets (if applicable).
• Senior Secondary Certificate or 12th-grade certificate.
• Class 10th and 12th pass certificates and mark sheets.
• Passport-size photographs in prescribed attire (e.g., black coat, white shirt, and black tie). These photographs may need to be attested.
• Additional documents, such as acceptance of resignation from previous employment, partnership/dissolution deed if leaving business, and attendance certificate (confirming the required attendance percentage).

Step 4: Scrutiny of Application by the Enrollment Committee

Once you have submitted your completed application form and supporting documents, the Enrollment Committee of the State Bar Council will scrutinise your application. This process may involve reviewing your application, verifying your documents, and ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria. The Enrollment Committee will make a decision regarding your enrollment based on the provisions of the Advocates Act, the rules and regulations, and any directions provided by the State Bar Council.

Step 5: Issuing of Enrollment Number and Identity Card

If your application is approved by the Enrollment Committee, the State Bar Council will issue you an enrollment number and an identity card. This confirms your enrollment as an advocate, and you will be eligible to practice law within the jurisdiction of the State Bar Council.

Additional Considerations:

• Enrollment Fee: Each State Bar Council may have its own enrollment fee structure. For example, the Bar Council of Delhi charges a fee of INR 1000 for the application form and additional fees for enrollment and membership.
• Online vs. Offline Enrollment: Some State Bar Councils offer an online enrollment process, allowing candidates to register, fill out the form, and upload documents online. However, other State Bar Councils may require candidates to visit their office in person to obtain and submit the enrollment form.
• State-Specific Requirements: Each State Bar Council may have specific additional requirements, such as the need for residence proof or an advocate identification card. It is essential to review the guidelines of your respective State Bar Council.

Specialize in a particular field of Law

Specialise in a particular field of Law

To specialise in a particular field of law, you will need to pursue a Master's degree in Law (LL.M). This will enhance your knowledge and improve your career prospects. There are many specialisations to choose from, and you can select one that aligns with your interests and career goals. Here are some of the common specialisations that lawyers in India opt for:

• Civil Law: This is also known as common law, and it is entitled to every person. Civil lawyers deal with disputes between individuals, including violation of rights, breach of contracts, property, and family law.
• Criminal Law: Criminal lawyers handle cases related to criminal offences. They research the background of the case, interact with clients, police, and witnesses to collect evidence, and defend their clients in court.
• Tax Law: This specialisation focuses on studying various tax policies and types of taxes, such as income tax, real estate tax, estate tax, and franchises.
• Intellectual Property Law: Lawyers in this field advise clients on protecting their intangible property, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, images, and designs used in business.
• Corporate Law: Corporate lawyers study and advise companies on their legal rights, obligations, and privileges. They also handle employment law issues, contract disputes, and protect the company's intellectual property rights.
• Environmental Law: This specialisation focuses on laws that protect the environment by regulating the impact of human activities on land, air, water, wildlife conservation, and more.

Frequently asked questions