Earning a pittance, if even that, immediately after starting a career in litigation is one of the features of the profession which has not changed since a long time. 'Seven Lamps of Advocacy' is a book written in 1923 by Edward Abbot Parry and it lists industriousness as one of the lamps of advocacy. While speaking about this lamp, he quotes an old pleader who said that each lawyer has to be prepared "to eat sawdust without butter" in the beginning. He further quotes Lord Eldon who said that a new lawyer has "to live like a hermit and work like a horse."

This is quite daunting as you yourself pointed out. However, I don't think you should worry too much. It doesn't take long to start earning if you are in a good chamber and not afraid to take up small matters on your own. Luck necessarily plays a role in determining how soon you can start earning a comfortable sum on a monthly basis, but I would say that a willingness to work hard goes a long way in shortening the initial period of struggle. Keep in mind that the period of time it takes for you to start your independent practice is not the same period it takes for you to start earning a decent sum of money. The latter is necessarily shorter than the former since nobody would even think of going independent unless they have a decent base of clients/briefing counsel.

I would suggest not relying too much on the time it took others to go independent. Every person is different in terms of abilities and privilege. Just remember that it is almost a universal truth that the reward for good work is more work. You won't have to eat sawdust without butter for long.

I am a 6th sem (final sem) law student from a local uni in Bangalore. I have done 4 internships in toto, 2 district courts and 2 high court. I'm in such a stressful position about pursuing litigation right now ( a little background - first gen, girl and not very active in law school, but proactive and hardworking. Some people would call me smart and cut out for litigation) but I'm too scared of failure (especially this), too scared of not being able to provide for my family.

I know it's challenging.. very challenging infact, but I like the work I see, I like the pressure sometimes, I also feel that I could be a good lawyer. But the start in this field is just unfair.

I can work hard, I can get stuff done and I have my mom supporting me.. but I know she's scared too. I know I'll have to earn enough money, even through she says there's no pressure.

I have heard that people go independent in 1 year, 2 years and that some even take 10 years. Good networking and good presentation is the key. I've heard all of it. But the internet, the colleagues, friends and even seniors scare me. I have tried to stay positive but it just goes away as soon as I hear them speak.

I am pretty sure a lot of people in my position and with my background would have gone through this stress and I also am sure that the stress is not at its peak yet. If so, and if you can relate, can you share with me how it got better? When and how did you find out this is for you or not for you? How long was the survival period and how did you survive? Whats the best place to start money and mentorship wise..? (doesn't have to be 40k pm and all but just enough to survive with a little extra)

I'm sure to put hardwork for the first 3 years.. but running on 10k pm for so long is just impossible. Does it get better or does it stay the same?