Litigation and Gender Disparities
During my first-year internship at a district court, I experienced the hostile and unwelcoming environment often reported by women in litigation. Women lawyers were sidelined in courtrooms, relegated to tasks like requesting adjournments or pass-overs. Male counterparts were favored for responsibilities involving registry work or police station visits. A clerk once advised me to abandon law altogether in favor of banking exams or judicial services, underscoring the gender bias entrenched in the profession. Basic facilities like women’s washrooms were absent, adding to the uninviting environment. Such experiences discourage women from pursuing litigation and push them toward law firms or corporate roles where gender equity is more likely to be observed.
Law School Culture and Preparation
Law schools, particularly National Law Universities (NLUs) and private institutions, often mold students for careers in law firms rather than litigation. Placement committees focus on preparing students for firm internships, and law firms frequently sponsor moot court and ADR competitions. This focus creates a culture that glorifies corporate legal careers. As Assistant Professor Arushi Bajpai from Jindal Global Law School notes, law schools lack exposure to real-world litigation practice, which could otherwise balance students’ career choices.
Access to Internships and Networking Disparities
Internships are pivotal for career decisions. While law firms streamline their hiring processes through portals and college tie-ups, litigation offices often rely on references, leaving first-generation lawyers at a disadvantage. Kartavi Satyarthi, a Senior Resident Fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, highlights the irregularities in litigation hiring processes, including inconsistent payment structures and the absence of grievance redressal mechanisms, making litigation less appealing.
Economic Pressures and Rising Costs
The high costs of legal education, coupled with living expenses in metropolitan cities, significantly influence career choices. A stipend of ₹5,000–₹20,000 in litigation cannot cover basic expenses, let alone student loan repayments. Rajeev Rambhatla, a Partner at Luthra & Luthra, emphasizes that students spend upwards of ₹2 lakhs annually on law school, making the financial viability of litigation untenable for many. Sakshi Mishra, a former litigation lawyer, shares that insufficient pay forced her to leave litigation for a corporate role that could sustain her in Delhi.
Changing Career Preferences and Instant Gratification
Law students today, shaped by an era of instant gratification, are less inclined to invest the time and effort litigation demands. Law firm jobs, with structured training and immediate financial rewards, appeal to this mindset. As Ms. Bajpai observes, the perceived prestige and work-life balance of corporate jobs further sway students.
Challenges Even for Veteran Litigators
Even experienced litigators face challenges in achieving financial stability. Many advocates with 5–10 years of experience are unpaid or only receive basic allowances like meals. This contrasts sharply with the structured growth and incremental income seen in law firms. Mr. Rambhatla notes that while a decade in litigation may not guarantee success, the same time in a law firm offers visible career progression.
Litigation: A Long-Term Investment
Despite the challenges, some advocates emphasize the long-term rewards of litigation. Likitha Avare, an LLM student at MNLU Aurangabad, believes career choices should align with personal passion and commitment. She notes that while litigation demands perseverance, it can yield long-term satisfaction and success for those who remain dedicated.