With a professional degree already in the pocket and few years of work experience, has anyone started the legal career in early 40s? If yes then what are the lessons you learnt along the way? What are the mistakes you did? What are the decisions you made that make you now proud of yourself while looking back? If there is anything else that is not pertinent to the questions but pops up in your head then please share them as well.

Have worked with the partner. It’s a high functioning team, plenty of work and variety. Functions more like an AZB team within Trilegal (so figure).

It’s not an easy team, but if you’d want to grow professionally, it’s a good team, and from what I know associates are rewarded very generously.

While NLSIU still has a faculty cohort that is best of all NLUs, there has been a steady stream of departures over the last two years, among both senior faculty and those hired or preferred by Sudhir. That is a fact. One good thing is that NLSIU has kept on recruiting once or twice every year, so the gap isn't visible by that much, but people like Arun cannot just be replaced by someone else.

Oh yeah for sure. The CIA founded the MK Ultra program and mind controlled Nani Palkhivala into fixing his stammer. Mr. Palkhivala in turn helped the CIA invent gangsta rap by releasing music as the underground artist "Lil Nanny P". Prior to his retirement, he was incremental in helping Tupac fake his death.

Is it right to put out/ eject resources if they are not interested in someone and the other individual is hounding them (often in an abusive manner) ? Just because he/she is not interested in a romantic entanglement at office ? Appropriate from a mental health perspective?

Can you believe something similar happened in a large law firm recently?

What BS IIT fanboy comment is this? Who the heck is comparing this with IIT anyway? But even then regardless, it still doesn’t mean it’s easy to crack when you have some 50 general seats for over 20K aspirants and the average graduate starting salary range is more than what IITs offer. So yeah, better than where you graduated from.

When they become A2s ideally, before that you’re still learning the ropes especially as an A0 and as an A1 you may do parts of the drafting which require less application of mind. But as an A2, you would ideally have a sense of what good drafting is like, have some experience you can use to figure out any intricacies while drafting, and still be fresh enough to develop your own style and bring new perspectives to the matter. It’s the perfect time to explore legal drafting, I’d say!

The wet dream of most, if not all founders and bosses I guess:

Employees who sincerely believe this crap: "You have a right only to perform your duty (karma), never to its fruits (results). Do not make the fruits of action your motive, and do not become attached to inaction"

In this day and age?????

Personally, I think this came from the Sword.

How are funds teams doing across the firm?

1. KCO - Does KCO still charge the highest and has gotten top heavy?

2. Trilegal - Are the teams still so toxic and does it still has insane attrition?

3. RegFin - Does is continue to undercut to get clients? And has the team gotten too top heavy for future growth?

4. How are other firms like AZB, CAM and BLC doing?

It’s absolutely fine, buddy! As someone who has worked at multiple Tier 1 law firms and at a decent senior position in my current organisation, I can tell you that you are not alone. Most of us have struggled through our initial years. Things take time. Just keep working. One day at a time. You will do really well. Trust the process and yourself. Nothing is the end of the world.

My circumstances of depression and chronic indecision were similar to yours. I don't regret studying the law but studying the law and practicing it are two very different things. The work is usually repetitive and you'll be reading and typing all day. staring at a screen or a stack of papers all. day. long. I liked studying the law but I've realised that I don't like being stuck in the office all day even when I'm done with my work and dealing with office politics, commute takes its toll on me. I would say go for a degree that isn't as long as a ba/bba llb (which is 5 or 6 years depending what route you take) but before doing this write down 5 interests that you have and if you have the connections or can wing it somehow, intern in these 5 fields to decide which one you like best and then choose the degree you would need for that field. This is the advice I wish I could've given myself before I decided to go to law school. Good luck

Hi,

I am 30 (and probably a fair bit older than you). I work as a PA at a Tier 1 firm and graduated from what many would call the best law school in the country. I am sharing that only as context because my younger brother, who is around your age, asked me to respond here.

First of all, start counting your wins and stop cutting yourself short.

It is not easy to make it to a Tier 1 firm without merit. Maybe you are not a 100/100, but you are certainly not a 0 either. If you have made it this far, you are probably at least a 70/100. Give yourself some credit for that.

Secondly, take criticism where it is constructive.

I am not saying you should dismiss everything as "not my problem." In my view, a matter is often more an A0's responsibility than that of the partner leading it. Talk to an A3, SA, or PA in your team. Seek guidance. There is absolutely no shame in doing that.

