Lawyer

Job Profile

The people handling legal issues are:

Judges

• Judges ensure that justice is administered to safeguard the legal rights of all parties involved
• Judges preside over trials or hearings and listen as lawyers representing the parties present and argue their cases pertaining to virtually every aspect of society

Solicitors

• Solicitors give legal advice and represent clients in legal matters
• Solicitor’s firms undertake cases related to their area of work

Lawyers

Lawyers act as advocates and advisors

• As advocates, they represent one of the opposing parties in criminal and civil trials in court, cross examine witnesses and finally sum up the reasons why the court should decide in their clients’ favour
• As advisors they counsel their clients about legal rights and obligations
• They research laws applicable to the case at hand and previous judgements under circumstances similar to those currently faced by the client

Lawyers specialise in:

• Criminal law – Criminal lawyers specialize in matters having legal implications such as theft, murder and arson which are considered offences against society or State
• Real estate – Real estate lawyers deal with cases involving property
• Civil law – Civil Law operates in matters of property, contract and commercial issues, inheritance, family and even corporations
• Tax law – Tax lawyers handle cases concerning income-tax, wealth tax, gift tax, estate duty, etc
• International law – A set of international legal rules are observed by all the nations in relation to one another
• Labour law – Labour lawyers specialize in solving the problems arising between the management and the labour force in any organisation
• Others – Other branches include family law, constitutional law, corporate law, excise law, customs and transportation. Globalisation of businesses has created a need for legal compliance which has created a special niche for legal eagles dealing in all matters concerning business

Political advisors

• Advise on legal issues concerning various political matters

Lawyers in information

• Lawyers report on topical issues or on matters of general interest to newspapers, trade journals, television and radio programs, etc
• Law publishing involves journals, magazines and legal books

Jobs associated with law

• The role of a company secretary is one recognized in legislation
• Notaries are public officers appointed to draw up, authenticate and certify deeds and documents

Salary/Package

Legal executive’s earnings vary with the size of the firms. Large legal firms pay an average salary of Rs 6 lakhs per annum. Lawyers in consultancies earn even more. The average salary ranges between Rs. 1.24 Lakh to Rs. 19.86 Lakhs per annum. The salaries may vary based on experience, skills, roles, location, etc.

Skills required

• Intellect
• Distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant, screen evidence, and apply the law
• Ability to persuade, convince, argue
• Integrity, character
• Interest in detail
• Ability to assimilate and analyse facts
• Fluency, clear speech and excellent presentation skills
• Self-confident and unbiased approach
• Mental and physical stamina
• Interest in Research

Pros and Cons of being an Economist

Pros

• There are numerous career options available to you in this field
• There can be financial rewards
• Lawyers work in a positive environment with real offices
• Lot of flexibility available in your daily schedule as a lawyer

Cons

• There are high levels of stress in this career
• You will work long hours
• You cannot always pick and choose your clients

How do I be one

Path 1

Std XII (Stream: Any) >> Entrance Test (CLAT & other entrance exam) >> Law Degree (BA. LLB) > Goal (Lawyer)

Path 2

Std XII (Stream: Any) >> Graduation (Any) >> Law Course (LLB>LLM/Dip) >> Goal (Lawyer)

Path 3

Std XII (Stream: Any) >> Grad/Entrance (Any/CLAT/other entrance tests) >> Law degree (BALLB/LLB) >> Bar Council Exam (AIBE) >> Goal (Court Lawyer)

• For BA LLB/BBA LLB a 5 year course in Law Selection is through a rigorous selection process.
• CLAT Common Law Admission Test is a centralised test for admission to 18 National Law Universities in India.
• Other entrance tests are LSAT, AILET, ULSAT, BHU Law, JMI Law entrance, LFAT, KLEE, SET, KLSAT, AMU Law Entrance Exam, AP Law CET, TSLaw CET, CU SAT CAT Law, PU LLB Entrance, BVP CET Law.
• B (3 year) course is conducted by most universities and their affiliated colleges in India.
• After LLB- full time post graduation (LLM) of 2 years duration or diploma courses of 1 year duration can be pursued in any of the several branches of specialization.
• All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is conducted by the Bar Council of India. AIBE exam is held in February/March and November/December every year. It is a test of analytical thinking. On passing a Certificate of Practice is awarded.