This article is written by Malika Jain. It seeks to provide a comprehensive account of all the relevant information about the career prospects for Indian lawyers in top law firms. It not only shares insights about the frequently asked topics and questions regarding this but also suggests tips and tricks to master the same. 

Introduction

It is the dream of many law students to secure a job at the top law firms. There is a unique fascination among law students and also among legal professionals, especially lawyers, to work in top-tier law firms. Among the myriad career opportunities available, employment avenues in esteemed top tier law firms remain one of the most coveted career prospects for legal professionals. These firms, right from boutique firms to multinational giants, present opportunities to work in an array of practice areas and specialised fields of law. 

In order to be able to secure a position for oneself in these prestigious law firms and understand their work culture, one not only requires a sharpened legal acumen but also strategic career planning. Notably, this planning should be executed in the early stages of one’s career. So, by the time one reaches the stage of job search, one already has a solid resume to testify to one’s skills and abilities. Nevertheless, the road to the top tier law firms is not blocked, and with the right preparation and guidance, one can carve a niche in this sector and excel in one’s career at the top tier law firms.

This guide seeks to help lawyers and even young law students build a path to the top tier law firms. It seeks to demystify their journey towards a prolific career in the top law firms by facilitating decision-making and career planning. This guide aims to accompany those who aspire to navigate through the arduous pathways to find one’s place in the superlative law firms in and outside the country. 

Significance of working in top law firms for Indian lawyers

Working in top law firms has significant benefits, not just for one’s career but also for overall   personal and professional development. One can learn the intricate details of the law in practice and benefit greatly from the same in one’s professional operations. The following are the most prominent advantages of working in top law firms for Indian lawyers:

Professional exposure

Top law firms deal with a variety of cases involving complex legal issues. Their teams also comprise high profile lawyers and expert legal professionals, which serve as a great source of learning and encouragement. They also have separate teams for different specialised fields, which allows the lawyers to go deeper into and deal with a particular field of law. Furthermore, many of these law firms also have a global presence and deal with international matters, which provides ample opportunities for lawyers to deal with cross border issues and work on the global aspect of legal matters. Therefore, working in top tier law firms provides Indian lawyers with invaluable professional exposure to not only a great network of renowned professionals and clients but also an insightful working environment, which adds refinement to their careers.

Networking

As also stated above, working in top tier law firms gets one in touch with renowned personalities from the legal fraternity and a sophisticated client base, which can open doors to diverse professional opportunities and career advancement. Connecting with legal luminaries can not only enable the lawyers to learn the nitty-gritties of the field, but it may also help them gain decent work opportunities. The lawyers may also have access to various legal tools and resources with the help of their professional network, which they would gain from a top law firm. This networking will also help them a lot if, in the future, they switch their career to some other field like academia or research.

Career advancement

The most palpable benefit of working at a top law firm is obviously career advancement. The tag of any prestigious law firm is sufficient to give a good boost to anyone’s career. The credibility and reputation of the lawyers increase if they have worked for a top law firm. The work experience of a superlative law firm serves as evidence of the hard work, legal acumen and sharp skills of the lawyers. Working in top law firms teaches the lawyers to work hard, work diligently and assiduously. The long hours of work in top law firms may also teach endurance and perseverance to the lawyers, which are required to sustain themselves in the competitive Indian legal industry. There is also the benefit of skill enhancement for the lawyers by working in top law firms, as they get to use the latest and most updated legal tools and resources used therein; they get to grapple with various complicated and high profile legal matters; they get the opportunity to learn from the veterans in the field; and much more. Dealing with sophisticated clients and their complicated legal cases may also teach skills like client management and critical data management, which are crucial in high profile cases to maintain confidentiality and retain lucrative clients. Moreover, many top law firms arrange for professional training for their employees, which can upskill them and may lead to their career growth.

Popularity and fame

This is an obvious byproduct of working at a top law firm, as they are generally in the limelight. The lawyers and other legal professionals associated with these firms also get the chance to showcase their talent and work to the world and gain popularity and a good reputation. The reputation and popularity earned by working for a top law firm undoubtedly help in getting more work and finding good career opportunities in the future. The popularity of the lawyer amongst the clients and also among the legal fraternity brings credibility thereto and elevates standing in the legal community. This may result in getting recognition and awards from the community for making an impact through work. Such recognition and awards do help greatly in career advancement, as many institutions ask for such professional achievements during the recruitment process. However, it is to be understood that popularity and fame are largely dependent on the personal skill of the lawyer, and the tag of a top tier law firm is only a testament to that. 

Understanding top law firms

It is highly relevant that, before joining any law firm, the candidate understand the criteria of a top law firm. Though there is no such thing as a typical criteria for good or top tier law firms, and generally, the reputation of the firms plays a major role in their rankings, from the perspective of employment, the candidates (lawyers) must assess the top tier law firms to understand their work culture, their field of operations, career opportunities they provide, and various other factors to decide which firm is the most suitable to work in. 

How to identify top law firms

It is extremely significant to identify the top law firms’ suitability and then target the preparations towards them. This step is crucial as it guides the entire preparation of the lawyers. Moreover, it is advisable that the candidates choose the top law firm based on their suitability. They must not choose any law firm for employment, as it will affect their commitment to the firm, their work efficiency and also their personal lives. To identify the law firms, the candidates may resort to legal directories and guides like Chambers and Partners or The Legal 500 or Asialaw which provide a comprehensive analysis of the law firms.

Specialisation and practice area

If the candidates wish to pursue any particular area of law, they may identify top law firms on the basis of their specialisation and practice area. Generally, a firm that is able to cater to a diverse range of clients by dealing with a wide variety of legal matters and legal fields is considered to be in the superlative category. 

It is also possible that a firm operates in various fields of law; however, it may specialise in only one or two of them. Such kinds of firms provide great opportunities to the candidates (lawyers) to not only pursue the field in which the firm is specialised but also to bring their own specialisation in other fields in which the firm operates but is not renowned/specialised as such. For example, there are new developments in the law in the fields of technology or media and telecommunications law, etc., where interested candidates can contribute and bring competitive edge to the firm.

The candidates may also look for firms that are highly recognised and awarded for their services in a particular field of law. For example, a firm that may have the recognition of being the ‘top Intellectual Property law firm’ may be a good choice for lawyers who are IP enthusiasts. Moreover, the fact that the candidate has worked in a law firm specialising in the field in which the candidate also has specialisation adds great value to one’s career and CV and increases the chances of employment in the future.

Another way for the candidates to identify the top law firms on the basis of their specialisation and practice area would be to look at the client base of the firm. If the clients of the firm belong to renowned institutions or organisations, then that firm becomes more reliable and credible for employment purposes. Such kinds of firms also increase the chances of gaining popularity and fame for their employees. The candidates, however, must read the client’s testimonial about the firm to get more clarity on its operations and work environment.  

Scope of operations

By scope of operation, we mean that the candidates must decide in advance whether they wish to work in a firm that deals with only domestic matters or that also takes international clients to deal with international matters. It refers to the scale and range of activities in which the firm operates. The candidates must ascertain the geographical range of the firm’s operations, whether it operates locally, nationally or internationally. The scope of a firm’s operations will not only impact the lives of the candidates during employment, but it will also affect the content of their work. For instance, if the firm deals with international matters as well, its employees (lawyers) would be required to have knowledge and understanding of the international laws and the laws of the different countries where the firm operates. 

Moreover, sometimes the firm deals with such subject matters, which require an understanding of international laws. For example, firms dealing in Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms might be required to know about the international standards/procedures regarding the mechanism. Similarly, a firm dealing in trade and securities might have to deal with international trade and investment matters, which would necessitate a grip over domestic or international laws related thereto. The candidates may also determine the suitability of the firms by ascertaining the size or structure of the firm, as large firms have various specialised departments, thereby presenting a number of work opportunities. 

