Job in Litigation or IP Firm, which one is better?
8 May 2013, 06:33
I have been offered two jobs. One from a litigation firm and one in an IP Firm. Assuming, I have no preference as far as field of law is concerned. Which Job should I choose from the point of future prospects is concerned.
6 Replies
Litigation. There is a lot of room for growth is you wait. You could perhaps start your own LPO after a few years of hardwork.
Without a doubt, litigation. More exciting, more variety and intellectual stimulation and essential for a deep understanding of all aspects of law.
What do you mean by “future prospects”?
If it is money and career growth, then IP Firm is the best option. IP will see huge growth. The current state of IP is “what analytics was in 2007 in the IT industry”.
Interesting discussion.
I’m wondering - isn’t one problem with IP that the rates are very very low? In other words, if you are starting out, you will get paid less salary, and if you’re starting your own practice your fees will be fewer. The best way to make money in IP therefore is to build a large firm, where lots of juniors work for you and you get the advantage of leverage?
Is this a fair assessment? As a youngster, how would it be possible to have better career growth?
Breadth and depth of knowledge - that’s what you need to need to aim for in the five years after graduating.
I think Litigation will give you that opportunity if you choose to work with an firm/chamber that handles diverse work on the original side. Assuming you aren’t particularly enthused about a certain specific domain, best then to keep your options varied and open till you get a taste for work.
Can’t comment on IP firms or billing rates. But as someone who hasn’t ever really made money before, you should drop the plans in your head about money and making it. You’ll make money if you approach work with motivation, put in the hard work, and enjoy the process.
Good luck!
IP has very limited options and that too only in 7 cities in India. If you do IP you cannot do litigation but if you do litigation you can do IP also. All corporate law firms have an I P desk as a result of which the monopoly is getting broken . Bulk of the money is in trademark registration but there you have to compete with even non lawyers the spread is too thin . There will be money in patents as well but for that you have to be a science graduate . If foreign firms were to be permitted IP law will be the first to consolidate. Litigation is a better option . A corporate law firm is even better. 90 percent of the IP work is concentrated in 7 firms