I graduated in 2023 from a 3-year LL.B (CLC) and post graduating, I joined a litigation chamber more for namesake and, to be frank, the year was spent around preparing for judicial service examinations and was largely unproductive in terms of real learning. Though, on paper it reflects litigation experience.

I then moved in-house, where over the last couple of years I have largely worked on government tenders and public procurement related matters.

My exposure includes drafting and reviewing contracts, tender conditions, grievance filing, contract negotiations, compliance work and other related matters. I also managed to file and appeared in a few writ petitions wherein i challenged a few tenders and government policies. I have also had some exposure to NIA matters during my chamber days.

The problem I am now facing is this:

1. While I have done a fair amount of work across areas, I do not feel “specialised” in any one domain. My current in-house role also feels like it is adding little to no value to my CV going forward, and I am worried about stagnation.

2. This job pays peanuts.

Law firm salaries are obviously attractive, but I am unsure whether firms would even seriously consider my profile, given that I do not have deep litigation training or a clear law firm pedigree.

At this stage, I am trying to understand realistic options:

1. Is it possible to pivot from an in-house government tenders/public procurement role into a law firm (litigation or transactional)?

2. Does public procurement and tender work have long-term value as a niche, or does it box you in?

3. Would it make sense to double down on one area (for example, arbitration, regulatory, or contracts), or is a reset via litigation or an LLM/course more practical?

4. For someone in this position, what are sensible next steps over the next 2–3 years?

Would really appreciate candid advice from seniors who have seen or made a in-house to a law firm transition.