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-On behalf of a lot of people young kids getting seriously discouraged because of this forum.
I take a T1 salary to be ₹15LPA and above. From that perspective, especially since this is taxed differently than other salaried jobs, you will immediately be in the top 4-5% in India. In my book, that is already extremely wealthy -- relatively.
Everyone who is commenting otherwise, especially one individual who has written about how one needs to be an equity partner to be 'rich by every definition' already comes from huge privilege where their parents' or older siblings are earning enough to be in the top 1% or possess generational wealth. This delusion highlights the importance of classes in sociology and economics in law school.
I've seen my cousins do MBA from IIM C and ISB and trust me their roles are no cakewalk either. IIM C in hand is 1.8 and ISB because she had no work ex too is around 1.3 - and both cannot think of a minute when they're not thinking of work. Another friend who joined FMS tells how hectic even the program is. So all in all T1s give a neck to neck challenge to all jobs, mind you all class 1 corporate jobs we are talking like T1/2 MBAs and T1 engineers or CAs or doctors - all top in their game. Rest most of grads and post grads in India are sadly not able to touch the 5 figure monthly even in their 30s. Count your blessings and shift till you find a good partner. It'll be comparatively easier floating from there.
Contrary to what people might claim, T1 Law firm salaries pretty much match other industries if not crossing, at Senior PA/ SP level in a good practice. Heck even in T2 probably. With good investment strategies, and living a frugal life for 10 years, working with good ratings in a GC/ B&F practice at SAM/ Tri/ KCO, you can definitely get rich. Ofcourse if your benchmark for rich is Investment Banking Director at JPM rich, no. But you can probably try moving to US Biglaw to get that level of rich, they pay exceptionally well. US not UK. And in Dallas and Texas not NYC.
Medical batchmates some in 2 or 3 year and most not earning.
Many people did grad from DU and preparing for CSE or goverment exams.
There were a few smart ones who made it to IIT but they are too joining consultant roles and earning the same 1.5-2 lpm to start off.
I studied in an average school and my classmates didn't go abroad to Oxfords and MITs for their grads so my view is based off my peers, which is also most average peers around India I feel. Ofcourse if you had the kind of support to study abroad then even 3 lpm salary in India seems less.
In conclusion, comparing the amount of effort I put in competitive exams and law school along with the fun (yes dating too) and exposure I gained in law school. I cannot thank God's enough to start off at a 15 lpa most of which is in hand. I know work hours are tough but again compare with medical people and be happy. You'll be rich eventually if you're honest with work. Invest wisely but don't become a nerd who listens to finflucners only. Enjoy life. Work hard. Find the perfect someone to spend your life with. If you eventually find a decent team to work this profession will not keep you starving for money and even luxuries in later half. Upskill, devote time and balance it for family and friends. Goodluck.
Wish I had this perspective from first year to be grateful for the field I chose rather than cursing myself basis the stuff I've been reading over li. In firms many people are content if not happy. You'll barely sense the kind of depression you see here.