One Exam, Many Careers: What You Can Do After Clearing CLAT or SLAT

Law entrance exams like CLAT and SLAT are gateways to some of the most prestigious law schools in India. But while many students think of law only in terms of courts and judges, the truth is far broader. A law degree today opens doors to a diverse range of careers—some traditional, some unconventional, but all powerful.

In this blog, we’ll explore the variety of career paths available after cracking these exams, so you can plan your journey more smartly and with purpose.

Understanding CLAT and SLAT: Your First Step

Before we dive into careers, it’s important to know what CLAT and SLAT are.

• CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is the national-level entrance exam for admission to 26 NLUs (National Law Universities).

  
  

• SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test) is conducted by Symbiosis International University for entry into its law schools like SLS Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, and Nagpur.

  
  

Both exams test students in English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques. Cracking either one gives you entry into a rigorous 5-year law program—your launching pad to an exciting legal career.

Traditional Legal Careers After Law School

1 . Litigation (Practicing Lawyer)

This is the most visible legal career. After graduation and enrollment with a State Bar Council, you can begin practicing law under a senior lawyer or independently in the district courts, High Courts, or Supreme Court. It takes time, patience, and networking, but it offers high respect and long-term rewards.

2 . Judicial Services (Becoming a Judge)

Many law graduates prepare for the Judiciary Exams conducted by state public service commissions. You can become a Civil Judge (Junior Division) and later progress to higher judicial services. This career is ideal for those who enjoy legal interpretation, public service, and administrative responsibilities.

3 . Corporate Lawyer

Corporate law is one of the most lucrative fields. MNCs, startups, and law firms hire legal graduates to handle contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance matters. Working in the corporate world offers high salaries, structured work hours, and long-term stability.

Non-Traditional and Emerging Legal Careers

1 . Legal Journalism

For students who love writing, legal journalism is a growing field. You can work with media houses, online legal news platforms, or create your own blog or YouTube channel analyzing landmark judgments, current affairs, and legal reforms.

2 . Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

IPR has become a booming field due to the growth in technology, media, and innovation. Lawyers in this domain work with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and design protection. You may also work with entertainment companies or tech startups.

Students appearing for the CLAT exam often overlook these emerging careers, but in reality, areas like IPR and Tech Law offer exciting, well-paying options with global exposure.

3 . Legal Tech and Startups

With AI and tech revolutionizing every industry, even law is going digital. Legal tech companies develop software for legal research, documentation, and case management. A background in law can make you a valuable asset in such ventures.

Government Services and Public Policy

1 . UPSC and State Services

Many law graduates prepare for UPSC (Civil Services Exam) or State Public Service Exams. The knowledge of law gives you an edge in paper-II (Governance and Constitution) and in interviews. Careers like IAS, IPS, and IFS offer power, prestige, and impact.

2 . Policy Making and Legal Think Tanks

If you're passionate about law and social change, working with think tanks, NGOs, or government policy boards is a meaningful option. Legal advisors here work on laws related to gender, environment, education, and more.

Check this also: Last 30 Days Strategy for Law Entrance Exams 2026

Academia and Research

Teaching law is another respectable and rewarding option. After graduation, you can pursue LLM and Ph.D., and become a professor at top law colleges. Legal research roles are also available with institutions like the Indian Law Institute, NITI Aayog, or private foundations.

International Opportunities

Law opens global doors as well. Some students choose to appear for foreign bar exams like the New York Bar after earning an LLM abroad. Others work with international organizations like the United Nations, Amnesty International, or World Bank in legal advisory roles.

Freelancing and Consulting

Law graduates today are not bound by traditional job structures. Many opt for freelancing in legal content writing, contractual legal work, or independent consulting in areas like HR law, data privacy, and cybersecurity law.

Entrepreneurship in Law

Some lawyers turn entrepreneurs. They open their own law firms, start legal education platforms, or build legal tech startups. The market for online law courses, contract templates, and legal consulting is growing rapidly, especially among small businesses and startups.

Real-World Examples

• Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju: Known for fighting the Section 377 case, showing how law can drive social reform.

• Mehak Gupta: A law graduate who became a successful legal educator on YouTube and owns her own platform.

• Karan Kalia: A corporate lawyer turned startup founder in the legal compliance space.

  
  

How to Plan Based on Your Interests

After clearing exams like SLAT or CLAT, use your law school years to explore:

• Internships in various legal fields

• Research projects and publications

• Moot courts and legal fests

• Certificate courses in niche areas like Cyber Law or Sports Law

This exploration helps you identify your strength areas—whether it’s advocacy, academia, policy, or the private sector.

If you are preparing for CLAT 2026, now is the perfect time to explore these different legal paths and align your preparation with your long-term career goals.

Final Words: The Power of One Exam

Whether you crack CLAT or SLAT, you're opening the door to a world of opportunities—some within courtrooms, others in boardrooms, media houses, classrooms, or even international NGOs. Law is not just about litigation anymore; it’s a gateway to leadership, influence, and impact across industries.

So, don’t box yourself into just one career idea. Use your law school years wisely, stay curious, and remember—one entrance exam can lead to many powerful careers.