India's Legal Paradox: Why 98% of Law Grads Aren't Hitting the Big Jobs

India's legal sector is booming with a massive $16.7 billion industry by 2025! With a thriving economy, new regulations, and foreign investment pouring in, one may expect law graduates to be walking into dream jobs. But here is the problem: a recent Live mint article reveals that an astounding 98% of Indian law graduates are not landing roles at the country's top firms.  

 

What is going on? 

At Presidency University’s School of Law, where the focus is not just on degrees but outcomes—including 100% placements—we understand that the issue is not simply quantity, but quality. Here's what top recruiters really want—and why many graduates fall short: 

So, why are so many aspiring legal graduates being left behind? 

 

The "Employability Gap": What Firms Want  

 

1. 1. Practical Skills, Not Just Textbooks:

Forget just memorizing laws! Top firms need lawyers who can do the job from day one. We are talking about real-world skills like conducting thorough legal research, drafting precise documents, arguing cases effectively, and communicating clearly with clients. Many law schools, unfortunately, are still stuck in theory-land, leaving these crucial practical abilities underdeveloped. 

 

2. 2. Business Insight is Key:

Modern law is not just about reading old statutes; it is deeply intertwined with business. Firms want graduates who understand how companies operate, can crunch financial data, and provide advice that genuinely helps clients achieve their commercial goals. This "pro-business" mindset is often a major blind spot for new lawyers. 

 

3. 3. The Power of "Soft Skills":

Recruiters consistently highlight "soft skills"- communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability- as huge differentiators. Yet, these are frequently overlooked in traditional legal education. 

 

4. 4. Specialization is the New Norm:

While a general law degree is a good start, the legal sector is becoming incredibly specialized. Top firms are often on the hunt for candidates with at least an interest, if not some basic knowledge, in niche areas like intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, or cybersecurity law. Being a generalist just is not enough anymore. 

 

5. 5. Real-World Exposure:

Internships and mock trials are helpful, but many graduates lack enough true exposure to the daily working of a top firm. Understanding firm culture, managing client expectations, and handling high-pressure situations – these are things one learns by doing, not just by reading. 

 

 

Bridging the Divide: It is a Team Effort 

 This is not just about students needing to "do better." It is a collective responsibility involving several key players: 

 

Law Schools: It is time for a curriculum revision! More practical training, skill-building workshops, and real-world case studies are essential. A good internship with law firms and guest lectures from those whoring in the filed would be a notable change. 

 

Students: Be proactive! Beyond good grades, actively seeking internships, competing in mock court, joining legal aid clinics, and consciously work on one’s soft skills is the need of the hour. Networking and finding mentors can open doors one never knew existed.  

 

Law Firms: While maintaining lofty standards, firms can also invest more in structured training, mentorship programs, and clear career paths for new recruits.  

 

The Industry & Academia: Regular dialogue, joint research, and regular feedback between legal professionals and educational institutions are crucial to ensure legal education stays aligned with industry needs. 

 

Presidency School of Law curriculum integrates case-based learning, legal clinics, internships, and experiential workshops, equipping students with real-world capabilities. 

 

The Future of Indian Legal Talent 

This situation presents both a challenge and a massive opportunity for the law graduates in India. For the law graduates to truly capitalize on its booming legal sector, we need to nurture a generation of highly skilled, employment-ready legal professionals. With 100% placements across key specializations and continuous skill development initiatives, Presidency School of Law is preparing students not just for their first job—but for leadership in India’s evolving legal ecosystem. 

 

By addressing these fundamental issues, we can ensure that the upcoming generation of Indian law graduates is not just knowledgeable, but truly capable of contributing to the booming legal industry.  

 

 

Written by, 

Dr. Astha Khare, Assistant Prof. (Senior Scale), PSOL