Tier-1, Tier-2 & Tier-3 Law Firm Salaries in India (2025): A Detailed Breakdown & NLU vs Non-NLU Comparison

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.)

Examples:


📌 Tier-2 Law Firms

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

TierMonthly Salary (Fresher)Annual CTC (Approx)Bonus / Perks
Tier-1₹1.1 – ₹1.6 Lakhs₹12 – ₹20 LPAPerformance bonus, medical, phones, club memberships
Tier-2₹50K – ₹90K₹6 – ₹11 LPASome bonus, fewer perks
Tier-3₹15K – ₹40K₹2 – ₹5 LPALimited 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.

Why NLUs Get Better Offers:

  • Structured placement cells (Recruitment Coordination Committees – RCC)
  • Long-term relationships with top firms
  • Competitive peer group
  • Better internship exposure

🏫 Tier-3 Law Colleges & Non-NLUs

  • Average CTC: ₹2 – ₹6 LPA
  • 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 TypeAverage Starting CTCGrowth Potential
Law Firm (Tier-1)₹12–₹20 LPAFast-paced, higher burnout
In-house (Corporate)₹6–₹10 LPASlower growth, better work-life balance
LPO/KPO Jobs₹3–₹6 LPALimited legal work, more clerical
Litigation (First Gen)₹5K–₹20K/monthHigh uncertainty initially, can grow over years

📈 Career Progression in Law Firms (Promotions & Salary Hikes)

PositionTime to AchieveAvg Salary
AssociateFresher₹12–₹16 LPA
Senior Associate4–5 years₹20–₹30 LPA
Principal Associate6–8 years₹30–₹50 LPA
Partner10–12 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.


👉 Also Read: Khaitan & Co Salary: 2025-26 Graduate Offer Breakdown

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NUJS National Disability Law Moot 2025 – India’s 1st Moot on Disability Rights

NUJS National Disability Law Moot 2025 – A Historic Step Toward Inclusive Legal Advocacy

The NUJS National Disability Law Moot 2025 is India’s first national-level moot court competition dedicated solely to the legal rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs). Organized by the prestigious West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata, this competition sets a new precedent in legal education by focusing exclusively on disability law.

With a history of hosting top-tier events such as the NUJS-HSF Moot, ADR Mediation Competition, and Para-Invicta, NUJS continues its tradition of promoting inclusivity and justice with this pioneering initiative.

What Is the NUJS National Disability Law Moot 2025 About?

This moot is designed to:

  • Encourage legal scholarship in disability law
  • Highlight critical themes like workplace discrimination, inclusive education, and accessibility
  • Create a national platform for future legal professionals to explore and argue real-world issues under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

The competition includes:

  • Memorial Qualification Round
  • Offline Oral Rounds at the WBNUJS campus in Kolkata
  • Researcher’s Test for qualifying teams

Key Dates and Deadlines

EventDate
Registration OpensMay 30, 2025
Clarification DeadlineJune 25, 2025
Registration ClosesJune 30, 2025
Memorial SubmissionJuly 12, 2025
Oral Round ShortlistJuly 21, 2025
Oral Rounds at WBNUJSAugust 21–24, 2025

Eligibility & Team Composition

  • Open to undergraduate law students in any Indian university
  • 2 to 3 members per team
  • Cross-college teams allowed
  • No cap on the number of teams per institution
  • Postgraduate students are not eligible

Awards & Recognition

The NUJS National Disability Law Moot 2025 offers extensive awards, including:

  • Winning, Runners-Up & Second Runners-Up Teams
  • Best Advocate (Prelims and Overall)
  • Best Memorials (Petitioner & Respondent)
  • Best Researcher & Runner-Up
  • Certificates for Semi- and Quarter-Finalists
  • Participation certificates for all teams

Registration Fees & Optional Accommodation

  • Memo Round Fee: ₹2,500/team
    • ₹2,100 for teams with at least one PwD participant
  • Oral Round Fee (for shortlisted teams): ₹2,000
  • Accommodation (optional): ₹5,500/team (August 21–24)

Payment Details:

  • Account Name: Student Juridical Association
  • Account No: 520101246976299
  • IFSC Code: UBIN0906638
  • Bank: Union Bank, NUJS Branch, Salt Lake, Kolkata

