What does a Lawyer do?
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in courts and tribunals. In India a law graduate enrols as an advocate with a State Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961, and must clear the All India Bar Examination to get a certificate of practice.
A lawyer studies a client’s problem, researches the law, drafts notices, agreements and petitions, and argues cases in court. Much of the work is reading, writing and negotiating.
In India lawyers practise in district courts, high courts and the Supreme Court, work in law firms and company legal teams, or join government legal services and the judiciary after further exams.
How to get there
- Class 10Build reading, writing and speaking skills
- Class 11–12Any stream
- integrated law needs Class 12 with the minimum marks the BCI sets (not below 45% general, 40% SC/ST)
- UGComplete a five-year integrated BA LLB, or a graduate degree followed by the three-year LLB
- EnrolmentEnrol as an advocate with a State Bar Council under Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961, then clear the AIBE
- First roleWork as a junior advocate in a chamber or law firm
- Subjects in Classes 11–12
- English, Arts and Humanities, Economics
- Streams
- Arts/Humanities, Commerce, Science (PCM), Science (PCB)
- Minimum education
- UG
Courses that lead here
Integrated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws
BA LLB is a five-year integrated double degree that combines arts subjects with law, taken straight after Class 12. Graduates can enrol…
Bachelor of Laws
LLB is a three-year law degree for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in any subject. It leads to enrolment as…
Master of Laws
LLM is a postgraduate law degree for LLB holders. At national law universities it is usually a one-year course with a research…
Bachelor of Arts
BA is a broad undergraduate degree in subjects such as English, history, political science, economics, psychology and languages. It leads to careers…
Further study
Colleges for these courses
Chameli Devi Group of Institutions, Indore
Dharma Samaj College
Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical and Social Sciences
Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management Studies
Maharaja Surajmal Institute
Gandhi Memorial National College, Ambala Cantt
Skills you need
- Critical reading
- Drafting
- Ethics
- Legal research
- Negotiation
- Oral argument
It suits people who are
- Articulate
- Persistent
- Analytical
- Ethical
Useful certifications
- All India Bar Examination certificate of practice - Bar Council of India (https://www.allindiabarexamination.com/about.html)
Where you work and how you grow
Where people work
- Courts
- Law firms
- Company legal departments
- Government legal services
Growth path
- Junior advocate → Independent advocate or associate → Senior associate or partner → Senior advocate or judge (through separate selection)
Frequently asked questions
What is the AIBE?
The All India Bar Examination is conducted by the Bar Council of India
When can I take the AIBE?
Only after enrolling as an advocate with a State Bar Council under Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
What is the minimum mark for law admission?
The BCI Rules of Legal Education 2008 let the BCI set minimum marks in the qualifying exam of not below 45% for general candidates and 40% for SC and ST candidates.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- About the All India Bar Examination - Bar Council of India · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- Bar Council of India Rules of Legal Education 2008 (Part IV), hosted by Bar Council of Assam · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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