Highest Paying Law Firms in India 2024 | Law Firm Salaries

Introduction: Highest Paying Law Firms in India 2024

In India’s legal world, some law firms offer big paychecks, catching the attention of lawyers looking for great career opportunities. This article explores the top ten law firms known for paying well and why they’re popular among legal professionals.

After finishing law school, most students want high-paying jobs. To land one, they need good grades, experience from internships and moot court, and maybe extra courses in things like M&A or business law.

Before joining a firm, lawyers consider lots of things: how much they can learn, the company’s vibe, and of course, the salary.

Some firms are famous for paying really well. They offer good perks, but what sets them apart is their expertise. These firms make it to the list of top ten highest-paying law firms in India.

Now, let’s take a closer look to understand why these law firms pay the highest salaries in India by exploring their key strengths and capabilities.

1. Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM)

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) stands as India’s foremost law firm, renowned globally for its trusted advisory services. Serving a wide-ranging clientele, including both domestic and international commercial entities, financial institutions, private equity and venture capital funds, startups, as well as governmental and regulatory bodies, the firm maintains a reputation for excellence. With a team comprising generalists, specialists, and seasoned former regulators, CAM adeptly guides clients through various transactions, sectors, and regulatory frameworks. As one of India’s largest full-service law firms, CAM operates from strategic locations in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, GIFT City, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the legal landscape.

CAM Salary Structure

CAM Expertise (Practice Areas)

CAM Awards and Recognitions

• CII Industrial Innovation Awards 2023
• ALITA Awards 2023
• Who’s Who Legal Thought Leaders – India 2023
• Client Choice Award for Private Client Practice
• ALB India Rising Star 2024
• Chambers and Partners Global Rankings, 2024
• India’s Future Legal Leaders 2024
• Bloomberg Capital Markets Global Legal Adviser League Table 2023
• Chambers and Partners’ Asia-Pacific India Rankings 2024
• BW Legal World 30 Under 30 Legal Powerlist
• India Business Law Journal “The A- List” 2023 -2024
• BW Legal World 2023 List of Top 40 Future Masters of Indian Legal Sector

2. AZB & Partners

Established in 2004, AZB & Partners was founded with a clear mission: to offer dependable, pragmatic, and comprehensive advisory services to clients spanning all industries. The firm was formed through the amalgamation of CZB & Partners in Mumbai and Bangalore, along with Ajay Bahl & Company in Delhi. Since its inception, AZB & Partners has experienced steady growth, expanding its presence to encompass offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune.

The firm boasts a dedicated and ambitious team of over 400 lawyers, united in their commitment to delivering top-notch legal solutions to facilitate clients in reaching their goals. Our core strength lies in our profound understanding of legal, regulatory, and commercial landscapes, both domestically in India and beyond. This expertise equips us to offer tailored guidance, enabling our diverse clientele to navigate any dynamic or challenging business environment with confidence. Collaboration is ingrained in the culture at AZB & Partners – we leverage the strengths of individuals and collective efforts to foster mutual growth and success.

Also read: The Dark Reality of Law Firms

AZB & Partners Salary Structure

AZB & Partners Expertise (Practice Areas)

AZB & Partners Awards and Recognitions

• Asian Law Firm Leader of the Year: ASIA LEGAL AWARDS
• Elite Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity: BW LEGAL WORLD
• Hall of Fame: 100 Most Influential Women in Law: BW LEGAL WORLD
• Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity: CHAMBERS & PARTNERS ASIA-PACIFIC
• Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate / M&A: CHAMBERS & PARTNERS GLOBAL
• Super 30 – Most Influential Law Firm Professionals: LAWWISER
• ‘Hall of Fame’ for Corporate and M&A: LEGAL 500 ASIA PACIFIC
• ‘Leading Individual’ for Private Equity & Investment Funds: LEGAL 500 ASIA PACIFIC
• ‘Thought Leaders – India’ for Commercial Litigation, Corporate Governance, M&A and Project Finance: WHO’S WHO LEGAL
• ‘Global Elite Thought Leader’ – Corporate Governance: WHO’S WHO LEGAL

Also read: Top 10 Lawyers of India who Changed Indian Legal Ecosystem

3. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas (SAM)

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co is a leading full-service law firm in India, widely recognized for its extensive legal expertise and prominent position within the industry. The firm’s inception followed a division of its predecessor, Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co, stemming from a disagreement between the managing partners overseeing the Delhi and Mumbai offices.