Registration Process

  1. Fill the official Google Form: https://forms.gle/sZHKXriWTy4EEfGL8
  2. Email the following to nationaldisabilitymoot@nujs.edu:
    • Names, Years, and Institutions of team members
    • College ID Cards
    • Payment screenshot

Contact Details

  • Email: nationaldisabilitymoot@nujs.edu
  • Chair: Kinjal Das – +91 75959 65675
  • Deputy Chairs:
    • Anushka Maji – +91 86174 78308
    • Saarthak Samadder – +91 94330 48880
  • Board of Directors:
    • Ritika Amlajiya – +91 80943 45186
    • Shubhankar Singha – +91 96797 30493

Final Words

The NUJS National Disability Law Moot 2025 is not just another moot—it’s a platform for change. By promoting awareness of the challenges faced by PwDs through legal debate, WBNUJS is nurturing future lawyers who will lead the way in accessibility and justice.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of history. Register today and join us in Kolkata for a groundbreaking legal experience.


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Exclusive Opportunity: ICC Legal Internship 2025 in The Hague for Law Students

The International Criminal Court ICC Legal Internship 2025 is now accepting applications for the Legal Internship 2025, a prestigious opportunity for law students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in international criminal justice. This internship, held at the ICC’s headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, offers aspiring legal professionals the chance to work closely with legal experts in a globally respected institution.

For those with a passion for public international law, international criminal law, or legal research, this internship provides real-world exposure to international judicial procedures and legal frameworks.

Internship Overview

The ICC Legal Internship 2025 is offered by the Legal Office of the Registry. It is a full-time, unpaid internship lasting between three and six months. Interns will be assigned to work under the direct supervision of the Legal Counsel, Deputy Legal Counsel, or other legal officers within the Registry Legal Office (RLO).

The internship is designed to immerse participants in the core legal activities of the ICC. Interns will support the Registry in its role of facilitating the judicial processes of the Court and maintaining the ICC’s legal integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Interns selected for the ICC Legal Internship 2025 will be responsible for a variety of high-level legal tasks, including:

  • Conducting in-depth legal research and analysis on relevant topics such as international criminal law, public international law, and administrative law.
  • Drafting legal documents, including memoranda, legal opinions, briefs, and official correspondence.
  • Assisting in negotiations and legal agreement reviews within the scope of the ICC’s operations.
  • Supporting the preparation of submissions and internal legal consultations that inform the Court’s activities.

This experience is ideal for students seeking to develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills in a challenging legal environment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ICC Legal Internship 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a university degree in law. Preference is given to those with academic backgrounds in public international law, international criminal law, contract law, or administrative law.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English or French, the ICC’s working languages.
  • Knowledge of additional official ICC languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset.
  • Possess strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
  • Be available to commit to a minimum of three months in a full-time role.

This position is unpaid, and selected candidates must bear all costs associated with travel, accommodation, insurance, and living expenses.

Application Deadline and Process

The deadline to apply for the ICC Legal Internship 2025 is June 22, 2025. Applications must be submitted via the official ICC Careers Portal.

Informational link: https://lnkd.in/dqaznW99

Please note that this link is provided for informational purposes only. All applicants must refer to the official ICC website for full eligibility details, documentation requirements, and application instructions.

Note for Indian Law Students

Indian law students or recent graduates who are currently based in India and seeking international legal exposure are strongly encouraged to apply. However, they must ensure that they meet all legal eligibility, visa requirements, degree recognition, and financial planning considerations before applying.

As this is an unpaid position in a foreign country, it is essential to make arrangements for self-funding, travel, health insurance, and accommodation in advance.

Why You Should Apply

Participating in the ICC Legal Internship 2025 offers numerous professional benefits:

  • Exposure to real-world international legal procedures and casework.
  • The opportunity to work alongside legal professionals from diverse jurisdictions.
  • Practical experience in researching, drafting, and reviewing legal documents at the international level.
  • A competitive edge for careers in international human rights law, global diplomacy, and criminal justice.

This internship is a valuable stepping stone for those aiming to build careers within international organizations or legal bodies.

Final Thoughts

The ICC Legal Internship 2025 is not just an internship—it is an opportunity to engage directly with the pursuit of justice on a global scale. With the application deadline fast approaching, eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their materials and apply promptly. This experience could mark the beginning of an impactful international legal career.


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