types of lawyers in india

Exploring the Different Types of Lawyers in India

Published on March 12, 2025
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9 Min read time
types of lawyers in india

Quick Summary

  • A lawyer is a professional who provides legal advice, represents clients in legal proceedings, and helps citizens adhere to the law.
  • In India, lawyers specialize in diverse areas such as criminal law, corporate law, and family law.
  • The average salary of a lawyer is about 7 lakhs per annum.

Table of Contents

India’s legal system is a complex framework governed by the Constitution of India. It has three branches: the judiciary, executive, and legislature. Various types of lawyers in India help safeguard the rights and interests of individuals and businesses. They offer legal advice, represent clients in court, and negotiate settlements.

Types of Lawyers in India: These include criminal lawyers, civil lawyers, corporate lawyers, tax lawyers, and more. Each lawyer has a unique responsibility and purpose. They ensure that their clients receive the best guidance and representation. Salaries may change depending on economic conditions and the growing demand for legal services. The legal profession in India offers various specializations with different salaries.

types of lawyers in india


As a legal moderator, a lawyer always seeks to benefit their client. Every individual needs to be well aware of the types of lawyers in India. This article has curated a list to help you understand how many types of lawyers exist!

Types of Lawyers in India: Career Prospects

There are various types of lawyers in India and having a detailed overview can help you choose your next profession. This section tells us the various types of lawyers and what they do:

1. Corporate Lawyer

Corporate lawyers help advise businesses and specialize in corporate law. There are various types of lawyers in India. They help ensure that an organization’s operations are carried out lawfully. Corporate lawyers provide legal guidance in employment, intellectual property, contracts, securities, mergers, and acquisitions. In negotiations, dispute resolution, or litigation involving business law. These lawyers are ready to provide comprehensive legal help. Their extensive field knowledge allows them to protect their client’s interests. It also minimizes risk for businesses and companies.

Job ResponsibilitiesCorporate lawyers must conduct legal research and provide legal advice on corporate transactions. They must also ensure that their client is following laws and regulations.
Skills requiredThere are various skills required to be a corporate lawyer such as analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, negotiation skills, and organizational skills. They should be experts in corporate laws. They need to have extensive legal research skills as it is more required in this field.
Average salary Entry-level corporate lawyers can earn an average salary of around INR 8.9 LPA (as per Ambitionbox).
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2. Criminal Lawyer

There are various types of lawyers in India: Criminal lawyers are professionals who help people facing criminal charges. They use their good communication and thinking skills to talk with the prosecutors and make plans to defend their clients. These lawyers want to treat their clients fairly and get the best possible result. Their main goal is to protect their client’s rights. They work hard on each case and carefully examine all the details to challenge the prosecution’s case and achieve the best outcome. This could mean getting their client cleared of all charges or having a less severe charge if suitable.

Job ResponsibilitiesThey conduct interviews with clients, gather information, and provide legal advice. They conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and attempt to develop a sound defense strategy.
Skills requiredThere are various skills required to be a criminal lawyer. They include intensive legal and research knowledge skills, communication skills, negotiation skills and trial skills.
Average salary The average salary of a criminal lawyer in India ranges from INR 3.2 LPA per annum.

3. Civil Lawyer

A civil lawyer is a legal professional known as a litigator. They deal with disputes between individuals and organizations or entities that are not the object of criminal charges. Types of lawyers in India: A civil lawyer handles dispute cases of property, business, and other litigation cases.

Job ResponsibilitiesThey deal with contractual disputes, property disputes, personal injury claims, and family law matters. A civil lawyer’s job involves advocating non-criminal cases. They research such cases, which help people resolve their legal claims.
Skills requiredThere are various skills required to be a civil lawyer. They are research capabilities, attention to detail, legal knowledge, analytical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving skills
Average salary The average salary of a civilian lawyer may vary according to their experience level. In India, the average salary of civil lawyers is around INR 3 LPA.

4. Tax Lawyer

Tax lawyers tell individuals and businesses about tax matters. Types of lawyers in India: Tax lawyer help clients navigate the complex federal, state, and local tax laws. Attorneys keep up-to-date on the latest tax issues and laws to serve as their clients’ resources. Types of lawyers in India: Tax attorneys are always researching to understand tax law and policy. This is necessary in this field because the laws change frequently.

