Law is one of the most respected and prestigious professions in India, but it’s not an easy career to build. Many of the most influential lawyers in the country come from humble beginnings and have worked tirelessly to become successful.
Their journeys are marked by dedication, hard work, and a desire to bring about justice in society.
1. Ram Jethmalani (Criminal Law)
- Career Start: Ram Jethmalani was born in Sindh (now in Pakistan) and became a lawyer at just 17, defying the traditional age limits for legal practice. After Partition, he moved to India and set up practice in Bombay.
- Career Highlights: Known for taking on controversial cases, Jethmalani defended clients in several high-profile criminal cases, including underworld figures and politicians. His defense in the Nanavati case in 1959 brought him national fame.
- Legacy: Jethmalani was renowned for his sharp legal mind, fearless defense tactics, and a career that spanned seven decades. He served as India’s Law Minister and Member of Parliament and was widely respected for his expertise in criminal law.
2. Fali Sam Nariman (Constitutional Law)
- Career Start: Nariman started his career at the Bombay High Court in 1950. He quickly built a reputation for his legal acumen, especially in constitutional law.
- Career Highlights: His work in the Kesavananda Bharati case helped establish the “Basic Structure Doctrine,” shaping Indian constitutional jurisprudence. He also served as Solicitor General of India in 1972, but resigned during the Emergency in protest against the government’s actions.
- Legacy: Nariman is regarded as one of India’s foremost constitutional experts and a staunch defender of human rights. His contributions to constitutional law are foundational, and he continues to inspire lawyers and jurists with his integrity and brilliance.
3. Harish Salve (International and Corporate Law)
- Career Start: Salve initially pursued chartered accountancy before switching to law, following in the footsteps of his father, N. K. P. Salve, a noted lawyer. He started his legal career in the early 1980s.
- Career Highlights: Salve’s big break came when he represented the government in several key tax and corporate law cases. His international fame grew when he successfully represented India at the International Court of Justice in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case against Pakistan.
- Legacy: Harish Salve is considered one of the top corporate and international lawyers in India. His success in corporate law, taxation, and international arbitration has earned him a spot as one of the most influential legal figures globally.
4. Indira Jaising (Human Rights and Gender Equality)
- Career Start: Jaising began her career in Mumbai after earning her law degree in the 1960s. She was driven by a desire to use law as a tool for social change, particularly for women’s rights.
- Career Highlights: Jaising became the first woman to be designated as a Senior Advocate by the Bombay High Court in 1986. She was a key player in landmark cases such as Mary Roy (which secured inheritance rights for Christian women) and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy case. She also served as Additional Solicitor General of India.
- Legacy: Jaising is celebrated for her tireless advocacy for human rights, gender equality, and social justice. Her work has not only shaped legal outcomes but has also inspired a new generation of women lawyers in India.
5. K. Parasaran (Public Interest and Constitutional Law)
- Career Start: Parasaran started his legal career in the 1950s in Tamil Nadu, eventually moving to the Supreme Court. His early career was marked by his deep understanding of constitutional law.
- Career Highlights: Parasaran served as the Attorney General of India during the 1980s and was involved in key public interest cases, including the landmark Ayodhya land dispute case, where he represented the Hindu side. He was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
- Legacy: Parasaran’s expertise in constitutional and public interest law has left an indelible mark on Indian jurisprudence. His calm demeanor and profound understanding of the Constitution have made him a revered figure in the legal community.
6. Mukul Rohatgi (Government and Corporate Law)
- Career Start: Rohatgi began his career in the early 1970s, practicing in the Delhi High Court. He quickly made a name for himself with his strong grasp of corporate and constitutional law.
- Career Highlights: As Attorney General of India, Rohatgi played a key role in some of the most significant legal battles of the decade, including the decriminalization of homosexuality under Section 377 and the Aadhaar case. His arguments in various high-stakes corporate and government cases have established him as one of the country’s leading advocates.
- Legacy: Rohatgi’s legal expertise, especially in representing the government and large corporations, has positioned him as one of India’s top lawyers. His contributions to government litigation and corporate law are widely acknowledged.
7. Soli Sorabjee (Civil Liberties and Constitutional Law)
- Career Start: Sorabjee began his career in the 1950s in Bombay, where he quickly gained a reputation for his civil rights advocacy.
- Career Highlights: Sorabjee served twice as the Attorney General of India, and his work in defending free speech and civil liberties made him a legal icon. He argued for freedom of the press and defended human rights in landmark cases like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India.
- Legacy: Sorabjee’s career is a testament to the power of law in defending civil liberties. His contributions to human rights and constitutional law remain influential, and his work continues to inspire defenders of free speech in India.
8. Gopal Subramanium (Corporate and Arbitration Law)
- Career Start: Subramanium began practicing law in the 1980s, and his work in corporate litigation quickly brought him recognition.
- Career Highlights: He served as the Solicitor General of India, during which he argued several critical cases before the Supreme Court. Subramanium is also known for his role in arbitration, where he has become one of India’s most respected arbitrators in commercial disputes.
- Legacy: Subramanium’s contributions to corporate law, arbitration, and constitutional matters have established him as one of the country’s foremost legal experts. His work has left a lasting impact on corporate governance and dispute resolution.
9. Pinky Anand (Family Law and Gender Rights)
- Career Start: Anand began her career in the 1980s, with a focus on family law and gender rights, areas that were traditionally male-dominated.
- Career Highlights: Anand served as the Additional Solicitor General of India and became known for her advocacy in family law, gender equality, and women’s rights cases. She has represented numerous high-profile clients and played a key role in reforming family law to better protect women.
- Legacy: Anand has been a vocal advocate for legal reforms that promote gender justice. Her work has empowered women in the legal profession and inspired changes in family law that benefit women across India.
10. Arvind Datar (Taxation and Constitutional Law)
- Career Start: Datar began practicing in the Madras High Court in the 1980s, with a specialization in taxation and constitutional law.
- Career Highlights: Datar’s expertise in tax law and his arguments in the Vodafone tax case brought him national prominence. He has authored several authoritative texts on tax law and constitutional law, becoming a highly respected figure in these fields.
- Legacy: Datar is widely regarded as a top taxation expert in India. His deep understanding of both taxation and constitutional issues has made him one of the most sought-after lawyers for high-profile financial and constitutional cases.
