Last Saturday saw the degrees of BA, BL (Hons) and LLM being conferred on students of Nalsar (National Academy of Legal Studies and Research) University of Law, Hyderabad.

Incidentally, it also revealed a trend, as far as legal studies is concerned. Many of the students who passed out of the university have opted for the corporate world instead of joining the Bar. A number of them also decided to move out to Delhi or Mumbai instead of staying put in Hyderabad.

According to Geetanjali Swamy, a degree holder, "Hyderabad does not offer much scope as compared to cities like Delhi and Mumbai when it comes to law." Swamy has joined P&A Law Offices in New Delhi and, according to her batchmates, is one of the highest paid from their batch.

Aysswarya Murthi, who has joined Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co in Mumbai, says one can start earning between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 per month at the Bar; salaries in the corporate world tend to higher.

According to a university press note, the pay packages of students recruited by law firms range from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 9 lakh per annum.

"Besides, you tend to become a frog in the well if you work in Hyderabad as the action, in terms of legal issues, lies in Delhi and Mumbai," she says, adding that, at the Bar, it is difficult and time-consuming to establish oneself if you don't have a lineage.

Swathi Sukumar, who has joined Anand and Anand Advocates in Delhi, minces no words when she points out that Delhi and Mumbai pay 30 per cent higher salary as compared to law firms in Hyderabad. 

However, there are a few like Mytri Indukuru, who have decided not to move out of the city. She has joined Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co in Hyderabad and brushes aside comments regarding the lack of scope for law professionals in Hyderabad.

"Quality work is outsourced even to Hyderabad from our offices in Delhi and Mumbai. Besides, the pay is not a major issue for me as I am living with my parents and do not have to run the house single-handedly," she adds. Ask her about the reason for joining the corporate world instead of the Bar and she says she likes corporate law.

Karan Talwar turns out to be the odd one out; he has joined the Bar in Hyderabad and has no qualms about his decision. "Working at the Bar gives you experience that is crucial for a person joining the legal field. The gestation period is definitely long here but it gives you work satisfaction," he says.

Talwar admits that sometimes you even start with no pay when you join the Bar but adds that the returns can be greater in the long run.