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 โ€” โ€œKitna paisa milega?โ€ 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, letโ€™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-1โ‚น1.1 โ€“ โ‚น1.6 Lakhsโ‚น12 โ€“ โ‚น20 LPAPerformance bonus, medical, phones, club memberships
Tier-2โ‚น50K โ€“ โ‚น90Kโ‚น6 โ€“ โ‚น11 LPASome bonus, fewer perks
Tier-3โ‚น15K โ€“ โ‚น40Kโ‚น2 โ€“ โ‚น5 LPALimited or no perks

Note: These figures can vary depending on city, law firm, and candidateโ€™s college + internship experience.


🎓 Does College Matter? NLU vs Non-NLU Placements

📚 Top NLUs (Tier-1 NLUs)

  • Average CTC: โ‚น12 โ€“ โ‚น16 LPA
  • Top Offers: โ‚น20 โ€“ โ‚น23 LPA (Domestic), even โ‚น28โ€“โ‚น35 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: โ‚น2 โ€“ โ‚น6 LPA
  • Top Offers: โ‚น7 โ€“ โ‚น10 LPA (very rare, mostly through networking)
  • Placement Rate: 10โ€“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)โ‚น12โ€“โ‚น20 LPAFast-paced, higher burnout
In-house (Corporate)โ‚น6โ€“โ‚น10 LPASlower growth, better work-life balance
LPO/KPO Jobsโ‚น3โ€“โ‚น6 LPALimited legal work, more clerical
Litigation (First Gen)โ‚น5Kโ€“โ‚น20K/monthHigh uncertainty initially, can grow over years

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

PositionTime to AchieveAvg Salary
AssociateFresherโ‚น12โ€“โ‚น16 LPA
Senior Associate4โ€“5 yearsโ‚น20โ€“โ‚น30 LPA
Principal Associate6โ€“8 yearsโ‚น30โ€“โ‚น50 LPA
Partner10โ€“12 yearsโ‚น60 LPA โ€“ โ‚น2 Cr+

💡 How to Get Into Tier-1 Firms?

For NLU Students:

  • Focus on top internships (Tier-1 firms)
  • Maintain a good CGPA (top 10โ€“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 1โ€“2 years of experience

🧠 Conclusion: Is It All About the Money?

While salary is an important factor, donโ€™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 youโ€™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 itโ€™s tough. You need extraordinary internships, recommendations, and visibility.

2. Is โ‚น1 lakh/month the highest a fresher can earn?

No, some international firms and top domestic offers can even go up to โ‚น1.8 lakh/month.

3. How many years does it take to become a partner?

Usually 10โ€“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 โ€“ your ultimate guide for legal careers, notes, and internships.


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

Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Join our Telegram Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Article

Legal Internship Opportunity in Delhi โ€“ Litigation Office at Hauz Khas (Assessment Internship)

Legal Internship Opportunity in Delhi โ€“ Litigation Office in Hauz Khas

Are you a fresh law graduate or recently enrolled advocate looking for a litigation-focused legal internship opportunity in Delhi? A one-month assessment internship is now open at a reputed litigation office located in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. This internship is tailored for those who are serious about pursuing courtroom practice and hands-on legal drafting work.

If you’re passionate about civil and criminal litigation, matrimonial disputes, or service law, and want to build a solid foundation in practical legal procedures, this opportunity is ideal for you.

Internship Duration and Start Date

  • Duration: 1 Month
  • Start Date: 01.08.2025
  • Mode: In-office only (no remote or hybrid arrangements)
  • Location: Litigation Office, Hauz Khas, New Delhi

This is a full-time, physical internship, providing daily interaction with legal professionals, real-time exposure to courtroom processes, and experience in litigation documentation.

Practice Areas

This legal internship opportunity in Delhi focuses on four key areas of law. Interns will assist with legal drafting, file management, case research, and observing court proceedings in the following domains:

1. Civil Litigation

Interns will be exposed to property disputes, recovery suits, injunctions, and other civil matters. Tasks may include preparing pleadings, case briefs, and assisting in document review.

2. Criminal Law

You will gain insight into trial preparation, bail applications, charge framing, and cross-examination procedures. Interns will also observe sessions court proceedings and interact with criminal defense practice.

3. Matrimonial Disputes

The office handles family law cases such as divorce, maintenance, domestic violence, and child custody matters. Interns may assist in drafting petitions under the Hindu Marriage Act and PWDV Act.

4. Service Law

Learn about matters involving employment disputes, government service rules, and representation before tribunals and High Courts. This area will introduce interns to writ drafting and service-related jurisprudence.

Who Should Apply?

This legal internship opportunity in Delhi is open to:

  • Fresh Law Graduates (2024/2025 pass-outs)
  • Recently Enrolled Advocates
  • Law graduates seeking to begin their career with real litigation exposure
  • Candidates who have a working knowledge of procedural law (CPC, CrPC) and substantive law (IPC, Contract Act, Family Law, etc.)

Preference will be given to applicants who:

  • Are serious about pursuing litigation full-time
  • Possess sound research and drafting abilities
  • Are punctual, well-organized, and can handle deadlines
  • Are comfortable working from office and appearing in court daily

Internship Type and Nature

This is not a regular internship. It is an assessment internship, meaning:

  • Performance during the internship will be monitored.
  • Based on performance, a decision about permanent engagement may be taken after completion of the internship.
  • Interns who show promise may be offered a long-term role in the litigation team.

This makes it an excellent stepping-stone for a fresh graduate looking to establish themselves in the field of litigation.

Application Deadline and Procedure

Apply By:

28.07.2025

Email Your CV/Resume To:

recruitment.srs24@gmail.com

Please use the subject line:
โ€œApplication โ€“ Assessment Internship โ€“ [Your Name]โ€

Include a brief message or cover letter in the email body explaining:

  • Your academic background
  • Your interest in litigation
  • Availability from 01.08.2025
  • Whether you are willing to pursue long-term litigation practice

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further process. Early applications are encouraged, as shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis.

Why You Should Apply

This legal internship opportunity in Delhi offers more than just internship experience โ€” it provides a potential career pathway in litigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Real courtroom exposure in district courts, tribunals, and High Court.
  • Hands-on legal drafting under supervision of practicing advocates.
  • Learn procedural nuances and filing standards.
  • Develop professional etiquette and case-handling skills.
  • Opportunity for permanent placement in a litigation role.

Final Note

This legal internship opportunity in Delhi is strictly for those serious about courtroom practice. If you’re looking for an office desk internship without litigation involvement, this may not be the right fit. However, if you want to be in court, learn how cases are prepared, and build a foundation in civil and criminal practice โ€” apply now and begin your litigation journey.


Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Join our Telegram Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Next Article

Contact Us

For Submitting a Post

contact@lawdrishti.com

For Banner ads & admission campaigns

advertise@lawdrishti.com

Timing

Hours: 9 AM โ€“ 9 PM (Mon-Sat)

See the below animation to allow notifications.

Start getting Lawdrishti updates useful for you!

Contact Us

For Submitting a Post

For Banner ads & admission campaigns

Contact us
For Submitting a Post
For Banner ads & admission campaigns
Timing

Hours: 9 AM โ€“ 9 PM (Mon-Sat)