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I am a recent Law (LLB) graduate from a top 20 law school in the UK. I am back home in India until December'24-January'25, after which I will be going back to London (hopefully) with a training contract or a job in the UK. I am looking for short-term paralegal roles for these few empty months but have a few questions. Some context- This was my first degree, so right after my 12th I went to the UK to study. I have not done any bachelors in India. I am not qualified in India to practice and would not be able to register until I get 2 years of work ex, so that my degree (3 years) and work experience (2 years) can replicate the 5 year LLB in India.
I have frequented LegallyIndia to brush up on advice for the Indian Legal Market from a student/applicant perspective because to be quite honest, I am clueless. Between some saying you need contacts for paralegalship at T1-T3 firms to some saying they only accept Mumbai grads, I am super confused. I guess it doesn't help my case, at least when applying here, that I am a UK graduate. Most smaller fronts don't accept my application as they don't see me to be fit enough for Indian law. I am currently at a small front (that I got through a contact) on assessment but thinking of leaving because for the past week (9am to 9pm) I have only photocopied applications... I dont know if this sounds cocky but I didn't go through 3 years of insanity, that is the UK LLB, to photocopy man. I just feel undervalued and would rather atleast gain some experience, even with low or no pay, for my future. Currently, neither am I getting paid, nor am I learning anything. Truly feels like a waste of time and god only knows what I will write on my CV for this opportunity if it goes on like this.
I have interned at a T2 firm in Delhi as well as under a sitting Delhi High Court Judge. I have also interned at a top construction and energy law firm in London. Graduated top 20% of my cohort, did alot of extra-curricular activities, holding many leadership roles in Uni, received the highest undergraduate extra-curricular award at my uni as well. However, I have been struggling to get my foot into the door at quite literally any firm in Delhi/GGN area. The one time I've cold-emailed SAM, CAM and Khaitan HR, CAM rejected me and SAM and Khaitan never replied. Unsure if such a cold-email approach is correct? Ive reached out to few associates, partners and business service professionals at T1-T3 firms on linkedin as well but again, 0 response.
I would appreciate any advice on this-- I could be wrong on this, but my assumption is that only T1-T3 opportunities would be the most accepting of me, considering alot of them have working relationships with London firms I am interest in. Naturally, they wouldn't be opposed to an international graduate?
What would the application for such roles be? would I have to intern for a month before I am considered for paralegalship or can I be a paralegal directly?
Literally any advice on my situation would be greatly greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much