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And the sucess level in turn depends on factors like whether you know Hindi, can understand local sentiments and gel with them, etc.
But for equal experience, Delhi pays more tbh
Many years ago I left a Tier-1 disputes practice in Delhi and moved to a High Court practice in a Tier-2 city. I wasn’t sure it was the right decision. The idea was simply to try it and see. I don't regret the decision.
A few lessons from this side:
(a) In the beginning, remuneration will be around 10–15% of what you make in a Tier-1 firm. Maybe even less. It will be a bigger issue than you think.
(b) But the pay will rise steadily, and your cost of living will go down dramatically as you will be living in your hometown.
(c) The work initially may appear routine, but it will probably be better than what you did in the firm. I read more judgments in the first two months here than what I probably did in firm practice. And no case notes, argument notes, list of dates, or “notes” of any kind.
(d) You get to appear and argue much more. If you argue well, judges start addressing you by name. One gets to learn the art of adjourning cases which takes some skill (something even partners in Tier-1 firms sometimes brief Seniors for). Then one gets to argue!
(e) Work–life balance improves. You have more control over your time. Family is closer.
(f) No more Delhi–Gurgaon–Noida traffic.
(g) Disputes practice in a tier 1 firm is very different from actual litigation. A 100 million arbitration claim filed after many billable months cannot match the thrill of arguing admittedly not-so-complex cases every day.
But I suggest staying at the firm for at least two years. The firm teaches you many things. It will broaden your horizons and teach you how to think and act like a professional (and I am not talking about ChatGPT etc.). And you will have some savings.
You must be clear about why you want to move. If the motivation to shift is the belief that it is “easier” to become a designated Senior/ succeed simple because you are from a Tier 1 NLU with Tier 1 firm experience in a Tier 2 city, you would be wrong.
Yes, the Supreme Court is in Delhi, and several important appellate forums as well. And by all means — do come, argue your matters, appear physically when required. That is always welcome.
But as a matter of comfort and long-term fit — Kerala is home for you. Delhi is a place you visit, not a place where you must force yourself to belong. If the people don't, the smog will surely shoo you. Enjoy God‘s own country. I know I would - if I were a Keralite!
So if you move here — learn to get excited about dal-roti-subzi, butter chicken and naan. Because that’s the meta build here. Delhi isn’t for everybody. Delhi is for people who think butter is a personality.
Dating here is comedy gold: the pool is painfully limited unless you show up as a rare exotic collectible. Which is why some Malayalis (only the genuinely hot ones — not the mids) — men and women — suddenly become Delhi’s newest Michelin-star drop. Seasonal. Limited stock. Act fast. But overall? Delhi can make you feel limited. Stunted even — especially if you’re average looking.
You have been warned!