Pune: The legal field is witnessing remarkable growth as opportunities in various sectors expand. Aspiring to become judges and public prosecutors and understanding specialized laws in different domains, students are increasingly opting for legal education.
The number of lawyers registered with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa has risen by 77% from 2020 to the end of 2024, with an addition of 66,883 lawyers over the past five years. The shift from traditional civil and criminal practice to diverse legal opportunities in corporate organizations, consulting firms, and other establishments has led to a surge in demand for legal professionals.
Registration Statistics Over Five Years
A significant increase in lawyer registrations has been observed:
2020: 8,934
2021: 14,821
2022: 13,788
2023: 13,482
2024: 15,858
Educational Insights
India hosts 1,700 law colleges, with nearly 2 lakh students pursuing law annually. Maharashtra sees 50,000 aspirants appearing for the law CET each year, with 23,000 securing admissions in its colleges. Pune alone has 50 law colleges catering to this growing demand.
The rise in student numbers is attributed to emerging opportunities in competitive exams, private-sector roles, and the practical exposure provided during internships under the CBCS system. However, senior advocates highlight the need for increased mentorship to enhance the quality of practicing lawyers.
The soaring costs of education abroad and challenges in starting practice immediately in countries like the US have also made India an attractive destination for legal careers.