If you are a law graduate looking to commence your career at a reputable law firm, you must be curious about the top options in India. Which law firms lead the industry in terms of work quality, compensation, and growth prospects? Where do the country's biggest corporations and notable lawyers go when in need of legal counsel?
Some of the biggest law firms in India including Khaitan & Co, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, Trilegal, Cyril Amarchand Mangaladas, Luthra & Luthra have consistently proven to be among the top players in India’s legal landscape.
These large firms handle a diverse portfolio of corporate clients and complex business matters.
From industry-leading merger and acquisition advisories to nuanced litigation support, some of the powerhouse law firms equipped with hundreds of expert lawyers at their disposal now feature prominently on the radars of global corporations, domestic bigwigs as well as policymakers.
For ambitious law professionals seeking to work with top-notch lawyers on high-stakes deals and cases, pursuing a career at some of the most prominent and biggest law firms in India could be highly rewarding.
In this blog, let us know about the top 11 law behemoths which are go-to addresses for best-in-class legal counseling and representation.
What is a Law Firm?
A law firm refers to a business organization that provides legal services to clients. Law firms are usually set up as private practices or partnerships between attorneys. A law firm provides legal advice and representation to individuals, businesses, and other entities. It is typically composed of a group of lawyers, also known as attorneys, who work together to provide a wide range of legal services.
The following are key points that you should know about law firms –
Law firms can range in size from small solo practices to large multinational partnerships with hundreds of attorneys. They are headed by senior partners called managing partners.
Law firms specialize in various practice areas like corporate law, litigation, real estate, family law, immigration etc. Larger firms may have dedicated departments for each practice area.
In addition to providing consultation and representation in legal matters, law firms also assist with documentation, contracts, IP protection, regulatory compliance and other legal work related to their clients.
Law firms represent both individual and corporate clients on civil and criminal cases. Large corporate clients include businesses, non-profits and governments. Individual clients seek services for personal legal needs.
Law firms earn revenue mainly through hourly billing or by charging a fixed/retainer fee from clients. Successful law firms have many high-paying long-term clients.
Attorneys or lawyers are the professionals working in a law firm who employ their legal expertise and knowledge of the law to resolve clients' issues by various means like negotiations, arbitration or litigation.
Law firms play a vital role in society by providing access to legal expertise and furthering the interests of their clients through skilled advocacy and representation. They ensure smooth functioning of the legal system.
List of 11 Prestigious Law Firms In India
Prestigious law firms, from long-standing institutions like Khaitan & Co. to new giants such as Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., continue to dominate India’s legal landscape. Specializing in diverse areas from corporate law and intellectual property to mergers & acquisitions, litigation and media law, these firms have the brightest legal talent, handling high-profile cases. As a law student or professional looking to build your legal acumen, these biggest law firms in India are just the right nurturing ground to hone your skills one “case” at a time.
The following is the list of 11 biggest law firms in India in 2024, recognized for their expertise, size, and influence within the Indian legal market –
1. Khaitan & Co.
Year of Establishment: 1911
Headquarters: Kolkata
Ranking: Top 5
Total Partners: ~152
Total Lawyers: ~700
Associate Salary: ₹7 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹45 lakhs to ₹70 lakhs
Specialization: Arbitration, Capital Markets, Aviation, Banking & Finance, Competition/Anti-Trust, Corporate M&A, Litigation, Real Estate, Shipping, Private Equity, Projects & Infrastructure, Tax, Investment Funds and Private Clients.
Established in 1911 by Debi Prasad Khaitan, Khaitan & Co. has grown into one of India's largest and most respected law firms.
They provide a comprehensive range of legal services including mergers and acquisitions, dispute resolution, and tax regulation.
Their extensive expertise covers sectors like corporate law, real estate, and banking, making them a trusted advisor for both domestic and international clients.
The firm is known for handling complex legal issues with a strategic approach, ensuring effective outcomes for their clients.
2. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
Year of Establishment: 2015
Headquarters: New Delhi
Ranking: Top 5
Total Partners: ~120
Total Lawyers: ~600
Associate Salary: ₹16 lakhs to ₹48 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore
Specialization: Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Capital Markets
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., established in 2015, is a split from the previously established Amarchand Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co. As a relatively new but robust entity, they offer specialized services in private equity, venture capital, and capital markets. The firm has quickly become one of the top tier law firms in India, recognized for their strategic legal solutions and their capacity to handle complex transactions and disputes across various industries.
3. Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
Year of Establishment: 2015
Headquarters: Mumbai
Ranking: Top 5
Total Partners: ~130
Total Lawyers: ~750
Associate Salary: ₹17.7 lakhs to ₹35.2 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹80 lakhs to ₹2 crore
Specialization: Full-service
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, born from the legacy of Amarchand Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co., was established in 2015. It has quickly cemented its place in the Indian legal landscape, particularly known for its high-stakes corporate mergers and acquisitions. With over 130 partners, they provide services in dispute resolution, banking and finance, and corporate law. The firm is a preferred legal consultant for major conglomerates like Tata Group and Reliance Industries.
Also, Checkout the List of Highest Paying Law Firms In India
4. Anand and Anand
Year of Establishment: 1979
Headquarters: Noida
Ranking: Top 10
Total Partners: ~30
Total Lawyers: ~300
Associate Salary: ₹5.4 lakhs to ₹12.7 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹60 lakhs to ₹1.2 crore
Specialization: Intellectual Property
Founded in 1979 by Nawal Kishore Anand, Anand and Anand is a pioneer in intellectual property law in India. The firm has a large team of specialists across offices in major Indian cities, dedicated to protecting and enforcing patents, copyrights, and trademarks for their clients. They are particularly known for their aggressive litigation strategies and strong advocacy in IP law, helping clients secure their creative and innovative assets.
5. Luthra & Luthra
Year of Establishment: 1990
Headquarters: New Delhi
Ranking: Top 10
Total Partners: ~55
Total Lawyers: ~300
Associate Salary: ₹8 lakhs to ₹18.5 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹60 lakhs to ₹1 crore
Specialization: Full-service
Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, established in 1989 by Rajiv Krishnan, shines in areas such as joint ventures, IP rights, and corporate restructuring. The firm is recognized for its in-depth knowledge and innovative solutions in managing complex legal challenges. They provide strategic advice on corporate and commercial law, capital markets, and project finance, making them a key player in the Indian legal sector.
Know Best 8 IPR Law Firms in India for Intellectual Property Protection
6. Vaish Associates
Year of Establishment: 1971
Headquarters: New Delhi
Ranking: Top 20
Total Partners: ~30
Total Lawyers: ~100
Associate Salary: ₹3.8 lakhs to ₹15.1 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹60 lakhs to ₹1.2 crore
Specialization: Tax, M&A
Vaish Associates was established in 1917 and offers expertise in tax law, corporate restructuring, and joint ventures. Known for its meticulous approach to deal structuring and due diligence, the firm has a significant track record in handling high-profile mergers and acquisitions. They are distinguished by their strategic tax planning and compliance services, which are essential for businesses operating in the complex regulatory environments of India.
7. AZB & Partners
Year of Establishment: 2004
Headquarters: Mumbai
Ranking: Top 5
Total Partners: ~100
Total Lawyers: ~400
Associate Salary: ₹16 lakhs to ₹38 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹80 lakhs to ₹3 crore
Specialization Arbitration, Corporate M&A, Competition/Anti-Trust, Litigation, Projects & Infrastructure, Private Equity, Real Estate, Tax, Funds Practice, Micro-Finance, Derivatives, IP, Regulatory Practice & Securities Laws, Media & Entertainment, etc.
Founded in 2004 by Ajay Bahl, Zia Mody, and Bahram N. Vakil, AZB & Partners is renowned for its expertise in corporate governance, loan agreements, and tax regulations. The firm has a solid reputation for its detailed and strategic approach to handling a range of legal issues, especially in financial transactions and real estate. AZB & Partners is also known for its strength in sectors like technology, media, and telecommunication.
Are you planning to join one of these bigwig law firms in India? The Legal School in collaboration with IndusLaw has created a unique 6-month program for a Certification in Mergers & Acquisitions for fresh law graduates as well as professionals looking to advance in their careers! Enquire now for details!