Job ResponsibilitiesThe duty of a tax lawyer includes providing legal advice on tax matters. As well as assisting clients with tax planning and compliance and representing clients in tax disputes or audits. They also help clients navigate the complex system of tax laws and lawfully claim, benefits exemptions, tax credits, and various deductions.
Skills requiredThere are various skills required to be a tax lawyer. They include: legal knowledge, analytical thinking, collaborative skills and research problem-solving skills.
Average salary A tax lawyer in India can earn an average of INR 4.1 LPA.

5. Family Lawyer

Family lawyers deal with cases such as divorce, child custody, adoption and family relationship cases. Their primary goal is to help clients resolve issues arising from family dynamics. They play an important role in ensuring legal processes are carried out smoothly without causing any emotional discomfort to the family.

Job ResponsibilitiesThe duty of a family lawyer includes overseeing cases such as divorces, alimony, child custody, guardianship, and estate planning. They also help resolve domestic violence cases.
Skills requiredThe various skills required are counselling skills, research and analysing skills, legal knowledge, and communication skills.
Average salary The average salary of a family lawyer in India is an average of INR 5.6 LPA.

6. Public Interest Lawyer

The primary focus of a public interest lawyer is to address issues that affect the public or a specific community and to promote justice, equality, and social change. Types of lawyers in India: They provide legal representation to individuals or groups who may not have the financial means to hire private attorneys. There are various types of lawyers in India: Public interest lawyers often work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups.

Job ResponsibilitiesThey help in drafting policies and collaborate with various non-profit organizations. They also have responsibilities such as filing lawsuits or defending clients in court and advocating for their rights, preparing legal documents such as complaints, motions, briefs, and contracts.
Skills requiredThe various skills required are legal research and writing, analysing skills, community engagement, client counselling, advocacy and negotiation skills.
Average salary The average salary of a public interest lawyer in India is an average of INR 5 LPA.

7. Intellectual Property Lawyer

Intellectual Property lawyers specialize in the legal aspects of protecting intellectual property rights, which include patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. There are various types of lawyers in India : They protect the rights of companies, artists, different organizations and individuals.

Job ResponsibilitiesTheir job is to provide legal advice to clients on the protection, management, and enforcement of intellectual property rights. They also prepare and file patent applications, trademark disputes, and copyright infringement cases
Skills requiredThey should have proper counselling and advising skills. They should have a thorough knowledge of the legal aspects. They should have proper communication and negotiation skills as well.
Average salary Intellectual Property lawyers can earn an average of up to INR 5.4 LPA.

8. Cyber Lawyer

Cyber lawyers, also known as cyber law attorneys or cybersecurity lawyers, specialize in legal issues related to the digital, information technology, and the internet world. There are various types of lawyers in India: Their work consists of a wide range of legal matters associated with cyberspace and technology.

Job ResponsibilitiesThey assist businesses with legal issues related to e-commerce and business transactions. They help individuals file cases in court who have been victims of hacking, cyber-fraud and theft. Cyber lawyers also advise clients on cybersecurity policies and risk management.
Skills requiredThe various skills required are a strong foundation in cybersecurity laws, good negotiation and communication skills, a proper understanding of the technical realm, legal knowledge and research skills.
Average salaryThe average salary of a cyber lawyer in India is an average of INR 8 LPA.

9. Labour and Employment Lawyer

Labor and Employment lawyers specialize in legal matters related to employment relationships, workplace issues, and labor laws. There are various types of lawyers in India: They work with both employers and employees to protect their rights and assist them in legal proceedings.

Job ResponsibilitiesRepresenting clients in legal proceedings related to labour and employment matters, including hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and court trials. Assisting in the development of policies and representing labour unions and employees. Labour and Employment advise their clients on employee benefits.
Skills requiredThe skills required are in-depth knowledge of labor and employment laws, strong problem-solving skills, having good negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
Average salary The average salary of a labor and employment lawyer in India is an average of INR 7.63 LPA.

10. Immigration Lawyer

Immigration lawyers specialize in legal matters related to immigration, visas, citizenship, and refugee/asylum cases. Types of lawyers in India: They are proficient in multiple languages and it helps them to easily communicate and resolve their client issues.

Job ResponsibilitiesTheir basic responsibilities are assisting clients during immigration processes. Managing immigration petitions, applications, and supporting documents with the relevant government agencies. They represent clients in appeals such as visa denials or deportation orders.
Skills requiredStrong legal knowledge, multilingual skills, detail-oriented, strong negotiation and analyzing skills and excellent communication skills.
Average salary An immigration lawyer in India can earn up to an average of 4.5 LPA.

