Bruh, atleast he can try, it's not like people will kill him or retract his offer for trying to negotiate for more money. Even if he gets a no, he'll have a satisfaction of knowing that he asked for more anD a legitimate authority to bitch abt not getting paid enough. Unlike other people who never ask and then crib, like bro try and see no once.

Both are same. Don't get swayed by Big 7 rankings. Also, Big 7 is not a category recognised by NIRF/QS rankings. It was coined by Kian based on the RSG law firm rankings and is used among NLUs to compare placements and in the LI recruitment rankings. RSG itself does not use the term Big 7 AFAIK. Readers can correct me if I am wrong.

At this point of time, it frankly doesn't matter much. I would assume (and I'm not from Luthra) that based on the partners that have formed chosen to join Saraf, that it's unlikely that you'll lack decent work (having full and due regard to your level) to cut your teeth on. Luthra does carry a more "known" name - but this might not carry the sort of advantage that some might believe.

If you don't like working in either place after a year or two, jump ship. If you are feeling particularly nervous about the prospect of joining either of them at this time (and one cannot fault you for feeling that way, if that is indeed how you feel), then consider reaching out to partners in other firms in your chosen area of practice, and asking to talk. The job market for associates (including at the A0 level) is extremely skewed towards associates given the current state of demand and supply and it would be to your advantage to leverage this to the extent that you can.

Now, if I were you, I'd figure out which firm pays more and go with that firm. Worst case, things don't work out, you can jump ship and your base for negotiating your salary as a lateral would be better that way. While I generally advice against joining a place with the objective to leave: (a) law firms are by nature places where many more people end up leaving eventually, than those who stay back, and it's worth bearing this in mind; and (b) neither of Luthra nor the newly minted Saraf Law offices is doing particularly well, and it's not unreasonable to suggest that you might get better work at good teams in other firms.

Hope this helps. Also, if you're from a good college (which as far as I'm concerned means: any of the top 5 NLUs - NLS, NALSAR, NUJS, NLUJ and NLUD) jumping ship at this stage won't be hard. Just make sure your cover letter and resume are well put together and caption your subject correctly.