If you are seeking a highly competitive and financially rewarding career option, Corporate law is one of the best choices. Businesses are expanding throughout the world, and the need for skilled corporate lawyers to help them effectively navigate through the complex legal procedures is at an all-time high. If you are an aspiring corporate lawyer, it is important to understand the average corporate lawyer salary in India to make a wise career decision. This article will walk you through the average corporate lawyer salary structure and also explain the key factors that influence it. Let’s begin.
A career as corporate lawyer mainly involves working in the defence of their clients in various types of lawsuits, as well as advising on various legal issues. These attorneys handle the various aspects of corporate law, which include the formation of a company, the management of its operations, and the administration of its various legal issues.
They help in the formation of various types of companies, such as limited liability companies and partnerships. They are also involved in the preparation of the necessary documents for the company's establishment. After a company is established, the corporate lawyer helps the business comply with the regulations of the government.
Corporate lawyers also represent their clients in court and before government agencies. Before a case is presented, the corporate lawyer goes through all the necessary documents to collect evidence. They then help their clients in licensing new technologies. Due to their specialised roles, corporate lawyers must be experts in the area of corporate law. They must also be able to handle large-scale transactions and mergers, which requires developing top skills of a corporate lawyer, such as strong negotiation skills, analytical thinking and attention to detail.
To become a lawyer specialised in corporate law, they also need to be familiar with the various regulations and rules related to the formation of a company. In addition, corporate lawyers have to be able to meet with judges and witnesses to analyse the arguments presented during a trial. While they work in regular business hours, corporate lawyers might have to work overtime due to their busy schedules. They usually work with other attorneys to prepare their cases. The corporate lawyer also helps the upper management of a company with their legal issues.
If you are wondering how much corporate lawyers make, the average corporate lawyer salary in India is around Rs. 2 Lakhs - 22 Lakhs per annum. This annual salary includes a base salary along with a performance-based bonus. With their specialised expertise, corporate lawyers are highly in demand as they help organisations navigate through complex legal problems. With the growth of companies in India, the demand for corporate lawyers has increased steadily, contributing to the rise in the average corporate lawyer salary in India.
There are several elements that influence the average corporate lawyer salary in India. Read further to understand what are the key elements that play a major role in determining the salary of corporate lawyers in firms and industries.
Location is an important element in determining how much a corporate lawyer earns in India. Some areas, for instance, metro cities, offer higher pay than the national average. In cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai, corporate lawyers earn significantly more than the national average.
In contrast, some cities offer less than the national median salary. There are also locations in other cities that offer less than the national average corporate lawyer salary in India, such as Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
Check out the table below to understand the average corporate salary in India based on location differences.
Location | Average Corporate Lawyer Salary |
New Delhi | Rs 2 Lakhs - 21 Lakhs |
Mumbai | Rs 2 Lakhs - 13 Lakhs |
Bengaluru | Rs 2.8 Lakhs - 30 Lakhs |
Gurugram | Rs 3 Lakhs - 15 Lakhs |
Kolkata | Rs 2.8 Lakhs - 24 Lakhs |
(Salary source: Ambitionbox)
One of the most critical factors that affects the average corporate lawyer salary in India is your skills. This role requires a strong grasp of various law-related fields. According to the statistics, skills related to corporate governance are more advantageous than those related to other professions.
Other beneficial skills, such as Mergers and Acquisitions, can also help improve the pay of corporate lawyers. If you want to become a highly-paid corporate lawyer, then you must develop these skills. Doing so will allow you to get a job in this field very easily.
One of the most important factors that can affect how much a corporate lawyer earns in India is the candidate’s experience. The average salary of a corporate lawyer in India for freshers with less than one year's experience is around Rs. 1.8 Lakh - 15 Lakhs per annum.
This figure rises significantly after a certain level of experience. After five years, experienced lawyers can expect to make around Rs. 3 Lakhs - 17 Lakhs per annum. As you gain more experience in this field, your salary increases. In fact, late-career professionals in this field can earn 111% more than the median.
Check out the table below to understand the average corporate salary in India based on experience level differences.
Years of Experience | Average Corporate Lawyer Salary |
1 Year | Rs 1.8 Lakh - 15 Lakhs |
2 Years | Rs 2 Lakhs - 15 Lakhs |
3 Years | Rs 2 Lakhs - 18 Lakhs |
4 Years | Rs 2.8 Lakhs - 10.5 Lakhs |
5 Years | Rs 3 Lakhs - 17 Lakhs |
(Salary source: Ambitionbox)
Your pay as a corporate lawyer is influenced by the people you work for. This is because, in most cases, corporate lawyers can work in diverse industries. Aside from working for a company, a corporate lawyer also works with other lawyers to avoid legal issues. Some companies, such as EXL Service and Lexlit Advocates, offer significantly higher salaries to corporate lawyers.
Check out the table below to understand the average corporate salary in India based on the top companies.
Top Companies | Average Corporate Lawyer Salary |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co | Rs 24.0 Lakhs to 60.0 Lakhs |
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas | Rs 20 Lakhs - 28 Lakhs |
Khaitan & Co | Rs 15.1 Lakhs - 19.3 Lakhs |
Jayco Chemical Industries | Rs 8.4 Lakhs - 9.4 Lakhs |
TCS | Rs 3 Lakhs - 17.7 Lakhs |
(Salary source: Ambitionbox and Glassdoor)
Many factors contribute to determining the average corporate lawyer salary in India, and one of the most important is your skill set. By acquiring the necessary skills, you can increase your earning potential. There are various ways to improve your skills. However, the most effective way to improve them is by taking a specialised course, such as corporate law course, company law courses and more. These courses will help you develop the necessary skills to excel in this field and get the top average corporate lawyer salary in India.
Aside from being highly respected, corporate law is also very lucrative. This field offers various growth opportunities. This field is very popular in India and requires candidates to be very dedicated and focused. Aside from being highly respected, corporate law also requires hard work and a thorough understanding of other areas of law to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To become a corporate lawyer in India, you need to complete a 5-year integrated law degree (BA LLB/ BBA LLB) or a 3-year LLB. Then develop practical experience through internships in corporate law firms. Clearing the AIBE is also required to practice law.
In India, the average corporate lawyer salary for freshers (with 1 year of experience) is around Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 15 Lakhs per annum.
In India, a corporate lawyer earns around Rs 2 Lakhs - 22 Lakhs per annum. This salary scale is based on the candidate's experience and skills.