Law Internship Stipends in India: What Firms Actually Pay (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)
One honest fact up front: there is no single "average stipend" for a law internship in India — the gap between a litigation chamber paying nothing and a top-tier corporate firm paying ₹30,000 a month for the same duration is enormous, and depends heavily on firm size, city, practice area, and which year of law school you're in. Rather than inventing an average that would be misleading, this guide sets out specific, sourced figures for named firm types so you can calibrate expectations honestly.
Top-tier corporate law firms
Reported figures vary by firm: AZB & Partners' Mumbai office has been reported paying around ₹10,000/month to most interns, with a notably higher ₹30,000/month specifically for candidates on the Government Law College (Mumbai) A0-recruitment track. Trilegal has been reported paying around ₹16,000/month, with TDS deducted for shorter internships. These figures shift over time and by office/practice group — always confirm the current figure directly with the firm rather than relying on a guide like this one for an exact number before accepting an offer.
Mid-size firms
Mid-size firms generally fall in a ₹5,000-₹15,000/month range for students from well-regarded law schools, though this varies significantly by firm, city, and how competitive the internship cycle is that particular season. Some mid-size firms match top-tier pay for standout candidates; others offer little beyond a token amount or none at all, especially outside the four or five biggest legal markets.
Litigation chambers — pay is the exception, not the rule
Individual advocates and smaller litigation chambers — especially outside the metros — very often pay little to nothing. This is widely acknowledged across the profession, and the value proposition is different: direct court exposure, drafting experience, and mentorship rather than income. Some well-established Senior Advocates' chambers and larger litigation firms do pay a stipend, but it's the exception rather than the norm, and worth clarifying directly before committing to an unpaid multi-month stint if income matters to your situation.
In-house, NGO and clerkship stipends
Company in-house legal teams at large corporates sometimes match or exceed mid-size law firm stipends for a structured internship programme, though openings are less frequent than at firms. NGOs and legal aid organisations typically pay modest stipends or none, reflecting their funding model rather than the value of the work. Judicial clerkships vary by court and scheme — some carry a government-set stipend, others are unpaid, and terms are usually longer than a typical firm internship.
Frequently asked
- Do all Tier-1 law firms pay the same stipend?
- No — reported figures for named Tier-1 firms range roughly from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000/month depending on the firm, office, and recruitment track. There is no single fixed industry rate, and figures change over time, so confirm directly with the firm before an offer.
- Is it worth doing an unpaid litigation internship?
- Many successful litigators started with unpaid chamber internships — the exposure and mentorship can matter more early on than the stipend, especially if you're set on a litigation career. Whether it makes sense for you depends on your financial situation and career goals; it's a real trade-off, not a universal yes.
- Does city matter more than firm size for stipend amount?
- Firm size and tier generally matter more than city alone — a Tier-1 firm's Delhi and Mumbai offices tend to pay similarly, while a small local firm in either city may pay far less than a national firm's regional office.
Reference only — not legal advice. Verify with the official bare act and consult an advocate.
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