Often referred to as SAM, the firm has established itself as a Tier 1 legal entity, consistently ranking among the top three law firms across various practice areas. Renowned for its counsel to major multinational corporations, private equity funds, and Indian corporate giants, SAM boasts a formidable reputation in the legal sphere. Prior to the division, Amarchand Mangaldas stood as India’s largest law firm, boasting a team of over 800 lawyers, with its roots tracing back to its establishment in 1917.

SAM Salary Structure

SAM Expertise (Practice Areas)

SAM Awards and Recognitions

• VCCircle Awards 2024 under the category ‘Law Firm of the Year by Deal Value (Large)
• India and the Equity Firm of the year at the IFLR Asia -Pacific 2024
• 11 Band 1 practices 18 ranked practices 42 ranked individual lawyers 2024: Chambers & Partners
• Outstanding Firm in India asialaw Rankings 2023-24
• Law Firm of the year by IBLJ Indian Law Firm Awards 2023
• India Law Firm of the year by ALB India Law Awards 2023
• Recognised as one of the world’s leading International Arbitration Firms, featured in GAR 100 for 8 consecutive years, 2017-23
• 13 Tier 1 Ranked Practice Areas by Legal500 Asia Pacific 2023

Also read: Best Capital Markets Law Firms in India: Here is the List of Top 10

4. Khaitan & Co

Established in 1911, Khaitan & Co stands as one of India’s most venerable and expansive law firms. With over a century of experience, our firm blends tradition with a contemporary and progressive approach to deliver comprehensive legal solutions to both domestic and international clientele. Our commitment revolves around surpassing client expectations through proactive measures, coupled with a keen focus on understanding their businesses and anticipating their legal requirements, both immediate and future-oriented. We take pride in our ability to provide pragmatic and commercially viable solutions.

Investing significantly in cutting-edge infrastructure across all our offices, we continually strive to evolve and embrace international best practices to enhance client service. Our paramount objective is to ensure that our clients receive consistently high-quality service across all locations and practice areas.

Khaitan clientele encompasses a diverse range of entities, including business and financial enterprises, banks, financial institutions, private equity funds, governmental bodies, educational and charitable trusts, cultural institutions, high net worth individuals, as well as estates and trusts from both India and abroad.

Khaitan & Co Salary Structure

Khaitan & Co Expertise (Practice Areas)

Khaitan & Co Awards and Recognitions

• Asialaw Profiles 2023
• GCR100- 2023 (Highly Recommended Practice)
• Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific – Ranked as Tier I Law Firm 2023
• IBLJ Best Overall Law Firms 2023 – Winner
• Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific 2021
• Legal 500 Asia Pacific Tier I Law Firm 2023
• Chambers Asia Pacific Tier I Indian Law Firm 2023

5. Trilegal

Trilegal has been at the forefront of legal excellence since its establishment in 2000. As one of India’s esteemed full-service law firms, we have earned a reputation for our rapid expansion and steadfast dedication to delivering exceptional client service. With a formidable team comprising over 850 lawyers, including 114 partners, we offer an unparalleled blend of local insight, specialized expertise, and global outlook. Our committed professionals are dedicated to providing cost-effective, transaction-focused, and top-quality legal advice of the utmost standard.

Trilegal Salary Structure

Trilegal Expertise (Practice Areas)

Trilegal Awards and Recognitions

• (ALB) India Law Awards 2023
• IBLJ Indian Law Firm Awards 2022
• Asia Law Awards 2021
• VCCircle Awards 2020
• ALB Trailblazers 2020
• FT RSG Innovative Lawyers Awards 2020

6. JSA (J Sagar Associates)

Established by Jyoti Sagar in 1991, JSA has maintained its prominence in the legal landscape. Despite Jyoti’s retirement from the Firm in 2015, he continues to serve as Chairman Emeritus, providing invaluable guidance and mentorship.

As a leading national law firm in India, JSA prides itself on its extensive team of over 450 professionals spread across 7 strategically located offices in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

The Firm’s operational structure revolves around specialized service lines and sector expertise, allowing it to cater to a diverse clientele. From top Indian corporates to Fortune 500 companies, multinational banks and financial institutions, governmental and statutory authorities, to multilateral and bilateral institutions, JSA offers tailored legal services to meet the varied needs of its clients.

