It's a boutique practice that truly values merit over all else. They have a really high quality, sophisticated deals that allow associates exposure to transactions that you would only get outside of India. The only downside is that work can get pretty hectic sometimes, so you may end up working some weekends and holidays. Culture is pretty fun - they work hard but they party harder, so being part of the team has been a great experience for me.

Hello, I have a work experience of about 8 years - mostly with Tier I firms. My current firm is a top heavy and considering more senior resources are ion queue for partnership, my chances appear bleak in the near future. Came across this firm AQUILAW, where I had informal discussions with a partner who has shown interest in hiring me. Pay offered is at par with Tier Is and will be elevated to partnership in the near future. Have done some research - they are heavy hitters and have grown phenomenal in the last 10 years since setup. Does anyone know about their culture, people, etc?

I really think you have no idea about the internal dynamics and how trilegal not a family owned firm/promoter driven form makes difference? Do you really want your merit to shine or be at the mercy of some privileged kids who went on to have easy access to heading key positions in these firms and simultaneously decision making powers?

I was asked to sign a 3 year bond in the RE team. They didn't let me take the offer letter out of the office saying it's confidential (LOL?). I wasn't even allowed to keep a copy of it. The terms of the bond? exploitative. Its you either serve 3 years with us, or give us 6 months of your pay as 'training cost' and non-compete with a rival firm for another 6 months post quitting. When questioned, the partner guilt-tripped me by saying we put so much efforts into training a fresher and they end up leaving us after a few years and that makes our efforts go in vain. Absolutely did not sign anything. Since most of them are former Luthra guys, I thought im getting into a decent firm. But seems as if they forget that they have children too and would definitely not want their kids working under such suffocating circumstances. But when it comes to others kids, they turn a blind eye and exploit them left right and centre. It would have been a dream come true if it wasn't for that bond. Unless they have since changed their unfair practices, I would not recommend you sign anything under such unreasonable conditions at all.

Reality often hits hard. You cannot be expected to stare at a screen 24×7, be available at any hour, 7 days a week, live through constant anxiety, and also live a very happy, healthy life. Choose one or the other. That's why most people working at firms are unhealthy af, both physically, as well as mentally.

This is the least you can do. When you get up in the morning, after you take a dump, which empties your bowels. Get back on the bed and quickly do 50 crunches. If you do this everyday, you'll burn small amount of fat and get good abs. You're core strength will be maintained. This is what I've been doing since 7th class. Always had abs since then and have remained slim.

You'll have to quit smoking, no doubt about that. Cancer sticks are not good in the long run. If not cancer, you'll start to see the effects on your cardiovascular system when you reach your 40s or 50s.

Not really required unless you are looking for a in-house/ compliance job with a fund, where NISM certifications may be considered an added advantage. However, there are many working as in-house without such certification(s).

P.S. If you are already in a financial conglomerate (like ICICI, HDFC, Kotak, Bajaj, etc.) in a group role, then CAIIB, FII, relevant NISM certifications (MF, AIF, PMS) may be beneficial.

You're welcome. I would love to answer your questions. However, I think you're better off asking more qualified people. I'm a law student deeply interested in the TMT space and the above comment was just my observation after working and interacting with numerous TMT teams across the law firm spectrum. However, don't hesitate in dotting your questions here. I'm certain someone qualified wouldn't mind chiming in and answering them. This forum in rare cases works how its supposed to work. Nevertheless, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. I'm certain you'll achieve whatever it is that you are aiming for:)

Hi, not to discourage you or anything but if you're goal is corporate law then it'll be very difficult to get into, especially at your age. To begin with, 3 Years llb course does not get corporate law placements. The only place where you even get a shot is at nls. But there too the placements are very bleak for the 3 year course and to secure a job in corporate law, you'll have to be in top 10 of your batch (this only gets you a shot at securing a placement at a corporate law firm).

Now that the SC clerkship exam is done and results are awaited, just wanted to get a quick sense of things.

How did people find the paper this year? how transparent is the process generally?

Also:

- Which judges are likely to have vacancies this cycle?
- Do most judges take clerks through the exam list or separately?
- Any idea how allocation to judges works?

Also, any inputs on judges known for strong constitutional & rights-based work would be really helpful.

I have a September internship at both the places. Now KNM is a bigger practice and I think there's a higher chance that it is hiring. However, the email from clarus says it is an "assessment internship" and i would very much like to have a job.

Can anyone confirm if clarus is really an assessment internship, or its just how they mention it.

Also, any advice on what i must choose would be great help.

Assuming that you haven't worked with them and are approaching them for the first time (and you have no connection), direct recruitment is very rare. They'd first ask you to intern with them, see your work and then only offer you a position. This ofc doesn't apply to lateral hiring.