Some people can be intimidating. Some may not care. But there are also people who genuinely want you to thrive, not just survive. They can be difficult to find, but they do exist.

And unlike what someone here has suggested, none of the work we do, whether in M&A, PE, Banking & Finance, or anything else, is taught in law school. Most of it is learned on the job.

A lot of us have cried in office washrooms after being yelled at. I have generally been decent at my job, but there have been days when I was appreciated in the first half of the day for doing great work and reprimanded in the second half for reasons I still disagree with.

At your stage, it is often difficult to tell whether you genuinely messed up or whether the person on the other side simply did not have the patience. Sometimes it is a bit of both. With demanding clients and impossible timelines, it takes a very regulated person to remain calm. Unfortunately, law firms are not exactly overflowing with such people.

TL;DR: Talk to people who can guide you. Just do not become overly dependent on them.

Thirdly, preparedness leads to confidence.

You are new and may not fully understand what a DD is, why it is done, or what people are looking for. Sit with a few DD reports. One of the best things about being at a Tier 1 firm is that the repository is usually excellent.

Read key issues reports. Read full vendor DD reports. Go through internal presentations. Build your understanding. Ask yourself basic questions. Why is everyone fighting over that indemnity clause? Why does this risk matter? Where does it show up in a transaction?

ChatGPT helps as well. There are primers available on almost every topic under the sun. Nobody can hand you a complete tracker of everything you need to know, but you can gradually build one for yourself.

I also really appreciated the first pinned comment on this thread. And KCO has some excellent videos on YouTube.

Fourthly, loneliness will only make everything worse.

Talk to your parents every day if you can. Hopefully they are supportive.

Many of us, especially those from lower middle-class families, grow up feeling like we are carrying a massive burden on our shoulders. More often than not, that burden exists largely in our heads.

Ask for help.

Ask your parents to visit. Meet your friends whenever possible. Make friends at the gym. Make friends within your team.

All you can do is keep trying. The rest is for life to decide.

Fifthly, get a therapist if you think you need one.

Only you can make that call. There is no shame in it.

Sixth, in-house is not as easy as people often make it sound, especially if you want to keep growing and avoid stagnating.

That said, if moving in-house is what you genuinely want, I would be happy for you to make that move. Just make sure it is not coming purely from a place of escape.

People often portray law firms as some ultimate test of toughness. Sometimes they are. But this is your life. You get to decide what is worth your effort and what is not.

And choosing something else is not running away. It is simply choosing a different path.

Lastly, you are still very young.

I do not mean that in a patronizing way.

A lot of us have felt this pressure. A lot of us have stumbled, struggled, cried, doubted ourselves, and eventually found ways to cope.

You will too.

Yes. Infact, for folks putting in real work and taking responsibility ive heard it goes beyond that as well. A college-mate (who was brilliant in his own right back in law school) works in their GIW team and ive only heard great things from him, especially when it comes to the cash.

The boys’ hostel warden was convicted by the ICC of sexual assault against a member of the hostel’s cleaning staff. However, instead of removing him from the hostel, the administration concealed this fact from the students.

Even after the students came to know about the matter, the administration has shown no willingness whatsoever to relieve him of his duties.

NLUJA is becoming increasingly unsafe day by day.

Bishen is a treat to work with, couldn't join the team end minute due to certain personal reasons. The work load is insane, but as any tier-1 would have. the team has had a few exits but the culture is very good. The A3s and SAs are extremely helpful, and if you're in for the grind, it's an amazing place to begin with.

https://www.cryptotimes.io/2026/09/28/indias-ed-expands-crypto-cyber-tracing-under-renewed-nfsu-pact/

Official press release by ED:
https://www.enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/media/press-release-documents/7cf38157-93be-41dd-aab9-3f05dee1e4da_Press%20Release%2023092026.pdf

https://thenewsmill.com/2026/09/enforcement-directorate-renews-pact-with-national-forensic-sciences-university-for-five-years/

https://newsable.asianetnews.com/india/ed-nfsu-renew-moa-to-boost-cyber-forensic-investigation-for-5-years-articleshow-dgau2c5

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/ed-renews-pact-with-national-forensic-sciences-university-for-next-five-years20260925141317/

Agree that the thread can be scary but consider speaking to people who are in the team and part of the move to SAM. Every person can have more than one reason for not moving but choosing to move means the team works for such persons - speak to such people only. The likelihood of such people lying is also lower because they could have also chosen to quit but they didn't and in times like these, they have would be welcome with open arms at CAM but are still moving

you should be wary of people who choose to post things here than work on the issues with relevant persons and perhaps such people aren't continuing. Every team has good days and bad days and this team is no exception

It's delusional to believe that only one side is wrong and if partners have been tough, it's perhaps because quality been compromised and then the toughness became part of the job

I know that the team plans to work on their issues and use this as a fresh start

Got tired of waiting for your poem and so, I’ve written one myself.