Leadership 

The candidates may also look at the leadership of a firm to identify its stature and suitability. They must identify the managing partners or key leaders of the firm to understand their leadership style. The leadership of a firm plays an important role in shaping its goodwill, organisation and work environment. Working under a competent and renowned leader can result in abundant learning and career growth. Some leaders bring immense goodwill to the firm, and working under them adds great value to one’s CV. Sometimes, it may be possible that a veteran starts a new firm or joins a new firm; although the firm is new and possesses less experience, the candidates can consider it the same due to its impressive and competent leadership. It also has great networking benefits, as the candidates get the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and build a mentor-mentee relationship with them. As litigation may become tricky and difficult over time, it may be possible that the candidates are stuck in a hard case. In these situations, mentorship by an understanding and insightful leader can truly help to not only rescue the candidates but also to teach the niche learnings of the practice. Further, the candidates may also seek to find out the steps taken by the firm leaders for the skill enhancement and career growth of the employees. 

Goodwill

Goodwill is a significant factor that the candidates must keep in mind while identifying the most suitable top tier firm. Positive goodwill is the product of a firm’s dedication and competence in a particular field. It is a testament to its efforts to strive towards excellence. The fact of association with a firm with positive goodwill also brings repute to one’s CV and helps one get good work opportunities. Positive goodwill also establishes the brand image of the firm in the community, which in turn promotes the goodwill of the candidates working there. Goodwill is also a marker of employee satisfaction. For instance, if a firm relentlessly exploits its employees, no matter how famous it is in its professional deliveries, it might lack in attracting competent and professional employees, as the goodwill of the firm as an employer might be negative.

Prominent law firms in India

The following discussion presents an overview of the top tier law firms in India in no order of ranking:

AZB & Partners

AZB & Partners is a top tier law firm in India which deals mainly in corporate law related matters. Its practice area includes Banking & Finance, Competition / Antitrust, Data Privacy & Protection, Capital Markets, Compliance & Investigation / White–Collar Crime, Corporate / Mergers & Acquisitions, Intellectual Property, Regulatory & Securities, and Restructuring & Insolvency. Moreover, the firm operates in a wide range of sectors including E–Commerce & Retail, Energy, FinTech & Digital, Infrastructure, Insurance, Microfinance, and Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare & Life Sciences. The client base of AZB & Partners include multinational companies including Fortune 500 entities, which evidences its high goodwill and credibility. 

Practice areas of the firm
Tier 1	Antitrust and CompetitionCapital MarketsCorporate / Mergers & AcquisitionsAviation (Including Aerospace And Defence)Banking and FinanceDispute Resolution: ArbitrationDispute Resolution: LitigationPrivate Equity and Investment FundsProjects And Energy,Real Estate And ConstructionRestructuring and InsolvencyTaxTechnology, Media and Telecommunications lawWhite-Collar Crime
Tier 2	Fintech and Financial Services RegulatoryInsuranceIntellectual PropertyLife Sciences And Healthcare Labour And Employment

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) is a leading corporate law firm in India. It mainly deals in Competition/Antitrust, Corporate Governance, Employment, Investment Funds, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Client, Private Equity, Real Estate, Taxation, etc. It also operates in sectors like Aerospace & Defence, E-Commerce, Education, Energy, Financial Services, Fintech, Infrastructure, Insurance, and Media & Entertainment.

Practice areas of the firm
Tier 1	Banking and FinanceCapital MarketsCorporate / Mergers & AcquisitionsDispute Resolution: ArbitrationDispute Resolution: LitigationFintech And Financial Services RegulatoryPrivate ClientPrivate Equity And Investment FundsProjects And EnergyRestructuring And InsolvencyTechnology, Media and telecommunications law
Tier 2	Antitrust and CompetitionInsurance Labour And EmploymentLife Sciences and HealthcareReal Estate And ConstructionTaxWhite-Collar Crime

Anand & Anand

Anand and Anand is a renowned law firm in the field of intellectual property rights. It is a specialised form which deals prominently with IP related matters only. It also takes up IP matters which extend to media and entertainment law, information technology and e-commerce, domain names, technology transfer, Internet and privacy laws, etc. The client base of the firm includes artists, designers, musicians etc. for the enforcement of the copyright claims.

IndusLaw

IndusLaw is another renowned and esteemed law firm in India. It deals with a range of fields including Anti-corruption and Bribery, Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Banking and finance, Employment law, Government and regulatory, Insolvency and restructuring, Real estate, and Nuclear law. The firm boasts of securing awards and recognition by various legal directories like those mentioned above.

Practice areas of the firm
Tier 1	Capital MarketsCorporate / Mergers & AcquisitionsData ProtectionFintech and Financial Services RegulatoryLabour and EmploymentPrivate Equity and Investment FundsTechnology, Media and telecommunications law
Tier 2	Banking and FinanceProjects And EnergyWhite-Collar CrimeDispute Resolution: Litigation
Tier 3	Intellectual PropertyRestructuring And InsolvencyTaxAntitrust and CompetitionDispute Resolution: Arbitration

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co (SAM) is an eminent law firm renowned for expertise in corporate law matters. It handles matters related to General Corporate, Private Equity, Banking & Finance, Insolvency & Bankruptcy, Competition Law, Dispute Resolution, Projects & Project Finance, Capital Markets, etc. The firm has received several awards and honors from Chambers and Partners, Asialaw, India Business Law Journal, etc. The firm frequently recruits freshers from the law schools. So, even the freshers have the opportunity to be a part of this firm.

Practice areas of the firm
Tier 1	Antitrust and CompetitionBanking and FinanceCapital MarketsCorporate / Mergers & AcquisitionsDispute Resolution: ArbitrationInsurancePrivate ClientPrivate Equity And Investment FundsProjects And EnergyReal Estate and ConstructionRestructuring And InsolvencyTaxTechnology, Media and telecommunications lawWhite-Collar Crime
Tier 2	Life Sciences and HealthcareDispute Resolution: LitigationFintech and Financial Services RegulatoryLabour and Employment
Tier 3	Intellectual Property

Khaitan & Co.

Khaitan & Co. is yet another name in the list of the pioneer law firms in India. The firm caters to both domestic as well as international clients. It operates in a range of fields like Banking and finance, Debt capital markets, Dispute resolution, Direct tax, Intellectual property, Investment Funds, Securities, litigation and enforcement, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, etc. Apart from these fields, the firm has a special focus on fields like Defence and Homeland security, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, Education, Hospitality and E-commerce. Therefore, it offers a wide variety of opportunities to the candidates to work in different fields.

Practice areas of the firm
Tier 1	Antitrust and CompetitionBanking and FinanceCapital MarketsCorporate / Mergers & AcquisitionsData ProtectionDispute Resolution: ArbitrationDispute Resolution: LitigationInsuranceIntellectual PropertyLabour and EmploymentPrivate ClientPrivate Equity And Investment FundsProjects And EnergyReal Estate and ConstructionTaxTechnology, Media and telecommunications lawWhite-Collar Crime
Tier 2	Restructuring And InsolvencyAviation (including Aerospace and Defence)Life Sciences and Healthcare

Trilegal

Another significant name in the list of the top tier law firms in India is Trilegal. Apart from the staple fields related to corporate law, the firm operates in novel and diverse fields which extend to Artificial Intelligence, Asset management and funds, Artwork advisory, Environment and climate change, Environmental, social and governance, Real estate, etc. The firm has a record of advising and working for a wide spectrum of clients which includes players in the agricultural sector, Airlines, Cargo carriers and airport authorities, players involved in the automotive and electric vehicle sector, players in the cement industry, government sector, etc. 

J Sagar Associates

J Sagar Associates (JSA) is a renowned name in India which deals with three broad categories of operations: Corporate, Finance and Disputes. It handles legal issues related to investments both inbound and outbound, strategic alliances between the businesses, collaborations and corporate restructurings, etc. Its clientele consists of Asset reconstruction companies, Developmental finance institutions, Banks, Market intermediaries, etc. 

