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I am a corporate lawyer with around 16 years of experience. After working with a few top tier law firms, I went independent around 7 years back. I have a decent practice with average annual fee revenues in the range of INR 1.25 cr to 1.5 cr.
Things are generally fine, but sometimes I miss being part of the so called 'law -firm lawyers circle/ network. I would love know from folks in similar situation if they also have similar thoughts? Should I consider associating with a law firm (though I love my freedom and flexibility)?
Are there any such law-firms which might want to absorb professionals like me on my terms?
Because other college grades can't earn so much
Yes, law firms offer the advantage of a strong reputation that facilitates higher business inflows, but at the end of the day, the trade-offs often make it feel not worth it. If you’re content with a comfortable life and the income you’re earning, don’t get too caught up in the allure of the law firm network. Every firm knows how to extract its pound of flesh—and often more.
The advent of AI is also a game changer. Large firms will soon grapple with the liabilities of their high overheads as clients increasingly use AI to handle basic legal tasks. In this evolving landscape, smaller setups will become more cost-effective for clients. Lawyers will remain relevant, but only for work that demands intellectual rigor and expertise. Irrespective wish you all the best whichever path you chose.
I'm a lawyer with 2 years PQE (Core litigation + Corporate).
I have a long term plan of having an independent corporate non litigation practice. As of now I'm working at a good tier 2 firm under a great mentor. Could you please give some tips as to how you'd like me to plan out the next few years? Any tips that you'd give me which you feel would've been helpful had you known at a younger age?
If you're comfortable sharing, as an independent corporate non litigation lawyer, what is the work that you majorly do? Because I've heard from a lot of people that as an independent lawyer you get more of gen corp work and less of transactions work.
Would love to know your story! Thank you :)