Hi - could someone please help me out and let me know the best teams (GC, Corporate Advisory, TMT, IP) to work with in SAM Delhi that have one or at least a few of the following:

1. Work Life Balance

2. Respecting weekends/personal commitments

3. Good work

4. Good people

Thank you!

At the risk of being cancelled by feminists, let me lay out some brutal truths for the ladies:

- Working as a law firm associate or litigator sucks out your energy and time

- If you aren't seeing anyone and want a husband through a non-arranged marriage, best to go into a less demanding job like in-house counsel or academia.

- Yes, that may mean that your husband will earn more and you'll be the junior breadwinner

An Untold True StoryI’ve always considered myself a fairly good-looking and well-spoken guy. My early days at law firm. I had crazy amount of attention from females, males and third kind (At the traffic stops). Life was… generous, life was beautiful.

But then, things took a weird turn. My average-looking male friends stopped inviting me to their gatherings, gripped by some unfounded insecurity about my looks. The women in my profession, having apparently watched 'A Beautiful Mind', started applying Nash Equilibrium to their dating strategy. While the bold and genetically-not-so-blessed got laid, I was left alone praying to and playing with Lord Jagannath.

The existential crisis hit hard. Friends vanished. Female attention evaporated. Focus at work dwindled. I was falling out of grace with my seniors, and into the abyss of crippling self-doubt. All because of some 'good-look' that i had no role in acquiring.

That’s when I discovered 'Ganesh Bar aani Restaurant' tucked away in the by lanes of Lower Parel. Chakli with Schezwan sauce became my emotional support snack. Super Strong Magnum Premium Lager flowed like truth at a law school reunion.

Eight months later, I had developed a respectable waistline and beer belly, aggressive male pattern baldness, and a walrus moustache.

And oddly, life got better.

My guy friends stopped avoiding me. Heck! they even introduced me to their dates. The ladies came around too. They found me “hilarious” and loved my "warm energy". I still couldn’t land a weekend date, but at least I was officially a "great friend" material.

Slowly, confidence returned. Happiness crept in.

Today, I feel blessed.

Today, I feel accomplished.

Today, I am happy.

Today, I am fat and bald.

Ugh!! 😖😖😖😖 Will someone please teach finance 101 to these kids??? NLUs are not centrally funded like IIT and IIM. They are state funded and even there most states give no money. Where will the funds come from???

Please instead go stage a dharna demanding NLU Nationalisation. Go submit a petition to Gavai next time he comes to your convo to give a sermon.

Don't rule it out due to tax insurance work. One still has to analyse the position and give an opinion so it should not be very different than an advisory bit. One thing that you want to consider is that you not get facetime from him and would be interacting only with the team.

I own a citizen zenshin, a Seiko 5 1968 reissue, a Tissot PRX powematic and a Doxa sub 200.

If you want value and functionality go for the Japanese watches they are also highly respected and pretty sure carry the same prestige (if not more) as other brands in this price range.

If you want to spend a little more and get something which has a more historical significance like Tissot and Doxa.

Hey everyone
Which of the reputable firms will take a 3rd year BBA LLB student for an internship in their disputes team? I have a decent CV for a 3rd year. Multiple moot courts related to international arbitration, even a win. Have prior experience at a tier 1 firm with their trademarks team. I am not from a top NLU, instead a private uni, but great marks all around. As a third year, I just want someplace to learn and stress test myself in the work that a disputes team does. Hence, i dont care about the pay, or even the culture as long as I have work and good mentorship. Lastly, I dont want to be arrogant, but I spend my free time reading arbitration articles and rulings and am getting good at the subject matter knowledge by now, at least in comparison to anyone in the batch of 2028. This is not baseless (at least i think so) since I have conversed with seniors from the top 3 NLUs in Moot Courts, and I know that knowledge-wise, at least I am not behind.
Unfortunately, that 3rd year tag is resulting in blanket rejections. Moreover, I am not sure how much of my theoretical knowledge converts to practical, and there's no amount of theory that will give me an edge over someone who has done even a single internship. That's why i thoroughly wish to use my Dec/Jan break to learn and grow.

Big rush of lawyers buying?

https://indianexpress.com/article/business/india-uk-fta-aston-martin-mini-cooper-cheaper-40-india-10149607/

Genuinely an amazing firm with a super supportive work environment. Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword here it’s actually respected. They invest time in training freshers, and the pay is quite decent compared to other boutique setups. The firm doesn’t rely on flashy marketing the senior partners are quite old school and prefer to let their work speak for itself through word of mouth.

They usually take friday post court evenings off. Lunch/ evening social time on Saturdays. Make it a point to have dinner with family everyday. Also helps that they stay in posh areas of Delhi where good places are 10-15 min away max. 2-3 weeks off in court vacations couple of times a year if they aren't doing arbitrations/ out station matters. Honestly, its not that bad once you get used to it (takes about 6 months), especially if you enjoy your work. Without fail I've seen each of them being passionate about they do, and that's a great learning. Personally if I have a briefing that ends at 9/9:30 on a weekday and not much homework from the conference, I grab a drink with colleagues. Or if its on a weekend, grab lunch / breakfast with spouse/ friends wherever.