Luthra & Luthra

Luthra & Luthra, a widely acclaimed law firm, deals in a variety of matters including the basic corporate law fields like Mergers and acquisition, Intellectual property, Investment, Insolvency and restructuring, Management, labour and employment and other fields like Dispute resolution, Climate change and ESG, Aviation, Anti-corruption and compliance, Real estate, etc.

Practice areas of the firm
Tier 2	Banking and FinanceCapital MarketsCorporate / Mergers & AcquisitionsRestructuring And InsolvencyProjects And Energy
Tier 3	Antitrust and CompetitionTechnology, Media and telecommunications lawReal Estate and ConstructionIntellectual Property
Tier 4	Dispute Resolution: LitigationPrivate Equity And Investment FundsTax

Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS)

LKS deals with a range of diverse legal fields. It is renowned for its grip over commercial laws. It also focuses on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, mainly arbitration. It also deals with Customs, Direct tax, Goods and Services tax, International trade and WTO, Securities law, Employment law, etc.

Practice areas of the firm
Tier 1	TaxWTO/ International Trade
Tier 2	Intellectual Property
Tier 3	Antitrust and CompetitionReal Estate and ConstructionLife Sciences and Healthcare

Nishith Desai & Associates 

Nishith Desai & Associates is an international firm which has offices in various cities of the world including Mumbai, Palo Alto (Silicon Valley), Bangalore, Singapore, New Delhi, and Munich. It claims to provide legal services in futuristic areas of law like the Aviation, Internet of things, artificial intelligence, Blockchain and virtual currencies, Privatization of Outer Space, Drones, Robotics, etc. The firm is famous for its innovative legal solutions to modern problems and hence is acclaimed as the ‘Most Innovative Indian Law Firm’. 

Samvad Partners

Samvad Partners is an Indian firm that operates in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. It generally deals with areas of Corporate law like Banking and Finance, Competition law, Fintech, Insolvency & Restructuring, Intellectual Property, etc. It also deals with other fields like Data protection, Technology, Media and telecommunications law, Anti-corruption, etc.

Remfry & Sagar 

Remfry & Sagar is an Intellectual Property firm which boasts of catering to thousands of clients across several countries. It operates in trademarks, patents, designs, copyright, geographical indications, Plant Varieties & Biodiversity, unfair competition issues, Fashion & Luxury Law, Technology, Media & Telecom, IP prosecution and litigation, etc. 

HSA

HSA is a top tier law firm that possess expertise in law field like Projects Energy & Infrastructure, Banking & Finance, Restructuring & Insolvency, Corporate & Commercial, Regulatory & Policy, Defence & Aerospace, Dispute Resolution, Environment Health & Safety, Real Estate, Technology Media & Telecommunications, Taxation and Investigations. It has received several awards from Asia Law, The Legal 500, etc. for its consistent performance.

Phoenix Legal

Phoenix Legal is a multidisciplinary firm that serves domestic and international clients from multinational companies, banks and financial institutions, promoter groups, and public sector undertakings. It deals with fields like Admiralty and Maritime, Antitrust and Competition, Joint Ventures, Foreign & Technical Collaboration, Compliance, Bribery and Anti-Corruption, Private Equity, Venture Capital & Funds, etc. 

Practice areas of the firm
Tier 2	Banking and FinanceCorporate / Mergers & AcquisitionsDispute Resolution: LitigationInsuranceShippingProjects And Energy
Tier 3	Labour and EmploymentLife Sciences and HealthcareReal Estate and ConstructionRestructuring And InsolvencyTax

It is quite apparent from the above discussion that all these large scale firms deal in a variety of sectors and fields of law, which presents a great opportunity for the candidates to work in any of these fields or sectors in these firms.

How to prepare for top law firm jobs

To be able to fit among the legal luminaries in the top tier law firms, one must possess a combination of academic excellence, strong networking skills, and strategic career planning. The candidate must not only be academically smart but also skillful in handling situations and problem solving. Moreover, one must be able to demonstrate these skills to the recruiters through meticulously drafted recruitment documents. Therefore, it needs overall grooming and refinement to be able to secure one’s position in the top ranking law firms. The following techniques and tips may help the candidates strengthen their preparation for this endeavour:

Requisite educational qualifications and certifications

A strong academic base is extremely important to reserve one’s place in prestigious law firms, as after all, it is the legal acumen developed over the years that will deliver results in the practice. However, it is a myth that students or alumni of only the National Law Universities get entry into these top-notch organisations. Students from all backgrounds can carve their own space in these eminent law firms, provided that they are able to demonstrate the academic and professional excellence that is required to work in the challenging and advanced work environments of these firms. 

Speaking from the perspective of lawyers, they must have an exceptional command over the laws and the underlying jurisprudence of the subject in which they specialise. They must also be well aware of the recent updates and amendments to the laws, along with the landmark case laws related to that subject. The candidates may also refine their understanding and knowledge of the subject by enrolling themselves in certificate courses that are of an advanced level to demonstrate their skills and sharp edge over the subject.

It is to be noted that sometimes firms may also set an entry-level CGPA requirement to be able to sit for the recruitment process. Thus, it is highly significant that students maintain a decent CGPA in their academics to not miss out on the bright opportunity of working in premium law firms.     

Skill sets and competencies 

The lawyers desirous of working in acclaimed law firms must develop a well-rounded set of skills and competencies that also match the demands of the legal profession. Moreover, simply possessing these skills is not sufficient; the candidates must also be able to showcase them through certifications in their CV. 

For lawyers practising under the name of renowned law firms, it is imperative that they possess unparalleled analytical skills to be able to examine the facts and the law. They must also demonstrate strong oratory skills to not only argue in the courts but also in dealing with clients. A strong grasp of the language is undoubtedly a non-negotiable factor that would help the lawyers in drafting and pleading, the two most significant aspects of the job of a lawyer. Similarly, a strong foundation of research skills is mandatory to excel in law firm jobs, as generally, the task of the new entrants in law firms is to assist the seniors, wherein they may be asked to do quick research and find out the most relevant point of law on a specific proposition in less time. Therefore, to be able to deliver the best in less time would require highly developed research skills. Another area where the lawyers must display great skill is negotiation and mediation. Alternative dispute resolution is in great demand as traditional modes of dispute resolution consume ample resources and time. So, many firms may be inclined towards strengthening their teams dealing with alternative modes of dispute resolution.   

Having discussed the requisite skills, it is now time to understand how these skills can be demonstrated. The best way to showcase one’s skills is by participating in various competitions. For example, students aiming to become lawyers may participate in moot court competitions as they involve the exercise of research, writing, argumentation and presentation skills, which are highly valued skills for a lawyer. Likewise, professionals desirous of making a career in Alternative Dispute Redressal mechanisms can undertake specialised training and workshops conducted for the same. 

Moreover, the significance of writing and publishing articles cannot be emphasised enough in showcasing one’s industry-specific skills. For instance, if a lawyer deals specifically with corporate law, he or she may demonstrate his or her grip over the subject through scholarly writing and publications on the subject.

Therefore, it must be understood that law firms of superlative rankings run on the principles of meritocracy, so it is required that candidates work hard on developing the requisite skills and competencies to prove their mettle. 

Internships and networking

It is highly significant that the candidates with specialisation in a particular field also have demonstrable work experience in that field to be able to showcase the practical learning of the subject. Lawyers may intern with lawyers or firms working in the same field. They may also undertake judicial clerkships with judges who work in that field. This is extremely relevant to show that the candidates know the work they would be expected to do in law firms. This also showcases that the candidates are familiar with the work environment, which generally prevails in law firms, and thus would be familiar with the same easily.

Relevant internships are also a great proof of the research, writing and networking skills of the candidates, which are in high demand at premium law firms. When the candidates have relevant internship experience, it is assumed that they will have ample networks in that field, which is an invaluable aspect for any prospective employer. Furthermore, it shows that the candidate is familiar with the functional and practical aspects of the field and would not back out of the job.