At Fullerton in Singapore, clever SAN and brave Sword signed ELP’s first stone,
The firm now splits: TnT will leave, the rest will soon rebrand as “SuSu”, alone.
Dinoo Bhai’s Dhruva waits, sharpened claws, dripping with honey, Ryan bro by his side,
hungry for IDT, while DT and Trade come along for the ride.

Roja, NiSh and Sanjo hold the senior tax-and-trade line;
Swerve in Mumbai, DarBo in Bengaluru, both equity, both resigned.
Ten days ago they chose Ding-a-Ling-a-Ling’s open door,
a wound, if they walk, for Dhruva buys this practice, for IDT most of all.

RaGa of Noida, litigator sharp, late to rise, always late to the room,
everyday counsels Roja, NiSh, Sanjo; they count on him to stay the two.
Tomorrow Dinoo meets the partners; bonuses wait till Diwali’s light,
some DT and Trade may slip away then; Dinoo will not mind the slight.

Don’t swerve, don’t be a darpok, don’t Ding-a-Ling,” Raga told Swerve and DarBo that day,

Go with Roja, NiSh and Sanjo; take the road to Bhai and Bro's driveway.

You’ll stand far better in that fold than wandering off on your own,
stay where IDT is wanted, and the umbrella is already thrown.

More poems from me, if I get at least 10 reactions (likes or dislikes) for this.

The Khaitan breakaway started a few months ago and it is hiring at various pqe levels. Heard they're promising great salaries. Is it a safe bet or should I stick with my current job at a Tier 3 IP firm? My current firm is very good, but they're too small to be able to increase salaries in that manner.

Hi everyone!

First of all, I genuinely want to thank everyone here for being a guide and contributing to my journey in one way or another.

I come from a relatively small law college, and over the past few years, I’ve tried to make the most of every opportunity available to me. I’ve constantly worked on myself, both academically and professionally, and tried to build my profile through internships, research, moots, debates, and various other activities. I’m currently in my fourth year of BBA LL.B.

I’m writing this because I’d really appreciate some honest guidance on how I can improve my chances of securing an internship, and eventually a full-time opportunity, at Khaitan & Co.

I’ve previously interned with AZB & Partners and a few other reputed boutique law firms, and I’m now trying to take the next step in my career. Khaitan is a firm I genuinely aspire to work with, and I’ve applied multiple times, but unfortunately, I’ve faced rejections each time. At this point, I’m honestly trying to understand whether my college is significantly affecting my chances, or whether there are specific gaps in my profile that I need to work on.

Apart from internships, I’ve been actively involved in extracurriculars as well. I’ve participated in several MUNs, chaired committees, taken part in debates and moots, and have also worked on legal research and published research articles.

Khaitan has become somewhat of a personal goal for me. I know that sounds a little cliché, but it genuinely is something I’ve been working towards for a while. I constantly hear about the firm, learn about the work being done there, and keep thinking about what I could do to eventually become a part of it.

I’m extremely dedicated to building my career in corporate law, and whenever I take up something, I try to give it my absolute best and continuously improve myself.

So, I’d really appreciate it if people who have interned or worked at Khaitan & Co., or those who have experience recruiting for Tier-1 firms, could share some honest inputs:

What actually helps in getting shortlisted at Khaitan & Co.? What should I work on in my profile to at least get an interview opportunity? And, coming from a non-NLU/smaller law school, is there anything specific I should be doing differently?

Any genuine advice, criticism, or suggestions would honestly mean a lot. Thank you in advance!

Look for vacancies at 4-5 PQE level at Chambers of Advocates/ designated Seniors handling both OS and AS side matters at Bombay HC. I know that most of these are through heavily informal networks, but doesn't harm to put out a word into the Universe, right? #Manifestation

On a serious note, leads, if any would be appreciated.

I have been thinking quite seriously about joining this team, but I will admit that reading all of this has left me feeling pretty unsettled. I don’t have any firsthand experience here yet, so I am trying not to jump to conclusions, but when people who have spent years inside speak so firmly about problematic dynamics and when a fuller explanation apparently couldn’t even be posted, it is hard not to feel a bit anxious.

