How to Become a Lawyer after 12th: A Detailed Guide

Are you aware that the legal field in India is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape? From complex contract disputes to family law, the opportunities are vast and varied. As the demand for skilled lawyers rises, especially in areas like healthcare, intellectual property, and global trade, now is the perfect time to consider a career in law.

The latest data from the Department of Justice reveals that there are 51 million pending cases at various levels of the judiciary, stating that there is a dire need of lawyers for healthcare disparities, health crises, intellectual property (IP) infringement cases, patent filings, and more. This demonstrates that a career in the legal field is promising and remunerating.

In this article, we will explore the comparative landscape of legal careers, evaluating how India's legal system measures up against global standards, various specialisations within the legal profession, from traditional areas like contract and family law to emerging, how to become a lawyer, challenges and rewards, etc. Let’s dig!

India vs. The World: A Legal Showdown

India, a land of contracts, boasts a legal framework as intricate as its culture. From the ancient wisdom of Dharma to the contemporary vigour of constitutional law, India's legal landscape is a thrilling battlefield for legal minds. Nevertheless, what about the global arena?

Lawyers are the modern-day heroes, combating it out in courtrooms worldwide. Whether it’s the complexities of the Indian Contract Act or the intricacies of international trade law, the legal world is the stage for minds daring to dream big. A question might have hit the chords of your brain- “How do you become a lawyer after the 12th?” Continue reading to know.

The Journey to Becoming a Lawyer

Your journey to becoming a lawyer starts with choosing the right path—whether it’s the comprehensive 5-year B.A. LL.B. programme or the focused 3-year LL.B. course after your undergraduate studies. Success in this field hinges on acing entrance exams and gaining hands-on experience through internships, where you’ll apply classroom knowledge to real-world legal challenges. Below is the detailed information about the same:

Choosing Your Path

• 5-Year Integrated Law Programme (B.A. LL.B.): This is one of the most common career paths. It amalgamates a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with a Bachelor’s degree in Law. The 5-year integrated programme is offered by numerous reputed universities incorporating National Law Universities. It includes courses in legal theory, practical training, and internships.
• 5-Year Integrated Law Programme ( BBA LL.B.): This integrated programme provides a distinctive blend of business management and law; providing a holistic understanding of both domains. With this dual advantage, you can pursue careers in corporate law, business administration, entrepreneurship, etc.

Additionally, if you have already completed a Bachelor's degree in any field, a 3-year LL.B. Programme is one of the best career choices. This route is usually chosen by those students who enrolled in a different undergraduate degree but decided to switch to law later on.

Cracking the Entrance Exam

Admission to esteemed law schools is exceptionally competitive. You must propel in entrance exams like:

• Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• State-level law entrance exams

Pursuing your Law Degree

Enrolling in a law school attested and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) is crucial. A robust student-centric curriculum wrapping constitutional law, criminal law, property law, contract law, and more will entrust you with essential legal knowledge. Practical training via internships, as well as moot court competitions, is equally crucial.

Gain Practical Experience

While studying, gaining practical experience through internships with law firms, legal aid organisations, or corporate legal departments is highly beneficial. This experience will help you understand the practical aspects of legal work and build valuable connections in the legal field.

Constant Learning and Professional Development

The field of law is dynamic, with laws and regulations constantly revolutionising. Continuing education and professional development are important to keep yourself updated with legal innovations and boost your expertise.

Bar Council Registration and AIBE

After completing your law degree, registering with the State Bar Council where you intend to practise is crucial. Subsequently, acing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is mandatory and crucial to practise independently.

Most Demanding Law Specialisations

The legal profession proffers an array of specialisations, which are mentioned below:

• Litigation
• Corporate Law
• Criminal Law
• Tax Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Environmental Law
• Human Rights Law

Making a Mark in the Legal Field: Tips for Aspiring Lawyers

The legal profession is amongst the most demanding fields, requiring exceptional analytical skills, strong communication abilities, and an in-depth comprehension of law. Nevertheless, the rewards are lucrative and gratifying. Lawyers play a vital role in upholding justice, influencing policies, and driving societal change.  Below mentioned are some potential tips for aspiring legal professionals like you:

• Build a solid foundation

As a brimming legal aspirant, it is essential for you to master legal principles, research and writing.

• Cultivate communication skills

To stand out from the crowd, effective advocacy plays a significant role.

• Stay updated

For law minds, keeping abreast of legal developments and current affairs are important.

• Build a strong network

Law is a vast field; hence, to stay ahead of the curve, forging connections with legal professionals for guidance is imperative.

• Develop ethical practices

In the legal field, integrity is the mainstay of the legal profession. So, it is important to build ethical practices.

To Consolidate

Without a doubt, emerging as a lawyer in India is a nerve-wracking yet remunerating procedure that needs immense dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for justice! By going through the above-mentioned steps—completing your 12th grade, choosing the right programme, preparing for entrance exams, gaining practical experience, and constantly building your skill sets—you can kick start a fulfilling career in law.

Remember, the journey may be demanding, yet the impact you can leave in the law field is profoundly significant and contributes to justice and the rule of law in society.  So, if you are planning to choose law as a career after the 12th, the new-age LLB course at BML Munjal University (BMU) can be a game-changer. Explore our LLB Programme.