Required work experience

Generally, it is preferred that the candidates working in the top tier law firms have some basic practical work experience so that they will not require much training and grooming by the employer. Prior work experience is also important to work efficiently and practically in difficult situations. Work experience evidences the maturity and practical exposure of the candidates, which are highly valued in seasoned law firms. The premium law firms offer mid level and senior level positions to highly experienced personnel only. However, that does not negate the chances of freshers to work in these firms. In fact, freshers are also appointed to recruit a pool of fresh talent to bring more creativity, novelty and freshness to the law firm community. 

Command on English language for better communication

English language and communication skills are such important and relevant requirements to secure a job at the top law firms that they deserve a separate space for discussion. For aspiring lawyers aiming to secure a job in the top tier law firms, the significance of knowing and having command over the English language and communication skills cannot be emphasised enough. However, candidates whose first or even second language may not be the English language may find understanding, speaking and writing English to be a daunting task. However, skill in the English language can be developed with the right guidance and honest efforts.

Firstly, the candidates must work on building a good bank of vocabulary to be able to understand and write English better. English vocabulary not only brings refinement to one’s communication skills, but it also improves the impression of the person speaking. Grip over English vocabulary provides an edge to the candidates throughout the various stages of the recruitment process: group discussion or writing, assignments or interviews. Moreover, even if the candidate is selected and joins the firm, he or she will require good proficiency in the English language to work for and sustain their positions in the firm. The candidates will be required to deal with colleagues and clients in the English language. Moreover, being lawyers, they might have to draft and plead in the English language only. 

It is further to be kept in mind by the candidates that in legal jobs, especially those in the top law firms, they must not only be proficient in general English but also in legal English. Legal English is something more than just the foundational English language. It involves the usage of legal phrases, maxims and jargon. It also requires a very formalistic way of writing. 

Moreover, the candidate can improve their English language skills by reading extensively in general and grammar books in particular. They must select those books of English grammar that have been authored and published by credible and reputed authors and publication houses, as not every book in the market can be referred to to improve the English language. For this purpose, the candidates may refer to English grammar books by NCERT, or they can also rely on Wren & Martin’s book on English grammar. 

Importance of resume and cover letter

A well-crafted Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume, and cover letter are extremely important for an impressive job application to secure a seat in the top law firms of the country. These documents are significant components of a job application. They serve as an introduction of the candidate to potentiall employers. These documents have to be meticulously tailored to present all the relevant qualifications and skills of the candidates to the employer. These credentials play a significant role in forming the first impression of the candidate before the employers, which often results in either the selection or rejection of the application.

Difference between CV and resume

A CV and a resume are technically documents to showcase one’s professional journey of learning and achievements. Both are used for employment purposes, as they describe the qualifications and skills of job seekers to employers. However, there are differences between the two that are significant for the candidates to understand to be able to deliver correct information to the employers.

A CV is a detailed account of the educational qualifications, work experience, professional achievements, and skill set of the candidate. It provides a comprehensive description of the candidates’ qualifications and experience. It contains a complete list of all his or her publications and other achievements. It is well suited for veteran and seasoned professionals.

A resume, on the other hand, is a concise and crisp account of all this information. It primarily focuses on demonstrating the skills of the candidates instead of providing a detailed explanation of them. It generally does not exceed more than two pages. It is suitable for freshmen or young professionals. Generally, firms require a resume for the initial screening. However, they may ask for a detailed CV at the stage of interview.

Resume

A resume is a formal and professional document that is used to provide a snapshot of all the educational qualifications, skills and professional accomplishments of the candidate (job seeker) to potential employers. It is generally one of the very first documents that are attached to the job application so that the employer can evaluate it and make a decision as to the candidature of the applicant. 

Key elements of a legal resume

Structure

It is extremely important that the resume of the candidate be well structured. It can either be prepared in reverse chronological order or in a manner that combines both of the above styles of writing a resume. A well structured resume will save the employer time and will also highlight the recent and most important qualifications or accomplishments of the candidates. A resume is well structured if it is able to attract the attention of the employer to the most relevant information provided in the resume.

Another very important aspect that must be kept in mind by the candidates while drafting the structure of the resume is that the resume has to be customised and tailored according to the needs and requirements of every job. One uniform pattern on the resume cannot be used for any and every job. Instead, the resume has to be adjusted according to the specific job description. 

Furthermore, it is very crucial that the candidates use the relevant keywords in the resume, which also resonate with the job description as may be provided by the law firm. It is to be kept in mind by the candidates that the employer does not have a lot of time to scrutinise each and every piece of information provided in the resume. Therefore, it is crucial that the resume contains all the relevant keywords that stand out to the employer, thereby increasing the chances of its selection.

Another aspect of writing an effective resume is that it must demonstrate all the experiences or accomplishments of the candidate that support the relevant skills required by the employer. For example, the lawyers must demonstrate in their resumes their accomplishments in moot court competitions, as they are highly relevant for the job of litigation or legal practice in law firms.

Contents

Apart from the educational qualifications of the candidate, a resume must have the following information to be effective:

Contact information

A resume must always have all the active contact information of the candidate. The candidates must incorporate their name, mobile number, and official mail ID in their resume. They may also add the link to their LinkedIn ID therein. 

Professional summary or career objective

This segment is important to give the employer an idea of the long-term career plan of the employee. This is significant as it gives an idea to the employer about what vision the employee has regarding the current job application and also his or her career in general. In this part, the candidates can include information about their career goals and what value they can add to the employer’s organisation.

Work experience

It is significant that the employees add a separate segment of their work experience. However, simply mentioning the details about the previous employer is not sufficient. Instead, the candidates must demonstrate the skills they learned in their previous employment and how they implemented those skills in real life situations during that period. The candidates must specify their learnings from past work experiences, preferably in crisp bullet points. They must mention the duration of their past work experiences, the positions and responsibilities they held during that period, and their learnings from previous employment.

Skills and certifications

The candidates must also include information about the skills and certifications that they must have earned through different activities, competitions, allied courses, etc. Lawyers may also mention details about their licence for advocacy and the details of the bar entrance exam. They may also mention any other professional accomplishment that can support any skill that they may have and that is relevant for the job application.

Project and research work

Even though the candidates are lawyers, research and publications are significant for them and law firm jobs as well. Research work and publications are significant as they bring repute to the author and the organisations related thereto; they also testify to the strong research and writing/drafting skills of the candidates. Under this heading, the candidates may also include any project that they may have undertaken. For example, if a candidate has done a legal aid project or any pro bono litigation work, the same would be of great value to one’s resume. 

Other positions of responsibility

The section on positions of responsibility is highly crucial, as through this, the candidates can demonstrate their responsible and reliable personalities. It can show employers how good a candidate is in management, leadership and organisation. In this segment, the candidates may also showcase their achievements in handling difficult situations. This is also a great opportunity for the candidates to display their strengths in problem solving. 

Awards and recognitions

This segment is all about information that would support or prove the skills of the candidates. The candidates must mention all their relevant achievements and accomplishments in this segment to showcase their expertise in the field. For instance, the lawyers can mention their achievements in moot court competitions or in drafting or pleading competitions, etc. which can back up the skills required in litigation. Herein, the candidates can also mention their volunteering experience in any project. 

Extra-curricular activities 

This section of the resume is extremely crucial to showcasing the overall development of the candidates. It must be kept in mind that top law firms do not require candidates with a blinkered approach to life and the profession. They instead prefer candidates with a well-rounded and vibrant personality who have experience in different aspects of life. Therefore, only having academic merits is not sufficient for landing a job at the premiere law firms. The candidates, thus, must participate in extracurricular activities like sports, cultural programs, art and craft, fitness programs, etc. to demonstrate their ability to maintain a work-life balance.

Personal details

In this section, the candidates may include their personal details like date of birth, linguistic proficiency, hobbies, interests, etc. However, the candidates must ensure that they know about their hobbies and interests sufficiently to answer questions related thereto in the interview.

References (if required)

This is generally asked for in the law firms of superlative ranking. In this segment, the candidate is required to give references of generally two persons who could provide a testimonial about the candidate to the employer. These persons can be a teacher, a previous employer or any person who has been in authority over the candidate and has assessed his or her work.   

