Becoming a tax lawyer is a demanding job. It requires strong comprehension skills, as well as a lot of financial knowledge.
Then why should you consider a career in tax law? Our Founder and law firm management expert Mr. Rahul Sharma shares some reasons:
- The compensation of a tax lawyer is financially rewarding and relatively good.
- If you are interested in litigation, there are ample opportunities to represent your clients in courts from time to time.
- This is a relatively stable career path than other fields, and growth is immense.
- Since its a complex area, competition is very less.
However, it will also require to be updated with all the changes and regulations, and sometimes can be exhausting since the time-requirements are huge.
But, if you have a background in finance, this might be a great option.
HOW TO BE A TAX LAWYER IN INDIA?
Our career coach Ms. Parishkriti Atri shares the requirements for becoming a tax lawyer in India:
- The first and foremost requirement is a bachelor’s degree in law from any BCI recognized University.
- Secure an internship during your law school under a tax lawyer/firm to gain the relevant experience.
- Next, get your license to practice as an advocate by enrolling with the State Bar Council of your desired state and clearing the Bar Exam.
As expert who engage in legal recruitments on a regular basis, we are aware that in tax laws, there is a bifurcation with respect to the kind of practice one can do. Read to know more:
TAX LITIGATION VS NON- LITIGATION: AN OVERVIEW
Tax Litigation involves representing clients in disputes before various forums like Income Tax Appellate Tribunals, High Courts, and the Supreme Court. Lawyers in this field handle matters such as tax assessments, penalties, GST disputes, and international taxation controversies.
Salaries typically start from ₹4-6 LPA for entry-level associates and can grow significantly to ₹20-25 LPA or more for senior litigators.
The career path offers independence and flexibility, with opportunities to establish a private practice or work at litigation-focused law firms. Growth depends on building a robust client base, legal acumen, and courtroom expertise.
Through our VIP Boss Lawyer Programme, several of our mentees are placed in top tier firms, companies, chambers etc. Some of them have successfully transitioned into tax roles, which tells us the following about the non litigation field-
Tax Non-Litigation focuses on tax planning, advisory, compliance, and structuring for businesses and individuals. Lawyers work in corporate in-house roles, consultancy firms, or Big 4 accounting firms, dealing with indirect taxes, GST filings, cross-border tax structuring, and due diligence.
Starting salaries range from ₹6-10 LPA and can increase to ₹40 LPA or more for seasoned professionals in senior advisory roles. This field offers stable working hours, consistent corporate exposure, and opportunities to specialize in emerging areas like digital economy taxation or ESG-related tax frameworks.
Desirable Qualifications
While recruiting lawyers, we have noticed that For Tax Litigation, an LLB is mandatory, and additional qualifications like certifications in GST, Direct Taxation, or an LLM in Taxation/Constitutional Law can be a bonus, though not necessary. Membership in a State Bar Council is essential. Key skills include legal drafting, research, advocacy, and analytical reasoning, complemented by knowledge of case laws and tax statutes.
On the other hand, for Tax Non-Litigation, a combination of legal and financial expertise is valuable. While an LLB is the foundation, additional qualifications such as CA, CS, or certifications in International Taxation or Corporate Law are highly desirable. Advanced degrees like an LLM in Taxation or an MBA in Finance/Taxation can enhance career prospects. Proficiency in tax software like SAP or Tally and a strong understanding of compliance frameworks are essential for success in this domain.
TOP TAX LAW FIRMS IN INDIA
Some of the law firms rated amongst the top most tax firms in India to help you gain relevant experience, including the emails of respective HRs:
- Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan
The legal firm rated as the topmost firm in tax multiple times.
Get in touch at hrd@lakshmisri.com. For more details, check out their website here.
- Economic Laws Practice
Known for its expertise in transactional, advisory and litigation work, it is a popular choice among large corporations seeking advice relating to their domestic and cross-border transactions.
Check out the website here and email at careers@elp-in.com.
- Khaitan & Co LLP
Khaitan & Co is a multi-practice firm with its practice spread throughout the country across different fields. It has been ranked amongst the top tax firms in India.
Check out more details about their practice here. Contact them at hr@khaitanandco.com.
- Vaish Associates
Vaish associates specializes as a Tier-1 firm in tax matters. It mainly operates in Delhi, and Mumbai with its team of expert lawyers.
Check out their website here, and connect with them at delhi@vaishlaw.com.
- Nishith Desai Associates
They are known for their expertise in international tax. They are known for assisting multinational corporations and sovereign wealth funds transacting in India.
Apply here and contact at recruitment@nishithdesai.com.
- Majmudar & Partners
Majorly operating from Mumbai, this law firm handles a range of tax related matters, including cross-border tax structuring, tax litigation and indirect tax advice.
Check out their website here and contact at careers@majmudarindia.com.
- Amicus
The tax team at Amicus is known to handle a range of transfer pricing matters, including advisory, documentation, representation and tax controversy management services.
Check out their internships and job forms here.
- Induslaw
A full-service law firm with recognitions in the IP sector.
Contact at careers@induslaw.com. For more details, check out their website here.
- Phoenix Legal
The firm is known for its dealings in tax matters and operates through its offices in major locations across PAN India.
Check out their website here, and connect with them at hr@phoenixlegal.in
- Fox Mandal & Associates
With a roster of some of the greatest clients, Fox & Mandal is known as one of the topmost law firms in taxation in India.
Check out their website here, and connect with them at hr@foxmandal.in and internships@foxmandal.co.in
Do you wish to become a tax lawyer but finding it difficult to start?
Let our expert Founders help you! Please go through our previous success stories and our services to know more.
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Wish to get hired? Schedule a call with us and get effective career guidance!
Contact our team at teamneetishastra@gmail.com and founders@neetishastra.co.in
Note: This blog reflects our professional insights and experience as a career coach and legal recruiter with nearly five years of expertise in the field. While we endeavor to provide accurate and up-to-date information, including details about firms and opportunities, readers are advised to independently verify all information before making any decisions. For tailored career guidance that aligns with your specific goals, we invite you to reach out directly. Please note that any reliance on the information provided herein is at your sole discretion, and we are not liable for any outcomes arising from its use.
By Parishkriti Atri
Parishkriti is a legal recruiter and a career coach. In her free time, she loves napping and gorging on chinese food.