Top 14 Highest Paying Law Firms in India

In the current legal landscape of India, several top-tier law firms offer high salaries and exceptional career opportunities for legal professionals. If you’re an aspiring lawyer looking to work with the best in the industry, knowing which firms provide the highest pay can be critical to your decision-making process. In this blog, we discuss the top 10 highest-paying law firms in India, along with their achievements and notable cases. Additionally, we will provide valuable tips on how to land a job at these firms.

Highest Paying Law Firms in India

India has a vibrant legal market with numerous law firms that offer attractive salaries and career growth opportunities. These firms are known for their expertise in various legal domains and have a track record of handling high-profile cases and transactions. 

Below we introduce you to the top 14 highest-paying law firms in India, highlighting their areas of specialization, achievements, and notable cases they have handled.

1. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (SAM) is one of India’s leading full-service law firms. Established in 2015, SAM has quickly gained a reputation for handling complex legal matters for Indian and international clients. The firm was awarded the title of ‘Indian Law Firm of the Year’ by BW Global Legal Summit and Legal Leader Awards (2023 – 2024).

Salary: Starting at ₹12 LPA – ₹15 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Infrastructure, Energy, Real Estate, Financial Services, Taxation

Major Cases:

• Assisted Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in PPP projects
• Advised Adani Group on $750 million financing for the Carmichael coal mine project

2. Trilegal India:

Trilegal India, founded in 2000, is one of the top-paying law firms in India with a strong focus on corporate law. The firm has over 300 attorneys and offers legal services to Indian and international corporations. Over the years, it has expanded to become one of India’s premier full-service law firms, serving a diverse client base that includes Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and unicorns operating within the country.

Salary: Starting at ₹10 LPA – ₹13 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Banking and Finance, Fund Formation

Major Cases:

• Advised Flipkart on its $16 billion acquisition by Walmart
• Represented Amazon in its acquisition of Tapzo

3. Khaitan & Co.

Khaitan & Co., established in 1911, is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious law firms. The firm was started as a family practice by Sir Sapurji Kavasji Khaitan. It later started dealing as a professional legal practice organization. The firm has over 700 law associates spread all across various regions of India. 

Salary: Starting at ₹10 LPA – ₹14 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Capital Markets, Banking and Finance

Major Cases:

• Represented Oyo Rooms in its $1 billion investment round
• Acted for Etihad Airways in its acquisition of a 24% stake in Jet Airways

4. J Sagar Associates (JSA):

J Sagar Associates (JSA) is a full-service law firm with a focus on corporate law. Founded in 1991, the firm has a significant presence in major Indian cities and offers a wide range of legal services. It has over three hundred lawyers spread across its seven offices in India. The company offers legal aid to various national and multi-national organizations in India. 

Salary: Starting at ₹8 LPA – ₹10 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Litigation, Banking and Finance

Major Cases:

• Represented NTT Docomo in its $1.2 billion arbitration award against Tata Sons
• Acted for the Government of India in a case involving the assets of Vijay Mallya

5. DSK Legal:

DSK Legal, established in 2001, has quickly risen to prominence as one of India’s leading law firms. It is known for providing proactive and innovative legal advice across various legal and regulatory areas in India. DSK Legal’s team of seasoned lawyers brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, allowing the firm to provide clients with effective solutions to complex legal issues.

Salary: Starting at ₹9 LPA – ₹12 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Corporate Law, Litigation, Real Estate

Major Cases:

• Represented leading real estate developers in landmark property disputes
• Advised multinational corporations on regulatory compliance in India

6. AZB & Partners:

AZB & Partners, founded in 2004, is a top corporate law firm with a significant presence in the Indian legal market. The firm is one of the best-paying law firms in India offering various growth opportunities. It also actively engages in pro bono work and community outreach programs

Salary: Starting at ₹14 LPA – ₹16 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Banking and Finance

Major Cases:

• Represented Bharti Airtel in merging with Telenor’s India unit
• Advised Tata Group in its acquisition of Bhushan Steel

7. Anand and Anand:

Anand and Anand is a leading intellectual property law firm in India. Established in the early 20th century, the firm has a long history of excellence in IP law. It has a large team of over 400 professionals, including experienced partners and directors, ensuring clients receive exceptional service and a high patent grant rate exceeding 93%. The firm was also awarded the Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year at the Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific Awards 2024. 

Salary: Starting at ₹10 LPA – ₹13 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Major Cases:

• Represented major technology firms in patent infringement cases
• Advised multinational companies on trademark registration and protection in India

8. Vaish Associates:

Vaish Associates is a well-respected law firm with a strong focus on corporate law and tax law. Established in 1971, the firm offers a wide range of legal services to its clients. Their team, exceeding 150 members, comprises over 100 highly qualified professionals with expertise in various legal domains. Vaish Associates was recommended as the top taxation firm in Corporate, M&A, and Banking and Finance by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2017 rankings. 