However, the candidates must take permission from the persons whom he or she wishes to mention in this section before adding their name.

Style & formatting

The resume must always be well formatted and styled. Although it is uncommon, if an employer has prescribed a particular format for the job application and the resume, the candidates must ensure that their application and resume are properly adjusted to that format. Otherwise, they can follow the general rules of formatting that the margins of the word page should be formal; line spacing should be uniform; headings must be uniformly styled; font style must be formal and its size should be uniform; action verbs must be used in the resume; the resume must be written in a professional tone; formal and crisp bullet points must be preferred for mentioning information; year of every activity mentioned in the resume must be indicated, etc. The candidates may refer to various handbooks available for formatting and styling resumes like that of Harvard University, Oxford University, etc. 

Furthermore, the significance of proofreading one’s resume cannot be emphasised enough. Before sending one’s application and resume, one must proofread and vet the same multiple times in order to eliminate the possibility of any error.

Customising resumes for specific law firms

It is a very important yet often neglected step to tailor one’s resume and customise it according to the specific job description of particular law firms. Using one resume for all the law firms is not appropriate as it will lack specific keywords and will be too generic, thus lacking effect. For an impressive resume, it is vital that the resume is updated and adjusted to the specific requirements of a law firm. 

For adjusting the resume to the needs of the law firm, one must first research about the law firm, its area of expertise, the field in which it is recruiting, its major achievements, its focus areas, etc. Thereafter, the candidates must include relevant skills or achievement which align with the broad agenda of the firm also. The candidates must optimise the keywords used in the resume to show the relevance thereof in the recruitment process. 

Cover letters

A cover letter is like a personal yet professional introduction about the candidates to the employer. It is highly relevant as it allows the employer to know about the candidate at a more humanistic level and at a level which is beyond just his or her achievements. It is also a great measure by which the law firms get to assess the writing skills of the candidate. This is a great chance for the candidates to explain or address a particular concern like a career gap in the resume. The candidates may also expand on the bullet points mentioned in the resume in the cover letter. This is a lucrative opportunity for the candidates to make themselves memorable in the minds of the employers thereby prompting them even more to review their resumes. .

Content of the cover letter

The cover letter must begin with an introduction about the candidate wherein he or she can write about his or her current employment status, educational qualifications, and details about the job application. The candidate can also explain any interesting or particular reason behind choosing a particular firm for seeking employment. In this section, the candidates must show great enthusiasm to work in the firm.

In the main paragraphs, the candidates can elaborate on their skills and qualifications. They can demonstrate why they are the perfect fit for the job and what they bring to the table. They can also throw light on their key experiences and achievements and how they are suitable for the job offered and complement it. 

The candidates may also demonstrate their company knowledge in the cover letter. They can write about any particular event or incident wherein they got to associate with the company in the past. If the candidates have done an internship with that very firm in which they are applying for a job, they can use that experience to their great advantage by refreshing the memory of the employer about their work and commitment during that internship period.

At last, the candidates can conclude their cover letter with statements about how they are the most suitable candidate for the job and how their skills are relevant for the present opening. However, the candidates must keep in mind to keep their resume relevant and crisp. They should avoid making it too long. The cover letters are most effective when kept concise and to the point.

It is pertinent to note here that just like resumes, even cover letters have to be customised and adjusted to the specific job requirements. ‘One size fits all’ approach does not work with cover letters either. The candidates may refer to guides issued by Harvard University , University of North Carolina, etc. and to prepare appropriate cover letters. 

How to ace the recruitment process

Mere submission of the resume and cover letter might not be sufficient for securing a job in some top tier law firms and in addition to that they might also have a recruitment process. In this process, the candidates might have to compete with other candidates whose resume and cover letter might have been shortlisted by the firm. In this process, the law firm may keep several rounds of competitive activities through which they seek to evaluate the overall personality of the candidates. 

Importance of ATS-compliant CV and cover letters

ATS is an acronym used for Applicant Tracking System which is a software used by the recruiters to screen CVs to identify candidates with desired skills and qualifications. When the recruiters begin the recruitment process, they receive a number of applications. Thus, they cannot afford the time and resources required to go through all the applications in a detailed manner and pore over each and every CV or resume and cover letter. Thus, they use a software application, ‘ATS’, to quickly scan, sort, and rank the job applications in the order of relevance and desirability. It saves the recruiters a lot of time, effort and resources and therefore is very prevalent in various industries. It would be pertinent to mention that most of the applications do not only meet the eyes and hands of the recruiters, instead this software filters the applications and selects the most relevant applications for review by them.

ATS ensures that only those applications are forwarded for the further steps of the recruitment process which are consonant with the job opening and the required qualifications. However, that does not necessarily mean that the candidates not selected fall short of the competence required for the job as it may also mean that they must have lacked in optimizing the resume in an appropriate manner. 

Another benefit that the recruiters get by using ATS to select suitable CVs is that they get to demonstrate their impartiality and fairness in conducting the recruitment process as ATS enable a bias free filtering of the resumes. Usage of ATS, thus, increases recruiters’ credibility and operational transparency too. This helps them showcase nondiscrimination, fairness, and impartiality in their recruitment process which is significant not only for legal compliances but also for the brand image and goodwill. 

Tips to make your CV and cover letters ATS compliant

ATS scans all the resumes and organizes them in the order of their relevance to the job opening on the basis of the specific keywords used therein. Therefore, it becomes extremely crucial for the candidates to draft their resume using relevant industry keywords to demonstrate their suitability for the job opening and increase the visibility of the job application. Strategic usage of keywords can increase the chances of the selection of the resume and cover letter multifold.

To understand the keywords sought by the recruiter, the candidates must peruse the job opening issued by the recruiter again and again to identify the recurring words. However, the candidates must keep in mind that the matter is not just about using the right words but also about demonstrating the right skills to the recruiter. The candidates must also remember to customize the resume and cover letter as the relevant and strategic keywords may change with every new job opening.

The candidates must be very specific with the action verbs they use in their resumes as they play a huge role in depicting the work the candidate might have done. Moreover, they must be aware about the industry-specific terminology to catch the attention of the recruiters and be relevant for the purpose of ATS.

The candidates can also mirror the language used in the job description in their resumes and cover letters to increase the compatibility between them and the job opening. In cover letters, the candidates can try integrating the language of the job opening in the most natural way while depicting their qualifications or suitability for the job. However, the candidates must take great care to ensure that such replication of the language of the job opening appears organic and not forced. 

Another way in which candidates can increase the chances of the selection of their resumes or cover letters is that they should avoid using unconventional headings therein to classify their experiences and qualifications as it might not be picked up by the software application. They must also use a standard format of the resume and cover letter to ensure compatibility with the software. In other words, they should use standard font style and size, bullets, margins, etc.They should also refrain from writing information in header and footer. Resumes with irregular formatting style are not easily assessed by the software thereby resulting in its improper sorting and rejection even before it could be reviewed by a recruiter.

The candidates must prepare their resume and cover letter in a neat and clean format. No unnecessary pictures or graphics or designs must be added to the same as it might distort the algorithm of ATS. Moreover, the information in the resume must be clearly classified under different headings which are easily identifiable. Moreover, the candidates must try to match their CV and cover letter and reinforce the main highlights of the former in the latter. This not only interests the recruiters in reviewing the resume of the candidate but also in cementing the candidate’s profile in the minds of the recruiters.

Another important yet neglected trick to pull through the ATS screening is that the candidates must submit their resume to the recruiters in the file format which is supported by ATS. Contrary to popular belief, PDF is not a very preferable file format for the ATS software application. Therefore, wherever the recruiters have not specified the file format in which the resumes are to be submitted, the candidates must prefer Word file format to submit their resumes.

