Exciting Paid Internship Opportunities in Corporate and Banking Laws – SDS Advocates, Mumbai SDS Advocates, a prestigious law firm based in Mumbai, is offering two long-term paid internships for students eager to explore the complexities of corporate and banking law. This opportunity is perfect for final-year law students who wish to gain hands-on experience and sharpen their skills in the field of General Corporate, Banking, and Finance Laws.
Who Should Apply at SDS Advocates ? This internship is tailored for final-year law students with a passion for law and a keen interest in understanding the practical application of corporate and banking regulations. If you’re looking to dive deep into legal challenges and develop a comprehensive understanding of the corporate law landscape, this is your chance. Ideal candidates will have excellent research, communication, and analytical skills.
Internship Details at SDS Advocates
Location: Mumbai
Duration: Minimum of 3 months (with possibility of extension based on performance)
Start Date: April or May 2025 (mention your availability in your application)
Eligibility: Final-year law students, preferably with an interest in corporate law and banking finance
Compensation: Paid internship
This internship will provide a valuable opportunity to work closely with experienced legal professionals, gain insights into the corporate legal environment, and tackle real-life legal issues. Interns will engage in tasks such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting in case preparation for high-profile corporate clients.
How to Apply at SDS Advocates? If you’re passionate about law and want to build a strong foundation in corporate and banking law, we encourage you to apply. Please send your resume, along with a cover letter, to sachivkumar@sdsadvocates.com, and don’t forget to mention your preferred start month and any timing restrictions you may have.
Take the first step towards an exciting and enriching legal career with SDS Advocates!
If you’re planning to pursue a career in law, one of the most common questions is — “Kitna paisa milega?” In this blog, we break down law firm salaries in India across Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 law firms, compare NLU vs Non-NLU placements, and help you understand the real scenario of legal careers in India.
🧩 What Are Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 Law Firms?
Before we dive into salary figures, let’s understand the classification:
📌 Tier-1 Law Firms
These are the top corporate law firms in India dealing with high-profile clients, international deals, and massive transactions. They usually hire from top NLUs (like NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS, etc.)
Smaller than Tier-1 but still reputed firms, often handling regional or sector-specific legal work.
Examples:
IndusLaw
Kochhar & Co
Anand and Anand (IP-specialized)
HSA Advocates
📌 Tier-3 Law Firms
These are boutique or smaller firms, often focused on litigation or a specific practice area. Many of them are run by experienced lawyers but may not pay on par with bigger names.
💸 Salary Breakdown: Tier-wise Comparison
Tier
Monthly Salary (Fresher)
Annual CTC (Approx)
Bonus / Perks
Tier-1
₹1.1 – ₹1.6 Lakhs
₹12 – ₹20 LPA
Performance bonus, medical, phones, club memberships
Tier-2
₹50K – ₹90K
₹6 – ₹11 LPA
Some bonus, fewer perks
Tier-3
₹15K – ₹40K
₹2 – ₹5 LPA
Limited or no perks
Note: These figures can vary depending on city, law firm, and candidate’s college + internship experience.
🎓 Does College Matter? NLU vs Non-NLU Placements
📚 Top NLUs (Tier-1 NLUs)
Average CTC: ₹12 – ₹16 LPA
Top Offers: ₹20 – ₹23 LPA (Domestic), even ₹28–₹35 LPA (International)
Placement Rate: 80%+
Recruiters: CAM, SAM, AZB, L&L, Khaitan, Trilegal, etc.
Top Offers: ₹7 – ₹10 LPA (very rare, mostly through networking)
Placement Rate: 10–30%
Recruiters: Local firms, litigation offices, startups, LPOs
Challenges:
No structured placement cells
Lack of alumni network in top firms
Less exposure to corporate internships
🛠️ In-House Legal Jobs vs Law Firms: What Pays Better?
Job Type
Average Starting CTC
Growth Potential
Law Firm (Tier-1)
₹12–₹20 LPA
Fast-paced, higher burnout
In-house (Corporate)
₹6–₹10 LPA
Slower growth, better work-life balance
LPO/KPO Jobs
₹3–₹6 LPA
Limited legal work, more clerical
Litigation (First Gen)
₹5K–₹20K/month
High uncertainty initially, can grow over years
📈 Career Progression in Law Firms (Promotions & Salary Hikes)
Position
Time to Achieve
Avg Salary
Associate
Fresher
₹12–₹16 LPA
Senior Associate
4–5 years
₹20–₹30 LPA
Principal Associate
6–8 years
₹30–₹50 LPA
Partner
10–12 years
₹60 LPA – ₹2 Cr+
💡 How to Get Into Tier-1 Firms?
✅ For NLU Students:
Focus on top internships (Tier-1 firms)
Maintain a good CGPA (top 10–20%)
Get published (articles, blogs)
Be active in moots, debates, and research
✅ For Non-NLU Students:
Intern strategically (start local, then build up)
Network with lawyers on LinkedIn
Do extra certifications (M&A, IBC, IP Law, etc.)
Try for lateral entry after 1–2 years of experience
🧠 Conclusion: Is It All About the Money?
While salary is an important factor, don’t choose law just for money. Top-tier firms may pay well but come with intense pressure, long hours, and burnout. Litigation or academia may start slow but offer different rewards.
Whether you’re in an NLU or a Non-NLU, your internship experience, networking, and consistent skill-building will define your future. Remember: Law rewards patience.
✨ FAQs
1. Can a student from a private law college join a Tier-1 firm?
Yes, but it’s tough. You need extraordinary internships, recommendations, and visibility.
2. Is ₹1 lakh/month the highest a fresher can earn?
No, some international firms and top domestic offers can even go up to ₹1.8 lakh/month.
3. How many years does it take to become a partner?
Usually 10–12 years in a firm, depending on performance and firm policy.
4. Do law firms offer work-from-home?
Post-COVID, many offer hybrid options, but most Tier-1 firms prefer in-office roles.
If you liked this blog, share it with your law school friends! For more such content, visit LawDrishti.com – your ultimate guide for legal careers, notes, and internships.
