Lawyer Salary in India 2026
The average Lawyer salary in India is ₹7,00,000 per annum in 2026, ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹30,00,000 based on experience, company, skills, and location. AZB & Partners pays the highest at ₹12,00,000 - ₹40,00,000. Mumbai offers the best average at ₹9,00,000/year.
Key Takeaways — Lawyer Salary 2026
- Average salary: ₹7,00,000/year in India
- Salary range: ₹3,00,000 (entry) to ₹30,00,000 (senior)
- Highest paying: AZB & Partners at ₹12,00,000 - ₹40,00,000
- Best city: Mumbai at ₹9,00,000/year average
- Top skills: Legal Research, Contract Drafting, Litigation, Corporate Law boost salary by 20-40%
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the single biggest factor affecting Lawyer salary in India. Here's how salary scales from fresher to senior level, based on market data from 2026.
Pro tip: Lawyer professionals who switch companies every 2-3 years see 30-50% salary jumps compared to 8-15% annual increments at the same company.
Lawyer Salary at Top Companies
Company choice significantly impacts salary. Product companies and MNCs typically pay 2-3x more than service companies for the same role and experience level.
AZB & Partners
Highest₹12,00,000 - ₹40,00,000
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
₹12,00,000 - ₹38,00,000
Khaitan & Co
₹10,00,000 - ₹35,00,000
Trilegal
₹10,00,000 - ₹30,00,000
Shardul Amarchand
₹11,00,000 - ₹35,00,000
JSA (J Sagar Associates)
₹8,00,000 - ₹25,00,000
S&R Associates
₹9,00,000 - ₹28,00,000
Lawyer Salary by City
Location plays a key role in determining salary. Metro cities with higher cost of living and more tech companies offer 15-30% higher packages.
Skills That Boost Lawyer Salary
Professionals with these in-demand skills earn 20-40% more than their peers. Include these in your resume to target higher-paying roles.
Resume tip: Include these skills in your resume's skills section AND naturally within your experience bullet points. ATS systems scan for keyword frequency and context.
How to Negotiate a Higher Lawyer Salary
Most Lawyer professionals leave 10-30% salary on the table by not negotiating. Here are proven strategies to maximize your offer.
Research before the interview
Use this salary data to know the market rate. If offered below ₹7,00,000, you have data to counter.
Never share your current salary first
When asked, redirect: 'I'm looking for a role in the range of X-Y based on my skills and market rates.' Let them make the first offer.
Negotiate the total package, not just base
Include joining bonus, annual bonus, stock options (ESOPs), relocation allowance, and notice period buyout in your negotiation.
Get competing offers
Having 2-3 offers gives you the strongest negotiating position. Companies will match or beat competing packages.
Time your job switch strategically
Switch during appraisal season (March-April) or after a strong performance review. Use your increment as leverage for a higher base at the new company.
Build high-demand skills
Skills like Legal Research, Contract Drafting, Litigation command premium salaries. Invest 6-12 months in upskilling before switching.
Common mistake: Accepting the first offer without negotiating. 87% of employers expect candidates to negotiate. You won't lose an offer by asking professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lawyer salary in India?
The average lawyer salary in India is ₹7,00,000 per annum. Freshers at top tier-1 law firms earn ₹12-15 LPA, while partners at elite firms can earn ₹1-2 crore per annum.
Which law firms pay the highest salary in India?
AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, and Shardul Amarchand are among the highest-paying law firms, offering ₹12-15 LPA to fresh NLU graduates.
Is law a good career in India?
Yes, if you graduate from a top NLU (NLSIU, NALSAR, NLU Delhi). Corporate law, M&A, IP law, and tech law are high-growth areas. Litigation careers take longer to build but can be very rewarding.
Build Your Lawyer Resume — Target Higher Salary
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