Types of Lawyers and Salaries in India

There are various types of lawyers in India: The legal profession in India offers different salary opportunities depending on various factors. These include employer, location, specialization, and experience. Here is the list of the types of lawyers and their salaries in India:

Types of LawyerAverage Salary in INR
Corporate Lawyer8.9 LPA
Senior Advocate7.4 LPA
Intellectual Property Lawyer5.4 LPA
Law Firm Partner58 LPA
Entertainment Lawyer15.4 LPA
Cyber Lawyers23.3 LPA
Family Lawyer5 LPA
Tax Lawyer4.1 LPA
Defense Lawyer6 LPA
Lawyer Salaries are described as per Glassdoor. Figures may vary as per location, experience and other factors.

Famous lawyers in India: who have made a significant impact in the legal field:

1. Ram Jethmalani

One of India’s most renowned criminal lawyers, known for handling high-profile cases and his sharp legal acumen.

2. Harish Salve

A top constitutional and corporate lawyer, famous for representing India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

3. Fali S. Nariman

A senior advocate and constitutional law expert, known for his role in landmark Supreme Court cases.

4. Mukul Rohatgi

Former Attorney General of India and a leading senior advocate in constitutional and corporate law cases.

5. Kapil Sibal

A senior lawyer and politician, known for handling key cases related to constitutional and commercial law.

6. Abhishek Manu Singhvi

A top lawyer specializing in constitutional, corporate, and civil law, often seen in high-stakes cases.

7. P. Chidambaram

A senior advocate and politician, known for his expertise in constitutional, economic, and criminal law.

8. K. Parasaran

A Padma Vibhushan awardee and former Attorney General, known for his role in significant constitutional law cases.

9. Soli Sorabjee

A former Attorney General of India and a highly respected human rights and constitutional law expert.

10. Indira Jaising

A leading human rights lawyer and the first woman to be appointed Additional Solicitor General of India.

Embracing the Law

Pursuing a career in law helps individuals make a lasting and positive impact on society and contribute to the maintenance of the law. There are various types of lawyers in India: More qualified professionals are required in India’s complicated and diverse legal system.

Types of lawyers in India: It is important to remember that a legal career requires hard work, dedication, and constant learning. Building a stronghold in this field through internships and practical experience is important. The legal landscape in India is constantly evolving, so you have to look for opportunities to develop and improve your legal research and analysis skills.

Although the road may be a rocky one, There are various types of lawyers in India a law career can be a rewarding experience with intellectual growth and the opportunity to impact people’s lives. This includes opportunities for personal growth and intellectual stimulation. Those who choose this career path can make a significant positive impact on the society.

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Conclusion

India’s legal field presents a wide array of specializations tailored to meet different legal requirements. Prominent categories include criminal attorneys, who represent clients in criminal cases; civil attorneys, who manage conflicts between individuals or entities; corporate attorneys, who focus on legal issues related to businesses; and family attorneys, who deal with matters such as divorce and child custody. Furthermore, there are constitutional attorneys, tax attorneys, and intellectual property attorneys, each carving out their own specific area of expertise. This variety empowers individuals to select a specialization that resonates with their passions and abilities, contributing to a vibrant and adaptable legal landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q1. How many types of lawyers are there in India?

There are many types of lawyers in India. The types of lawyers listed are as follows:
1. Corporate lawyer,
2. Tax lawyer,
3. Civil lawyer
4. Criminal lawyer and many more

Q2. What type of lawyer is best in India?

The best lawyer to become in India depends on your interests and career goals. Every lawyer plays an important role in India. You should research each type of lawyer and determine which area of law aligns with your interests. It is important to remember that a legal career requires hard work, dedication, and constant learning. This is true for each type of lawyer in India.

Q3. Who is the No. 1 lawyer in India?

There are various types of lawyers in India: The title of No 1 lawyer may be based on experience, reputation, influence, and expertise. Some highly respected lawyers in India are Justice Harish Salve, Fali S Nariman, and many others. Ram Jethmalani is considered the best criminal defense lawyer in India.

Q4. What is the role of an immigration lawyer in India?

An immigration lawyer in India helps individuals and businesses with visas, residency, work permits, and citizenship applications. They provide legal guidance, handle documentation, ensure compliance with immigration laws, and represent clients in appeals or legal disputes.

Q5. Which types of lawyers are the highest paid in India?

The highest-paid lawyers in India include corporate lawyers, intellectual property lawyers, criminal lawyers, tax lawyers, and senior advocates. Those specializing in real estate, cyber law, arbitration, and constitutional law also earn high fees, especially in high-profile cases or corporate legal matters.

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Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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