8. Ahlawat & Associates
Year of Establishment: 1978
Headquarters: New Delhi
Ranking: Not Available
Total Partners: ~20
Total Lawyers: ~50
Associate Salary: ₹5 lakhs to ₹18 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹45 lakhs to ₹1.2 crore
Specialization Corporate Law
Ahlawat & Associates, operational since 1978, has built a reputation for comprehensive services in foreign direct investments and compliance with data privacy regulations. The firm serves both corporate and individual clients with a deep understanding of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, alongside robust litigation and dispute resolution services.
Also, Know Who are the Best Female Lawyers in India
9. Trilegal India
Year of Establishment: 2000
Headquarters: New Delhi
Ranking: Top 10
Total Partners: ~50
Total Lawyers: ~300
Associate Salary: ₹14 lakhs to ₹23.5 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹70 lakhs to ₹2.5 crore
Specialization: Full-service
Trilegal, founded in 2000, has become a standout law firm known for its expertise in capital markets, corporate and commercial disputes, and competition law. Their innovative solutions and involvement in some of India’s biggest deals, such as Vodafone’s acquisition, have cemented their reputation as a top firm in the region.
10. J. Sagar Associates
Year of Establishment: 1991
Headquarters: Gurugram
Ranking: Top 10
Total Partners: ~93
Total Lawyers: ~320
Associate Salary: ₹6.6 lakhs to ₹32.8 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹75 lakhs to ₹3 crore
Specialization: Corporate Compliance, Capital Markets & Securities, Anti-Corruption & Investigation, General Corporate Commercial, Dispute Resolution, M&A and Private Equity, Regulatory & Policy, Tax and Customs & Trade
Established in 1991 by Jyoti Sagar, J. Sagar Associates offers legal expertise in joint ventures, regulatory compliance, and international trade agreements. They are known for their strategic legal advice and ability to handle major infrastructure projects and high-profile acquisitions, making them one of the leading legal firms in Delhi and beyond.
11. Kochhar & Co.
Year of Establishment: 1994
Headquarters: New Delhi
Ranking: Top 20
Total Partners: ~30
Total Lawyers: ~200
Associate Salary: ₹6 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
Partner Salary: ₹50 lakhs to ₹1.5 crore
Specialization: Full-service
Founded in 1994 by Rohit Kochhar, Kochhar & Co. specializes in regulatory compliance, joint ventures, and corporate governance. The firm is acclaimed for its ability to navigate complex legal issues and deliver successful outcomes in high-stake corporate transactions and litigation. Their expertise also extends to white-collar crime investigations, making them a go-to firm for serious legal challenges.
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Biggest Law Firms in India FAQs
Q1. What are some of the top law firms in India?
Some of the top law firms in India based on size, experience and reputation include Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., AZB & Partners, Trilegal, JSA, Luthra & Luthra, S&R Associates and Vaish Associates.
Q2. Which law firms pay the highest salaries?
Firms like Shardul Amarchand, Trilegal, Khaitan & Co. and AZB & Partners are known to offer the highest salaries upwards of Rs. 20-40 lakhs per annum for experienced attorneys. New recruits can expect to earn between Rs. 6-15 lakhs depending on qualifications and experience.
Q3. What kind of cases do these law firms handle?
Top law firms work on a wide range of transactional and litigation matters including M&As, private equity, banking & finance, real estate, competition law, tax, intellectual property etc. for large domestic and multinational corporations.
Q4. What are the career growth prospects in top law firms?
Excellent career growth in terms of responsibility, salary hikes, learning opportunities and frequent rotations across practice areas. Associates are groomed to become partners within 7-10 years based on performance.
Q5. Where are most of the biggest law firms in India located?
Most top law firms are headquartered in Delhi NCR or Mumbai with multiple branch offices across major cities for better outreach and client servicing. However, some have primary offices in Bengaluru or Kolkata as well.
Q6. What are the key skills required to work in these firms?
Strong research and analytical ability, flawless written and oral communication, problem-solving approach, client servicing attitude, linguistic proficiency, commitment to work under pressure and willingness to learn are some crucial skills valued by top law firms.