Recruitment process in top law firms

Group Discussion (GD)

Group discussion is an activity wherein the candidates will be given a topic to discuss amongst each other. The main purpose of a group discussion is to evaluate whether the candidates are able to participate in group activities and are not getting lost or subdued in groups. This is to evaluate the candidates’ oratory skills whether they are able to think and speak spontaneously and effectively. This also tests the stock knowledge of the candidates about the subject and the current affairs related thereto.

In this round, it is extremely crucial that the candidates are able to display their presence of mind, leadership skills and oratory eloquence. To ace this round, the candidates must first be really confident and well-read. It is always beneficial to be a leader in group discussions. To display the leadership skills, the candidates can break the ice and initiate the discussion; they can introduce the topic and set the background for the discussion; they can also set the order for other members to speak; further, if they see that a member is unable to put his or her point forth, they can politely take space and turn the attention of the group to that person for him or her to speak, etc. Moreover, candidates are also marked well if they summarise or conclude the discussion and are able to bring the parties to a consensus. 

The candidates need to be extremely careful that, in taking over leadership roles in a group discussion, they are not turning aggressive or intrusive. They have to remain polite and courteous throughout the discussion. 

Written Assessments (WA)

The top law firms may also have different written tests to examine the knowledge of the candidates and their ability to articulate it. There cannot be any fixed format of these tests, and their patterns may vary from firm to firm. However, basic guidelines for answer writing apply to these tests as well. 

The candidates must write neatly and in a properly structured manner. They must engage with the questions and should not answer evasively. They must demonstrate a deep analysis of the thing asked in the question. If the tests involve multiple choice questions, they may employ the technique of elimination to negate options that are apparently wrong. 

In order to improve one’s writing skills, the candidates are encouraged to read extensively. However, they must not read like they casually read a novel, but while reading, they must focus on the grammar used in the text, the style in which the text is written, the formalistic expressions employed in legal writing, and also on the vocabulary. 

Moreover, the candidates may follow the commonly used method of legal writing which is IRAC, i.e. Issues, Rule, Application, and Conclusion. They can also evolve their own methods of writing like beginning with an introduction, followed by the main subject matter, i.e., the body, an explanation using illustrations or case laws, and ending with a conclusion. Therefore, the bottom line is that structuring the writing is crucial to improving the writing skills.

Furthermore, like in legal writing, the texts are backed with sufficient citations, and the candidates, while writing answers, must draw on various resources. They must provide references to provisions of law or various juristic concepts, case laws, etc. in their answers to leave a lasting impression on the evaluator about the range of the imagination and knowledge of the candidates. 

Interview

The preparation of the interview stage can be done by taking mock interviews, either with the assistance of a friend or a relative. They may also practice the same alone in front of the mirror. This interview alone will also help as much as the practice session with some other person, as through practice in front of the mirror, one will be able to observe one’s body language, gestures and facial expressions while answering the questions.

The candidates can also practice writing the answers to the questions frequently asked in job interviews to be able to frame the answers in a better manner. For example, the candidate can prepare answers to questions like: “Tell us about yourself”, “what are your strengths and weaknesses?”, “where do you see yourself in the next five years?”, etc. They may also prepare answers to questions about their hobbies or interests, as interviewers generally tend to ask deep questions from the field in which the candidate seems to be interested. It is further recommended that the candidates keep track of time during their mock interview sessions so as to be crisp and concise in their answers. Long and unnecessarily stretched answers spoil the effect of the interviewee.

The candidates must keep in mind that they have to be confident, truthful, honest, and polite in their answers and they have to be courteous in their demeanour during the interview. The candidates must also remain highly updated about the  latest news and events before attempting the interview.  

Furthermore, the candidates must be well-dressed, well-informed and well-mannered during the interviews to gain an edge over the other candidates. They must dress formally and soberly. They must wear only minimal accessories, as flashy accessories or jewellery are a complete no for the interview. The candidates must prefer light, solid colours over any kind of print or design. The candidates must maintain proper bodily hygiene. Hair must be kept formally and neatly. If there is any prescribed dress code for the interview, the same shall be unerringly adhered to.

Things to avoid in the interview

The candidates must refrain from doing certain things in the interview which can completely spoil their impression before the interviewers:

• The most miserable and terrible thing that the candidates would do in an interview would be to use cuss words or abusive words during the same. Never ever do that! The candidates must also avoid cursing or being negative about anything. Instead, they must adopt an optimistic perspective and a positive attitude during the interview.
• The candidates must never behave or conduct themselves in an over-confident or arrogant or snobbish manner in the interview. This not only ruins the impression of the candidate, but it may also annoy the interviewers. However, it is also not advisable that they adopt a timid or diffident way of conduct, as the same has the same potential to damage the impression as the high-headed behaviour. Therefore, an equanimous and confident demeanour is recommended to ace the interview.
• This advice goes for both the interview and the whole recruitment process. The candidates must refrain from interrupting the interviewer or anybody else while the person is speaking or is in the middle of a discussion. The candidates must patiently wait for their turn to speak or to respond.
• The candidates must not appear distracted in the interview. They should try to maintain constant and confident, but not glaring, eye contact with the interviewers. The candidates must not break eye contact during the conversation. If there are more members in the panel, then the candidate must try to make eye contact with all of them while speaking.
• The candidates must remember to dress modestly and formally instead of being gaudy and showy. Blingy jewellery or chunky accessories are complete spoilers in interviews.

Tips and tricks to succeed in interviews and other assessments

• The method of elimination may help the candidates greatly, as by removing the wrong options, the correct answer will automatically stand out.
• Practice answer writing as it helps refine the skill of writing and thinking meaningfully.
• Dress simply yet impressively. Avoid gaudy accessories and make the look more refined, professional and polished.
• Build an exceptional command over the subject of one’s specialisation. Gather practical insights on the same and be updated with all the recent amendments and changes in the subject. 
• Increase the number of practice sessions. Take more mock sessions of interviews and group discussions with friends or family members. Learn from the mistakes made in the mock sessions.
• The candidates may stop taking mock sessions with other people when the date for the recruitment process approaches, and instead they may focus only on revision and self practice.
• Courtesy, politeness, honesty and confidence are some of the most attractive features that a person may develop for employment purposes. Remember to behave with sophistication yet with practical honesty.
• Do not make up any facts that are not true. Do not state anything false in the resume or cover letter.
• Dress properly and take all the important credentials with you to the venue of the recruitment process.
• Refrain from arguing or fighting in any of the recruitment processes. 
• Stay calm and composed during all the rounds of the recruitment process. If the recruitment process involves an interview, avoid eating anything that may stink. One should also refrain from smoking before the interview. 
• Carry yourself with composure and confidence.

Building a professional network

It is highly significant to land a job at a premium law firm that the candidate has a good and wide network in the professional space. It is not only necessary to be able to mention good references in the resume for the job but also for guiding through the recruitment process of such superlative law firms. A good professional network also helps in professional life for consultation and other advisory purposes. Looking at the other side of it, a job at top law firms also enhances the network and connections of the people working there, which is an asset in professional life. Therefore, let’s discuss the grammar of building a professional network.

Relevance of networking in the legal fraternity

Networks and connections are highly significant in the legal fraternity, particularly because advertising is prohibited in the legal industry. Therefore, good networks and connections can help big time in finding good jobs. Networks and professional relations can also help in referring candidates to appropriate employers, which can facilitate the process of finding a job in top law firms. Networks and connections can also help to a great extent in finding decent internships and collaborations. 

Another major benefit of socialising and networking in the legal fraternity is that the lawyers can develop their client base. Networking and connections can often help in connecting with potential clients and building their trust. This may help in establishing reputation and goodwill, which is crucial for the credibility of the law firm.

A good web of networks can also help in making meaningful collaborations. These collaborations can be made for any particular project, research endeavour or academic publication that, as stated above, brings repute to the law firm. Supportive and encouraging networks may also act as mentors or guides in the professional journey. It allows the new entrants into the fraternity and also the old ones to bounce back in the right direction whenever they seem to go astray from their professional trajectory.