JSA Salary Structure

JSA Expertise (Practice Areas)

JSA Awards and Recognitions

• Asia Pacific Ranking 2023: Chambers & Partners
• Best Overall Law Firm 2023: India Business Law Journal (IBLJ)
• The Legal 500 Rankings 2023
• Asia Pacific Ranking 2023: IFLR 1000
• Firm Rankings 2023: Asia Law
• Global Firm Ranking 2023: Chambers & Partners

7. Luthra & Luthra Law Offices (L&L Partners)

Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, now known as L&L Partners Law Offices, has been a stalwart in the Indian legal landscape since the early 90s. Founded by Mr. Rajiv Luthra, the firm has consistently upheld integrity while providing exceptional legal services to clients, both domestic and international. With a rich history of assisting multinational corporations in navigating the complexities of the Indian legal system, the firm continues to evolve and excel. Though it bid farewell to its esteemed founder in 2023, Luthra & Luthra remains committed to carrying forward his legacy of excellence.

L&L Partners Salary Structure

L&L Partners Expertise (Practice Areas)

L&L Partners Awards and Recognitions

• Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2023
• Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023
• IFLR1000 – 2022
• Bloomberg Global M&A Legal League Tables 2022
• Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2022
• Asialaw 2022
• Project Finance International (PFI) Awards 2022
• The Legal 500 (Legalease) Green Guide 2022
• GRR100 2022
• Asian Legal Business (ALB)

8. Argus Partners

Argus Partners stands as a leading Indian law firm, operating from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Known for its innovative thought leadership and ability to foster enduring relationships, the firm’s professionals are adept business lawyers. They possess a deep understanding of business and financial intricacies, enabling them to identify genuine risks and offer pragmatic legal solutions that drive client business growth.

The firm itself is the product of a merger. In 2012, Argus Partners merged with Mumbai-based Udwadia & Udeshi, established in 1997. This union led to the creation of ‘Udwadia Udeshi & Argus Partners’. In 2015, the firm rebranded as ‘Argus Partners’, while upholding its core values of integrity, quality, and respect.

Argus Partners has earned a formidable reputation for its consistent high performance. With a team comprising experienced professionals with both domestic and international exposure, the firm has garnered recognition and awards from various publications. Its nationwide presence provides a unique advantage, allowing it to cater to a diverse clientele, including industry leaders across all market segments.

Argus Partners Salary Structure

Argus Partners Expertise (Practice Areas)

Argus Partners Awards and Recognitions

• CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS
• THE LEGAL 500
• ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESS
• INDIA BUSINESS LAW JOURNAL
• BENCHMARK LITIGATION
• IFLR1000
• ASIA LAW
• BW LEGALWORLD
• FORBES
• MERGERMARKET
• VENTURE INTELLIGENCE

9. Desai & Diwanji

Founded in 1930 by Ambubhai D. Desai and Kisonlal M. Diwanji, Desai & Diwanji began as a thriving litigation and real estate practice in Mumbai. Over the years, it evolved into one of India’s leading corporate and commercial law firms. Post the liberalization of the Indian economy in 1991, the firm expanded its services, becoming a premier full-service law firm. Today, Desai & Diwanji is renowned for its innovative, client-centric approach and offers top-tier legal services to a diverse clientele across various sectors.

Desai & Diwanji Salary Structure

Desai & Diwanji Expertise (Practice Areas)

Desai & Diwanji Awards and Recognitions

• Chambers & Partners
• Asialaw
• ALB India Law Awards 2023
• Asia-Pacific 2024: Chambers & Partners

10. Phoenix Legal

Founded in 2008, Phoenix Legal is a distinguished Indian law firm that provides an extensive array of legal services, encompassing transactional, regulatory, advisory, dispute resolution, and tax services. With main offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, the firm serves a diverse clientele comprising both domestic and international companies, banks, financial institutions, funds, promoter groups, and public sector undertakings.

Founded with the aim of prioritizing client service, providing commercially viable legal advice, and delivering committed legal representation across all sectors, Phoenix Legal has expanded its reach beyond its initial origins. It has developed significant expertise in handling complex domestic and international matters.

The firm’s team consists of highly qualified and experienced lawyers who bring entrepreneurial spirit to their work. They share common values and strive for excellence in service delivery, maintaining a high level of professionalism and responsiveness.

Phoenix Legal Salary Structure

Phoenix Legal Expertise (Practice Areas)

Phoenix Legal Awards and Recognitions

• IFLR1000 2023-24
• Client Choice – Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year – India, Global 100 – 2024
• IFLR1000 in various practice areas in their 2022 rankings
• Legal500 in various practice areas in their 2023 rankings
• Asialaw in various practice/industry areas in their 2022/23 rankings
• Chambers Asia Pacific 2013 ‐ 2024
• India Business Law Journal 2023 Indian Law Firm Awards
• Benchmark Litigation: Asia-Pacific 2023 edition

This article has been crafted by our expert team through meticulous research and consultation of various Indian employment websites.

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