Company Secretary (CS) After LLB – A Smart Career Move

Company Secretary (CS) After LLB – A Smart Career Move

Edited By Vandana Pandey | Updated on Aug 26, 2025 03:59 PM IST | #Company Secretary

If candidates have completed their LLB and are wondering what is next, becoming a Company Secretary (CS) could be a powerful step forward. Both qualifications deal with law, governance, and compliance, which means they naturally complement each other.

For many law graduates, the journey does not end with an LLB. Some want to go beyond courtrooms and legal drafting and step into the world of corporate law and governance. One great way to do this is by pursuing the Company Secretary (CS) course after an LLB.

Why CS After LLB?

An LLB gives candidates a strong base in legal principles, but a CS qualification takes candidates into the heart of corporate compliance, company law, and governance. Together, these courses make a candidates rare combination, someone who understands both the legal system and the detailed compliance needs of a company.

This Story also Contains
  1. Why CS After LLB?
  2. What Does a Company Secretary Do?
  3. How to Pursue CS After LLB
  4. Scope of CS After LLB
  5. Career Opportunities and Average Salary
  6. Benefits of Doing CS After LLB

With businesses becoming more regulated, companies need professionals who can handle complex laws, ensure compliance, and advise on legal matters. That is exactly where a CS with a law background stands out.

What Does a Company Secretary Do?

A Company Secretary is not just someone who files paperwork. A Company Secretary is a key managerial professional who ensures that a company follows all legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements. They act as a link between the company’s management, shareholders, and regulatory authorities. They are senior professionals who:

  • Ensure that the company follows all legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Advise the board of directors on legal and corporate matters.
  • Draft important documents such as resolutions, contracts, and reports.
  • Handle corporate restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions.

How to Pursue CS After LLB

Normally, the CS course has three stages – CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test), Executive, and Professional. But if candidates have an LLB, they can skip the entry-level CSEET and start directly from the Executive stage. This saves time and effort.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) conducts the course, and candidates can register online. After clearing the Executive and Professional levels, they will also need to complete practical training before becoming an Associate Company Secretary (ACS).

Scope of CS After LLB

ParticularsValues

Wider Career Path

With expertise in both law and corporate governance, candidates can work in corporate, MNCs, law firms, financial institutions, government bodies, or as an independent consultant.

Stability and Growth

CS after LLB Both professions are evergreen due to continuous changes in laws and regulations, ensuring long-term relevance.

Global Career Options

International companies and cross-border businesses value professionals with combined legal and CS expertise, especially for compliance with foreign corporate laws.

Opportunities in Multiple Domains

Areas such as mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, compliance management, policy advisory, and dispute resolution are open for candidates.

High Demand in Corporate Sector

Companies are increasingly seeking professionals who can handle legal compliance, corporate governance, and advisory roles under one roof.

Career Opportunities and Average Salary

A qualified Company Secretary can work in a wide range of industries, from corporate houses to law firms, and even as an independent consultant. The role is highly respected, offering both stability and opportunities for growth in legal, managerial, and governance fields.

Job Roles

Average Salary

Corporate Legal Advisor

Rs. 6.7 Lakhs

Compliance Manager

Rs. 8.5 Lakhs

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Specialist

Rs. 26.5 Lakhs

Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Expert

Rs. 5.1 Lakhs

Corporate Law Consultant

Rs. 10 Lakhs

Policy Advisor for Government

Rs. 8.2 Lakhs

Source- AmbitionBox

Top Recruiters

  • Reliance Industries Limited
  • PhonePe
  • Tata Cummins,
  • ITC Limited
  • Deutsche Börse
  • Jindal Stainless
  • DIAGEO India
  • PayU
  • Birlasoft
Geeta Institute of Law Admissions 2025

18 years of shaping legal professionals | In-house judicial coaching | Proven success in National Moot Court Competitions

GNA University B.Com Admissions 2025

100% Placement Assistance | Avail Merit Scholarships

Benefits of Doing CS After LLB

Pursuing CS after LLB is a powerful combination that blends in-depth legal knowledge with corporate governance expertise. This dual qualification not only boosts career opportunities in law and business but also provides a competitive edge in today’s corporate world, opening doors to high-paying and diverse roles.

  • Specialisation – Candidates gain expertise in corporate compliance and governance.Candidates gain strong legal knowledge (LLB) along with corporate governance and compliance skills (CS). This makes candidates highly versatile in the job market.
  • Better job prospects – Companies value professionals who can handle both legal and corporate responsibilities. Opens doors to both legal and corporate roles such as Corporate Lawyer, Compliance Officer, Legal Consultant, and Company Secretary.
  • Independent career – candidates can offer consultancy services without depending solely on litigation. This enables candidates to start their own law or compliance consultancy firm and cater to diverse client needs.
  • Higher earning potential – Dual qualifications usually bring better salaries. Dual qualification professionals are often offered higher salaries due to their wide skill set.

CS after LLB is more than just another certificate, it is a career boost. It opens doors to high-level corporate roles, gives candidates credibility, and sets them apart from regular law graduates. If candidates are interested in corporate law, governance, and working with businesses, this could be one of the smartest career moves they will ever make.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a lawyer do CS work?

While there may be some overlap in the areas of expertise and responsibilities, the roles of a company secretary and a corporate lawyer are distinct. However, individuals with a legal background may possess the skills and knowledge to work in either role, provided they have the necessary qualifications and experience.

2. What is the CS exam in law?

The CS Executive program, offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), provides complete training in many areas of corporate governance and compliance. Students explore topics like business communication, company law, and other key subjects.

3. Can I practice CS and LLB together?

Yes, it is possible to pursue both a Company Secretary (CS) course and an LLB degree simultaneously. However, it requires significant time management and dedication due to the rigorous nature of both programs. While not mandatory, combining the two can be beneficial, as both fields involve legal knowledge and can lead to diverse career opportunities.

4. Is doing CS after LLB worth it?

It can be highly advantageous for law students to add a CS qualification to their credentials, especially if they're interested in corporate and business law. Being a CS professional is esteemed, and having both CS and LLB degrees reflects dedication to a legal career.

5. What is the scope of LLB with CS?

Combining a Company Secretary (CS) qualification with an LLB degree (Bachelor of Laws) can significantly enhance career prospects in the legal and corporate sectors. This combination provides a strong foundation in both corporate law and regulatory compliance, opening doors to various roles in legal, corporate, and governance fields.

Back to top