From the outside, the matters look engaging and the work seems solid, but now I am genuinely unsure about what the day‑to‑day environment might actually be like. I am still weighing things, but I would be lying if I said comments like this don’t make me hesitate far more than I expected.

Do not do an LLM unless you are interested in pursing a career in academia. Even in academia, LLM alone would be insufficient, you will have to clear NET and increasingly PhDs have become important. Your work experience is what matters more if you are looking for a law firm role.

Basically the title. What kind of work is assigned to fresh A0s who join T1s. When do they get draft definitive documents such as SHA, SSA etc. How come some fresh grads are getting involved in transactions within few months from joining. Asking for the likes of CAM, SAM, Trilegal etc. Want to know if my learning curve is at par with folks at T1s. I am at a T-2 and wish to switch soon.

Can people working/interning at Chennai law firms please share the actual monthly salary/remuneration being offered to freshers and junior associates?

Please mention the firm name + practice area + designation + monthly salary in the comments.

1. AK Law Chambers – Chennai

2. AMS Legal – Chennai

3. Anant Merathia & Associates - Chennai

4. AZB & Partners – Chennai

5. Chugh Universal Legal – Chennai

6. CMS Indus Law – Chennai

7. Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas – Chennai

8. Dentons Link Legal - Chennai

9. DSK Legal - Chennai

10. Economic Laws Practice - Chennai

11. Eshwars - Chennai

12. Fox Mandal & Associates - Chennai

13. Ganesan and Manuraj Legal LLP - Chennai

14. H&B Partners – Chennai

15. JSA – Chennai

16. Khaitan & Co – Chennai

17. King Stubb & Kasiva - Chennai

18. Kochhar & Co - Chennai

19. LKS – Chennai

20. Peritum Partners - Chennai

21. PSS Legal - Chennai

22. Samvad Partners – Chennai

23. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas – Chennai

24. Surana & Surana International Attorneys - Chennai

25. Tatva Legal - Chennai

26. Trilegal - Chennai

27. Vivrti Law - Chennai

28. Zoho Corporation - Chennai

Can also add other corporate/litigation firms too. Please help for the upcoming batches.

Horrible idea. It should be open to students to take the BA and leave. And it should be open to students to finish early by doing the required credits. But the rigor in Indian law schools is already in the gutter. We don’t need to drag it further down.

FM is not exactly universally lauded for his pedagogical insights or academic work. He’s succeeded largely by giving students whatever they want standards be damned. It’s a shame that our students are so ignorant they don’t see that for the betrayal of values that it is.

https://theprint.in/feature/uchicago-bans-ai-laptops-and-phones-in-core-social-science/3027890/

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/laptop-bans-new-tech-courses-us-law-schools-grapple-with-ai-2026-09-21/

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/university-chicago-law-school-bans-phones-laptops-ai-strategy/

Should law schools in India do the same?

Hi everyone! I have an upcoming internship at Trilegal’s Delhi office (Prius Platinum, Saket) and am looking for a PG nearby, preferably within walking distance or a short commute. Looking for a boys' or unisex PG. If you have any leads/recommendations for decent PGs in the area, please do reply. Thanks!

So I failed 12th PCM, was in depression for a while then decided to take a drop year and study but my depression got worse cause family got the pressure cooker on my head making my depression even worse. Gave exam in NIOS and failed again. This time it wasn't that bad because I was prepared from the first time. Thought to go international for a fresh start. Prepared seriously for it until a rich uncle came into my life, told me about the business life so I switched to commerce but after prepping for a while I pondered for the fact that I will miss my college life. I know its a good path that I will be stepping in the family business but being honest I don't know where to go. I want to live life. I am not that serious regarding money, just enough for good security and I just want to explore life. 200 years from now on it wouldn't matter what happens to me. I don't know what to do, I am currently thinking of CLAT but at this point am I just running away? I think I am, I have started some therapy sessions from a well known Psychologist but I genuinely don't know what to do. I think I am hasty with my decisions. I read the things I just wrote and I am hasty. I don't think when I decide to do something. If there is someone elder here in this thread then please share your thoughts on it. I know law isn't an escape, I will face a lot of pressure but being honest I like to solve puzzles and law is something which does attract me a bit, answering questions on precedents and reading. I think the year is over for clat; only 2 months remain and I don't think it would be possible for me to get into NLSIU. I might just focus on family business for now and start preparing for CLAT 2027