Ah a question I can finally answer. When I graduated (around 2015, not revealing exact batch) from a Tier 1 NLU, I had two options, either join an Indian firm (AZB/AMSS) from Day Zero or join a Magic Circle firm. I tried to double-dip, I worked for a year at the Indian firm and joined the following cycle of trainee solicitors at the MC firm. I continued to work in London post qualification, and after a few years there, pivoted back to the same Indian firm as a PA. I am ahead (seniority and pay) of my batch in the firm now. Here's my take.

London is good in that it exposes you to the highest levels of international transactional work. That comes with it, the professionalism that is inevitable - every other person on a transaction, be they a lawyer, an accountant, a consultant, the target, the acquirer, the bank, the press (eg FT coverage) are leagues ahead of their equivalent in India. So that really elevates you. Upon returning, I notice that there is way less of that in India. As a PA, I do business development - so the lack of professionalism I see in the marketplace, clients and so on is very clear. On the other hand, you have way more ownership of the work at my level (than the peers I left behind in London). You do more of the heavy lifting, and are accountable for better results.

Work-life balance, other interests, hobbies and such are not prioritized in the Indian firms. In London, I was able to do marathons and cycle; the firm paid for tennis training, weekends were usually respected and so on. As you can imagine, none of that is given serious consideration in Lower Parel.

Career-mobility is better in India. For what its worth, the glass ceiling in London is quite real. Foreigners take longer (if at all) to make Partner. Unless you bring a lot of business to the firm (top Indian corporate houses, usually through family/community networks), you will stagnate after a point. Alternatively, you have to be completely English in tastes, interests, and so on (I see some degree of affectation being put on by Indian grads just to gel with the old boys' club vibe at the senior levels). I was not cut out for it. I think I made the right decision, since its easier to leave after 5-6 years at a Magic Circle firm to return to India, as opposed to later when one comes across as someone who couldn't cut it in London.

More importantly, money. London pays better in raw terms, but the cost of living is very high. Assuming a comparable lifestyle, you might end up saving less than you'd assume seeing your salary. I think I took the right call by moving to the Home Counties after my trainee-year, and commuting by train. London is very expensive, and frankly I did not enjoy the party lifestyle beyond a point.

On the other hand, the money I make now as a PA in Bombay goes much farther in terms of what it gets me. I can have a car and a driver (so the traffic doesn't bother me), I also have my own flat now. These things would not have been possible in London (till much later, if at all).

So, to freshers, I can suggest this - do London as a long-term career only if you're sure and confident of long-term success. Otherwise, do it for a while (for the exposure) and bring that back to India where it may be valued, plus your life will be better off.

Don't rule out silver circle firms like HSF, Macfarlanes, Ashurst - you are getting paid quite neat for the amount of hours put in. By the way, the salary for a fresh Associate at HSF is now more than that at Linklaters. This Magic Circle thing is nearly over as most firms are now staffed on matters that the MC firms used to do exclusively in the past. The peers are also catching up in terms of salaries.

Answer to your question is foreign law firm anyday simply because of the prestige, the brand and the quality of life. Hours same bhi ho tab bhi. It's more about the environment. Atleast angrez hindi me gaali to ni denge, you'll just "piss them off"