Salary: Starting at ₹8 LPA – ₹11 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Corporate Law, Taxation, Mergers and Acquisitions

Major Cases:

• Represented clients in high-profile tax litigation
• Advised on major corporate mergers and acquisitions

9. Phoenix Legal:

Phoenix Legal, established in 2008, is a leading full-service law firm known for the various legal services it offers to national and international organizations. Phoenix Legal’s multi-disciplinary approach positions them as a strong contender in the Indian legal market. Their team of legal professionals brings expertise to the table, ensuring clients receive high-quality legal guidance. 

Salary: Starting at ₹7 LPA – ₹9 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Law, Dispute Resolution

Major Cases:

• Represented HCL Technologies in their acquisition of IBM software products
• Advised the National Highways Authority of India on a major infrastructure investment

10. S&R Associates:

S&R Associates is a top-paying law firm in India that offers a wide range of legal services. Founded in 2005, the firm now has over 120 legal professionals working across various domains to offer legal aid to their clients. The firm has significant international exposure and a deep understanding of Indian law which allows it to offer exceptional legal services.

Salary: Starting at ₹7 LPA – ₹10 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation

Major Cases:

• Represented major corporations in landmark litigation
• Advised on significant mergers and acquisitions

11. Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas offers a broad range of legal services. Founded in 2015 after the split of Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co., the firm employs over 700 legal professionals. With its strong expertise in corporate law and dispute resolution, the firm caters to both Indian and international clients.

Salary: Starting at ₹12 LPA – ₹15 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Corporate Law, Dispute Resolution, Capital Markets, Banking and Finance.

Major Cases:

• Advised Vodafone India on its merger with Idea Cellular, creating India’s largest telecom operator.
• Represented Tata Group in its corporate governance dispute with Cyrus Mistry.

12. Luthra & Luthra Law Offices

Luthra & Luthra Law Offices is among the top tier of highest-paying law firms in India, and it also provides full-practice services across sectors. Established in 1991, the firm now has more than three hundred legal experts who cater to clients across India and overseas. The firm is among the top law firms in India, with a strong foothold of Indian laws and industry specialization, making it a leader in the legal fraternity.

Salary: Starting at ₹9 LPA – ₹12 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Corporate Law, Infrastructure, Banking and Finance, Dispute Resolution.

Major Cases:

• Advised GMR Infrastructure on its multi-billion-dollar airport projects.
• Represented Standard Chartered Bank in high-profile financial disputes.

13. Argus Partners

Argus Partners is one of the highest-paid law firms in India and is well known for its legal solutions and understanding of various sectors. A key player in the legal industry, this firm was established just over a decade ago and has grown rapidly to house over 100 professionals. Argus Partners advises large international enterprises, financial institutions as well as start-ups in India with a precision of deliverance and quality defensive legal support. 

Salary: Starting at ₹8 LPA – ₹11 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking and Finance, Dispute Resolution.

Major Cases:

• Advised Essar Steel in its restructuring process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
• Represented Axis Bank in several key banking and finance-related litigations.

14. Desai & Diwanji

Desai & Diwanji provides a full range of legal services and specializes in corporate and commercial practice. Established in the 1930s, the firm is a prominent player in the Indian legal market with more than two hundred lawyers working both out of its Delhi and Mumbai offices. Desai & Diwanji is well known for its top-level complex corporate work and high-stakes litigation matters.

Salary: Starting at ₹8 LPA – ₹10 LPA for recent graduates.

Field of Expertise: Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking and Finance, Dispute Resolution.

Major Cases:

• Advised Reliance Industries on its acquisition of Network 18 Media & Investments.
• Represented Jet Airways in its debt restructuring under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Tips to Land a Job at Top-Paying Law Firms in India

Securing a high-paying job at a prestigious law firm in India is a dream for many law graduates. However, the competition is tough, and standing out requires more than just a degree. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the job market and increase your chances of landing a position at a top law firm.

1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation: Having a solid academic background is crucial for landing a job at top-paying law firms in India. Graduating from prestigious law schools with excellent grades can significantly boost your chances. Some of these law schools include National Law University (New Delhi), Symbiosis Law School (Pune), and IIT Kharagpur.
2. Gain Relevant Experience: Internships and clerkships at reputable law firms can provide invaluable experience and enhance your resume. A well-prepared cover letter for legal interns can increase your chances of landing an internship at top law firms. 
3. Network with Legal Professionals: Networking is key in the legal industry. Therefore, attend legal seminars, join professional associations, and connect with experienced lawyers to build a strong professional network.
4. Stay Updated with Legal Trends and News: Being well-informed about the latest developments in the legal field can make you a more attractive candidate. Subscribe to legal journals, follow relevant news sources, and participate in discussions.
5. Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Finding a mentor who can provide advice and guidance can be incredibly beneficial. Experienced lawyers can offer insights into the industry and help you navigate your career path.

Conclusion

Landing a job at one of the highest-paying law firms in India requires a combination of academic excellence, relevant experience, and strategic networking. These law firms offer significant opportunities for career growth. They provide a good work environment and exposure to high-profile cases. Additionally, securing a position at these firms and advancing your legal career can lead you to land some of the highest-paying law jobs in India.

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