Wide professional networks also help one remain intact with the recent industry trends and amendments. Moreover, active participation in community activities, legal publications, or speaking engagements also increases the visibility of both the candidate and the firm he or she is associated with which is vitally beneficial for the business thereof.

How to build and maintain a professional network

The following tips and tricks might help in building and maintaining a good professional network:

Attend professional events 

It is significant that the candidates attend professional events like book launches, seminars, webinars, conferences, panel discussions, moot courts, etc. to keep in touch with the legal fraternity. This not only helps in reviving old connections, but also allows one to forge new relations and networks. The candidates may also make a point to attend and participate in the professional events conducted by the firms of their choice in order to become familiar with the firm and showcase one’s skill sets. Such events present a great opportunity to come in direct contact with the people working in top law firms and build connections with them.

Join professional associations

The candidates, especially lawyers, may join professional associations like bar associations or bar unions to remain in contact with members in the bar. Such connections may be of huge benefit to the candidates for consultation and advisory purposes, as many times during their professional career they might come across a situation for which they need guidance. Such connections and networks come to rescue during those times. Such professional associations often conduct various events that can bring lawyers from top law firms together, which can be a great opportunity for aspiring candidates to build rapport with them. 

Connect with alumni

The candidates must leverage the alumni network of their colleges or universities to make new connections and networks. The candidate can also explore the alumni groups of various other colleges and universities To expand their network base. A strong alumni network helps big-time in finding good professional references and employment opportunities. It is the strongest base on which candidates can rely for good job recommendations. Moreover, if any of the candidate’s seniors is already an employee of a top law firm, his or her recommendation of the candidate will surely have an impact.

Stay active on professional platforms

The candidates must remain active on professional platforms like LinkedIn, as it helps one connect with other members of the fraternity. It also allows the candidates to start a conversation with anyone. They can stand out on such platforms by interacting frequently with peers or their posts, posting relevant stuff, connecting with other members of the industry, etc. This way they can start a light and professional conversation with the employees of the top law firms to know about the work, culture and environment of the firm. Such information, which comes from the people working for the organisation, is invaluable to ascertaining the suitability of the firm in the first place. The candidates can even share their opinions on a legal matter or write articles or posts on recent legal matters to remain active in professional circles.

Career growth and advancement

Working in top law firms can undoubtedly lead to career growth and advancement. As stated above, the tag of a top tier law firm is sufficient to make an impressive image of the candidates; however, the learning and the benefits do not stop at the first impression; they, in fact, bring refinements in the knowledge and skills of the candidates.

Opportunities for career growth in top law firms

Systematic career growth

Top law firms generally have a very structured and systematic path for career progression which allows a smooth transition from junior positions to senior positions with time and experience. Such an advanced and professional work environment leads to systematic career growth. Moreover, candidates with work experience in top law firms have an additional boost to their career progression as even if the candidate switches to any other field, the industry experience gained in the top law firm is definitely going to add an edge over the others. Furthermore, the immense learning that the candidates would take away by working in premium law firms would be invaluable in reaching great heights professionally.

Specialisation

If the candidate works in a particular field for quite a long period of time, he or she acquires command over the field. Unlike mediocre or boutique firms, top law firms usually prefer specialised division of labour, and so a person having specialisation or interest in a particular field largely gets to deal with related matters only. New entrants are generally included in the groups or teams of their specialisation, where they work under mature or senior employees to learn the niceties of the field. Once they acquire mastery over the same, they are promoted to senior positions. Such organisation is highly beneficial for one’s career as one gets to explore a particular field completely and in great detail, which ensures intellectual grip over the same. He or she does not have to juggle a lot of fields together and they get the opportunity to work in the field of their specialisation only. 

Continuing legal education and training

The premier law firms give importance to the career development and growth of their employees. They generally promote the higher education or training of their employees. They themselves also conduct training or practice sessions and workshops for the continuous development of the people associated with them. They also keep conducting lectures and seminars for their employees to get the opportunity to be updated with the latest legal affairs and trends. These training sessions help the candidates a lot in the long term in their career as they get to learn directly from the experiences and knowledge of industry experts.

Challenges and solutions

Work-life balance in top law firms

Maintaining a work-life balance is a fundamental need in any profession, as it helps in living a more wholesome life and in rejuvenating the person to increase his or her efficiency. Similarly, it is crucial in litigation work at top law firms as well. However, pressing deadlines and an intense workload may make the task of achieving this equilibrium a little difficult. Especially people with their own families may experience this difficulty a little more. The work may sometimes extend to the personal spheres of one’s life.

To resolve this issue, first, one may have to accept that litigation is more like a public service, and the nature of the job is such that one may have to spend extra hours on the work. One may have to make time for clients’ emergent situations even during personal time. However, the extent to which the effect of this disequilibrium can impact the person can be controlled. 

Firstly, the candidates must abjure procrastination, as ultimately the work has to be done;, delaying the work would only extend it to the personal time of the person. Secondly, the candidates can set the maximum time limit to which the work will extend, and after that, they can completely dedicate their time to their personal lives. Moreover, the candidates must develop the habit of devoting themselves completely to whatever they may be doing at a time. For instance, if it is work time between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the person should work diligently and sincerely during that duration, trying to complete all the tasks assigned. After that, if the person is enjoying his or her personal time, he or she must do that absolutely without any unnecessary interventions or distractions from work. Ultimately, it is the quality that matters, even above and beyond the quantity. Moreover, the candidates must learn to set boundaries that no one can unnecessarily and intrusively cross. One must know to say no to unreasonable work demands politely and courteously.  

Time management

Time management is a key issue in law firm litigation jobs. The work, as stated above, is also of such nature that it tends to spill over into other aspects of one’s life. Moreover, time management becomes difficult in the face of unscheduled and unpredictable work commitments, an unending workload, and pressing deadlines. 

To overcome this challenge, the candidates can try to develop the habit of working in a time-bound manner to be able to meet the deadlines better. For effective time management, the candidates can also arrange the tasks in order of priority and then finish the tasks that demand more attention than the others. In this manner, the chances of missing out on important tasks will be reduced. The candidates may also practise the habit of setting time limits for every task so that not much extra time is invested in any one particular task and all the tasks are given sufficient time. They may also apply the tips and tricks to manage time as shared above.

Client expectations

In top law firms, the clients come from advanced and modern backgrounds. They are high-profile and may have high expectations of the work from the law firm. They may also have varied demands and expectations that the firm must fulfill. These expectations may become challenging when the work has to be revised and renewed again and again to meet the ever changing demands of the clients. Moreover, since the client may be a VIP or VVIP, they may have trust issues regarding their data and information. They might also insist heavily on the protection of their privacy and confidentiality.

To face this challenge, the candidates must first establish good relationships with the clients so they can trust the firm and the candidate. Moreover, the candidates must establish clear communication with the client in order to know their complete expectations regarding the work. This helps in delivering the expected work on time and without the hassle of multiple amendments. Also, it becomes the absolute duty of the candidates to maintain the sanctity of the relationship between the client and the firm. Therefore, they must be extremely cautious about the privacy and confidentiality of the clients and their information. They must not share any information regarding the client’s matter with anybody else, not even with their fellow colleagues.

Formality and sophistication

The top law firms are generally sophisticated and formal in their approach to work and professional relationships. The same helps in maintaining professional hierarchy and proper organisation in the firm. While these qualities help in creating a polished and refined image, they might create obstacles to smooth approachability within the firm. It may become a challenge for the candidates because they might have to follow long, procedural channels to convey their messages to or communicate with the seniors for any guidance or consultation. 

The candidate can resolve this issue by observing their seniors and their level of formality and sophistication in communication within the firm. The candidate can emulate the same in their communication and behaviour. The candidates must also adapt to the work practices and ethics followed in the firm to get along with the work culture there. The candidates may also hone their communication skills to be as clear and relevant as possible. They can also increase their cultural awareness if people from multiple cultures and social backgrounds work in the firm, which impacts their work culture.