The partners in the firm have great client centric approach. They are exceptional in their legal drafting and strategising the case for their clients. The firm has made an indelible mark in the field of high stake Entertainment and Media litigations, Shipping Industry Matters, Commercial Litigation and providing the best Criminal Defence.

The firm is making its mark with all the high stake matters pan-India. Its a great choice for the clients!

Basically I want five or six day a week workweek with 9 to 5 type job just like in-house but higher pay then in-house in the long run. Otherwise no point of doing MBA for me if I have to slog just as much as in a law firm. My top engg friends have 9-5 job and earn around the same. I think these engg folks carry their work culture to MBA as well.

100%. This isn't limited to just law firms, pretty privilege is a thing regardless of the industry you work in. All other things being equal (skill, output, experience), the prettier girl/more handsome guy gets the job. But this doesn't have to stop someone who is not conventionally attractive from achieving success in the corporate world. As long as you're well groomed, and speak well, and provide genuine, valuable output, you're mostly moving up the ranks.

Symbi noida could get a bit cheaper if you think about living in one of the pgs outside instead of the college hostel. I mean u won't even get the college hostel if u are late to apply or have an accomodation in delhi ncr or are 3rd year or above so why not start living in a pg since beginning

starting my 3rd year in a tier-3 NLU, completed 7 internships till now, and going to complete at least 15 till I get my degree, 30% are remote, mostly in litigation firms. Am I on the right track to land a placement in dispute resolution in 3 years? I dont all want this to go in vain.

One should work with a team and partner wherein all kind of Debt Finance work is there- International Banking (ECB/ ODI), Fintech, Project Finance, DCM, Structured Finance, Debt Restructuring, IBC Advisory, Enforcement Advisory. Debt Finance in itself is a limited area as compared to Equity and to restrict it further would not be ideal in long run.

Here is the full text that has been uploaded. Make of it what you will.

https://www.academia.edu/143107803/Juridical_Engagement_With_Electoral_Reservations_In_India

As someone from a Tier 1 university myself, I’ve also noticed this trend, particularly in Bengaluru. It’s surprising how students with primarily trial court, High Court, or smaller firm internships often end up getting internships at top-tier firms like Trilegal and CAM. I’m not sure if it’s because of personal connections or if these firms have an informal system where they reserve a few months specifically for students from Tier 1 NLUs and keep the rest of the year more open to students from lower-tier universities.

It just gets really frustrating sometimes. You put in the work, follow all the right steps, try to build a solid CV and then you see people with minimal relevant experience or completely unrelated internships somehow landing positions at top firms. It makes you question whether merit really counts at all. The lack of transparency in the selection process doesn’t help either it often feels like you’re just shooting in the dark, hoping someone somewhere picks your application at the right time.

Hi everyone,
I’m a 5th-year law student and will be interning with the corporate team at Samvad Partners, Mumbai in the upcoming months. I would really appreciate any insights on the team’s work culture, in-hand salary for freshers (not just CTC), growth prospects, and work-life balance.

It would be great to hear from anyone who has interned or worked with the corporate team at the Mumbai office. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
I’m a 5th-year law student and will be interning with the corporate team at Samvad Partners, Mumbai in the upcoming months. I would really appreciate any insights on the team’s work culture, in-hand salary for freshers (not just CTC), growth prospects, and work-life balance.

It would be great to hear from anyone who has interned or worked with the corporate team at the Mumbai office. Thanks in advance!

https://www.barandbench.com/Law-School/nlu-students-protest-clat-application-and-counselling-fees

Bas ab yehi dekhna baaki reh gaya tha.

I pursued an integrated Engineering and Law degree from a reputed private law school, with an interest in the intersection of technology and law. During my academic years, I interned across law chambers, corporate firms, and in data privacy and tech law space. However, after graduating during the COVID-19 crisis, job opportunities in my area of interest were extremely limited. With financial obligations and student loans to manage, I accepted a role in intellectual property (patents) at a law firm. While I have tried to make the most of this opportunity, including qualifying the Indian Patent Agent exam and gaining nearly three years of experience, the truth is, my interests have always been in technology law, not patents. Despite my efforts to adapt and perform well, I’ve increasingly felt burnt out, mentally exhausted, and professionally unfulfilled. The work does not align with my long-term interests, and each day feels so heavy.

Throughout this time, I have consistently applied to leading tech law and policy firms, including Ikigai, Spice Route, CAM, and others but have not received favourable responses. I had a conversation with a partner at a prominent tech policy firm who reaffirmed my concerns that there’s a clear hiring bias, and my current experience doesn’t easily translate into the tech law profiles I aspire to. That said, I don’t see myself working in patents in the long term and I know I need to pivot. I’ve done everything I could to stay connected to the tech law space, but opportunities have been few. Please give me some advice and direction on how to realign my career with my original aspirations in data privacy, digital rights, AI regulation, and broader tech policy.

