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a one or two is always exception but in 90% chance you need high level of juggad.
Now as far as institutional bias is concerned, let's be real it's there everywhere (Firms, Chambers, In house, Think tank or wherever you go). And I do not blame them, because using the institutional reputation as a proxy for judging competence is a low effort and somewhat reliable way for employers. The truth is on an average (I'm not talking about outliers) NLU folks are likely to do better than non-NLU folks.
However, being someone who was getting into an NLU outside of the top 10, but chose to stick to NON-NLU for convenience and financial reasons; in my first year of college I realised that rather than pointing fingers at the system, you should focus on finding a way around it. Even If I think that the NLU vs. NON NLU bias is unfair, it is still going to be there.
However, the most important thing to understand is just because it exists does not mean that you cannot offset it. I know people from non-NLUs (like Private Unis in Maharashtra or ALS Delhi) and were 1st gen, but are still working in chambers of the top Sr Advs in SCs. One of them did a clerkship. The other did his LLM from abroad (does not necessarily mean that you must also do clerkship / LLM. But I'm just saying that people have done this and you need to make a considered decision based on your circumstances).
Other than that, I would say a lot people go deep down the rabbit hole trying to have items on their CV which they 'think' would look impressive or boost their profile (Internships, Moots, Publication, Certifications and what not). Sure, a good CV is a valuable asset to have and in some cases might help you get your foot in the door. But focus on improving your actual skills and competence.
As harsh as it may sound it is easy for me to say “Oh! I am as competent as they are – I just could not get into these places because I’m not from an NLU” However, it requires a certain degree of self-awareness to realise the discomforting truth that all I have been doing in law school is using ChatGPT and PPTs to somehow pass or even ace the exam but I am not gaining any real knowledge. If I am given a niche research question, I would probably not be confident navigating through it without AI. A 6000 page file with voluminous evidence and a big fat case compendium, would probably scare tf out of me.
Do the work, and get progressively better at it. Whatever area you are interested in, have deep subject matter knowledge about it. Have great speaking and writing skills. Even if you somehow manage to get you foot in places like these if you can’t do these three things it would be difficult for you to sustain. Give the world irrefutable proof of your competency and ability so that none can ever use your college as an excuse to question your competence
I think it was Carl Jung who said that “No matter how isolated you are and how lonely you feel, if you do your work truly and conscientiously, unknown allies will come and seek you”. Sorry I my message was harsh or if I went off topic; built I only intended to send a message to all the NON-NLU folks folks. Don't kill your ambition; work towards it. Never feel disappointed that you’re not in an NLU. As NF himself said it “it’s the lows in life that makes us cherish the heights, and if that’s not the case then I’m fine believing a lie” Stay positive, and enjoy the journey ;)
Flat, excluding taxes