Meticulous attention to detail

It is pertinent to note that although working on details with immaculate attention is a painstaking task, it is also a quality that most of the law firms look for in their candidates. Moreover, in law attention to detail is a fundamental requirement of the profession. This can pose a great challenge before the candidates because given the high profile clientele of the law firm, lengthy drafting and proofreading work, management of complex cases, etc., even a small mistake or negligence can have grave consequences, not just for the candidate but also for the reputation of the firm. This can create a lot of pressure on the candidates to attain absolute accuracy while managing a large volume of work. Therefore, it is necessary that this issue be addressed with practical solutions.

To resolve this complex issue, the candidates can try maintaining a checklist of all the details that they have to pay attention to. They can also set up a clear and structured process for the proofreading and reviewing of the work done to avoid overlooking even the tiniest of details. Time management is another key tool to prevent the unnecessary burden of details at the end. Therefore, the candidates must reserve sufficient time to vet and re-evaluate the work done. The candidates can also take help from their peers or seniors in getting their work reviewed.

Conclusion

Following the above discussion on how Indian lawyers can get entry into top law firms, we can safely conclude that the quality and mettle of the candidate prevail over anything. The candidates must not lose hope or be demotivated about not getting through any one interview or recruitment process at any top law firm. They should rather continuously and constantly work upon themselves and hone their skills to prove their calibre of a job in the premier law firms. Therefore, this guide is formulated with the intention of helping the candidates mark their path to an illuminated career through an illustrious job in the law firms of superlative ranking. 

Best of luck!

General FAQs on top law firm jobs for Indian lawyers

What are the potential benefits of working at top law firms?

Career advancement, personality development, skill enhancement, expansion of professional networks and connections, etc. are some of the most prominent benefits of working in top law firms. The tag of a top law firm can add great value to one’s resume and may also lead to more employment opportunities in the future. For more details on the potential benefits of working in top law firms, you may look here.

How can lawyers secure a job at top law firms?

Lawyers can secure a job in top law firms by building on their skills and being proactive in grabbing good opportunities. The lawyers must remain vigilant about various openings issued by the top law firms and thereafter prepare for it accordingly. As discussed above, the lawyers must work on building an impressive resume by participating in various co-curricular and extra curricular activities. They must craft their resume and cover letter strategically to create a good impression on the recruiters. They must also practice well and hone their skills for the recruitment process to stand out from the crowd and secure a job at top law firms.

Is there good career scope at top law firms?

Yes, the career scope at top law firms is vast. The candidates can enter the premier law forms as freshers and can achieve senior positions with time and experience as they grow with the firm. As stated earlier, firms of superlative rankings have a very structured procedure for career progression. Apart from that, candidates who have worked in top law firms get industry experience of premium-quality, which is highly valued in other fields of the legal profession. For example, a past employee of a top law firm can switch to legal academia, wherein his or her experience would be greatly valued to impart practical knowledge to the law students.

FAQs on the recruitment process

Does networking play a role in securing a job at top law firms?

Yes, networking indeed plays a significant role in securing a job in law, as the mentoring and guidance that the candidate can receive from experienced professionals is invaluable in pulling through the recruitment processes of top tier law firms. Furthermore, networking can help alert one to various job openings in the market. They may also help in recommending candidates to law firms, which they regard quite heavily. Moreover, candidates with broad networking can leverage the same to gain information about law firms and their working culture and environment beforehand. This is a privilege that not many people have access to; thus, networking truly plays a crucial role in securing a job at top law firms.

What documents are needed to participate in the recruitment process of top law firms?

The general procedure is that the candidates are first required to submit their resumes with cover letters To the firms. Thereafter, the firms shortlist the candidates on the basis of the same. After that, the candidates may be required to possess all their credentials, like educational certificates, identity cards, testimonials, etc., during the interview or at the verification stage.

How do I prepare my resume?

The first thing that everyone must keep in mind is that the resume must have a structure. The information written in the resume must be written in some order. Moreover, it must be properly formatted and styled. Every time a resume is submitted to a new firm, it has to be customised in accordance with the job description and operations of the firm so that the resume is relevant. The resume must also have all the keywords that are associated with the functioning of the firm and the job description. Moreover, all the information in the resume must be correct and true. For more information about the preparation of a resume, you may visit the aforementioned information.

How do I prepare my cover letter?

A cover letter is like an introduction of the candidate to the employer; hence, it has to be carefully drafted. The candidates must write the cover letter in a formal tone, mentioning all the achievements and qualifications. In the cover letter, one can also write about how the candidate is a perfect fit for the job and what he or she brings to the table. In the cover letter, the candidate can also demonstrate their knowledge about the company and its operations. For an elaborate discussion on the preparation of a cover letter, you may visit here.

How do I prepare an ATS-compliant resume and cover letter?

The candidates can prepare an ATS-compliant resume and cover letter by choosing a standard template of both the documents; by using relevant industry keywords to mention one’s qualifications, experiences, and skill set; by avoiding unnecessary charts, pictures, graphs, tables, etc. in the resume or the cover letter; by choosing the right file format for submission to the recruiters, etc. For a detailed discussion on this issue, you may read this.

FAQs on the requisite educational qualifications

What educational qualifications are required for a job and top law firms?

For landing a job in premier law firms or any job in the legal profession for that matter, the candidate must at least have a three years LLB degree or a five years degree of the integrated course in law. However, there is no bar to candidates with an LLM or a PhD degree to enter into litigation jobs in the top tier law firms. 

Can a person from a traditional university secure a job at top law firms?

It is only a myth that students of only national universities can secure a job in top law firms; any sincere and determined law student can secure his or her seat therein. 

What specialisation areas are in demand in top law firms?

As seen from the above discussion of the top tier law firms in India and their main areas of operation, one can estimate that the corporate law field is in high demand in top law firms. Corporate law Includes intellectual property rights, mergers and acquisitions, investment law, insurance law, insolvency and restructuring, etc. Apart from corporate law, law firms actively deal in Alternative Dispute Redressal and Real estate. Therefore, specialisation in these areas would be beneficial for securing a job in tier one law firms.

How to improve the English language?

As stated above, the candidates may refer to English grammar books like those published by NCERT, or the English Grammar book composed by Wren & Martin or vocabulary book by Norman Lewis: Word Power Made Easy, etc. to build grasp over the language. Besides, they should develop the habit of extensive reading. They can read novels, course books, English newspapers, magazines, etc. to build one’s linguistic and communication skills. 

FAQs on the preparation for job in top law firms

How can one prepare for the recruitment process of the top law firms?

As stated above, the candidates can prepare for the recruitment process of the top law forms by firstly making an impressive resume and cover letter. Thereafter, they may also prepare for answer writing to be able to write written assignments deftly if any. Moreover, assessment rounds of debate or group discussion would also require heavy practice as there are a lot of tips and tricks to these recruitment steps. The candidates will also require practice sessions and training to develop skills for excelling in the interview round. The candidates have to be well read and updated about all the recent affairs related to the field to make a lasting impression on the interviewers.

How do I ace my interview?

Interview is a great opportunity to leave a thought lingering in the minds of the recruiters about the candidate. Therefore, to ace the interview the candidate must remember to behave confidently, politely and professionally. They must make eye contact with all the interviewers. The candidates must refrain from wearing informal or inappropriate clothes or jewellery or any other accessory in the interview. They must know their subject very well. The overall demeanour of the candidates has to be positive, polite and yet confident. For more tips and tricks to raise the interview, the candidates may have a look here.

How can students start preparing for securing a job in top law firms while in law school?

While in law school, students have a great opportunity to prepare themselves for working in law firms. They have precious time during their journey in the law school which they should utilise to the maximum extent possible. They should focus on their academics really well and should not let it compromise for the sake of other curricular or extracurricular activities. However, that does not mean that extra activities must not be given sufficient time. They are equally important in building the resume of the students. They should rather learn to balance these two. They must also focus on securing internships in various reputed organisations to learn practical insights on the theoretical framework of the law. They must become active particularly during the last years of their law school to keep applying in various law firms to secure a job in the top ranking firms.