I’m ready to put in the effort it takes to make this transition. I just need a path forward, and would truly value your advice or support in making that shift happen.

Just be honest about your grades. As long as your work is good you would be in a clear. The only time your CGPA will matter in Day Zero and if you have an PPO chance from CAM, SAM and Saraf as they do care about your CGPA. Work on your GPA from now on what done is done keep moving forward. Good luck mate.

😰😰😰😰😰

So are law firm associates glorified clerks who can be replaced by machines?

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/amp/story/business/ai-margins-and-skill-gaps-tcs-cuts-12000-jobs-nasscom-warns-of-more-it-job-cut

Hi this is OP.

While this sounds like the "legally actionable" way forward, I fear this would result in a passive blacklist amongst all law firms from hiring me, considering most (read - a lot of) business practices are unethical anyway. I just want some clarity on the situation.

As mentioned before, I have a good academic background, have great internships and publications, but have missed out on placements due to the due date passing by, and ofcourse the HRs arent offering internships anymore and alumni is silent.

Hello LE folks, I am a graduate of the 24' batch from a tier 2 NLU. I am not employed anywhere currently and have no idea what to do or how to gain experience so as to enter any law firm. The idea is to enter any t3 or t2 law firm, but I have no law firm experience, no moots and some decent publications. I have a good gpa and that is it. I have lost all motivation in life after facing constant job application rejections. I have no idea as how to move forward. I have no references - no useful contacts. It's like I am stuck in a loop for as long as I remember. If anyone can help me or give me a roadmap as what to do next - maybe by identifying an area of interest and then progressing forward or whatsoever, you would have changed my life. I see people here are very smart as compared to me so I have no where else to go but request your guidance here.

As a partner now, here’s what I’d tell my younger self: 1. Don’t fear the partners or seniors rather fear doing a bad job or below your capability. Keep a list of mistakes you get scolded for and strenthen on it. Focus on the quality of your work. And if a comment isn’t constructive, don’t let it get under your skin. 2 Take your weekends and leaves seriously and travel. They’re not luxuries they’re necessities.

1. 3. Sleep and showers are underrated. They do more for your mental well-being than you think. 4. Keep skilling up. Learn a new language, take a course, keep growing. 5. Dress well (both in office and home) and keep a clean space. Not just for business development, but because it makes you feel good.
2. 6. Pick a social cause and a hobby that brings you joy. Do something just for yourself, without any agenda. 7. Take 45 minutes daily to walk or sit in an open space. Let your mind wander or think of nothing at all. 8. Treat your juniors well. They’re people, just like you, trying to figure things out. 9. Spend time with your family and friends while you can. They won’t always be around, don’t take time for granted. 10. Respect your self and your body.

Don't study law, especially 5-year, without any other degree. Succumbing to parental pressure will take away every joy from your life. Even they won't be happy seeing you miserable in law with no exit options; however, they won't accept that their actions after your 12th were not correct.

Be the "rebel" child.

It'll suck in the long run if you meekly study law. You'll never be able to get out of this country on a law degree.

I repeat. DO NOT STUDY LAW.

what makes you think that UK law firms will line up to open offices in India and hire by the boat load? even if markets open up fully, most big foreign firms will have small offices on the ground staffed by people they have/who are willing to re-locate back to India. No firm is going to be 100 member from in India . See the size of the offices in Singapore etc., - those are small, and Singapore is a much more lucrative market than India.

I see your point. I think the number of people staying on in law firms after 5-6 years is also relatively higher than in other markets where decent exit options start appearing from year 3. Companies and government offices continuously absorb legal talent from law firms. At a more senior level (year 7-9) people moving in-house are able to send work to their law firms and it’s a win-win placement for the law firm and company. There is a serious dearth of in-house opportunities where ones career and pay can grow.

Although Indian law firms have more attrition than Indian companies, many shuffle within law firms for bonus and fancy designations. Not too long ago Trilegal was recruiting Principal Associates with the promise of a Counsel position. Eventually teams will become top heavy everywhere and will have to quote lower prices because the client cannot afford to staff top-heavy teams.

I don't Agree with this. I think Law School along with the first 5 years after Law School should be about exploring and working on multiple practice areas. Then decide the practice area and natue of work environment most suited to you. Because it is going to define the next 30 years of your life. Cannot decide your niche so early without any exposure and maturity as well in most cases.

So many people on this website hate law & the legal field. I don't know why. I'm not one of them.

My advice would be to focus more on physical fitness & healthy eating. I had focussed on studying, interning, networking, making genuine friendships & experimenting like a young adult should. I wouldn't change that one bit. The only regret is health & fitness.