Top 10 Highest Paid Lawyer in India: Fees, Notable Cases, Achievements and More

Hiring a top lawyer can be done for a variety of reasons. Maybe they just want the assurance that their case is in capable hands, or maybe they have a complicated legal matter that calls for the knowledge of an experienced expert. But, hiring a competent lawyer would come at a high cost. There are certain well-known lawyers among the top 10 Highest Paid Lawyer in India in 2024 who bill thousands of rupees for a single court appearance

In India, there is no shortage of lawyers, and their rates vary greatly. A renowned lawyer like Harish Salve just needed to pay INR 1 to represent India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the ICJ. Additionally, some lawyers charge lakhs of rupees from their business clients for their appearance in court.

If you dream of becoming one of India's highest paid lawyer, the first step on your journey is to prepare for CLAT 2025 and secure a high score to earn a seat in one of the top NLUs. In the meantime, take a look at the list of the top 10 highest-paid lawyers in India for 2024..

List of Top 10 Highest Paid Lawyer in India

The lawyers featured in this list of Top 10 Highest Paid Lawyer in India are not only based on the amount of fees they take per hearing. But it is an area celebrated for their expertise, success rate, and the monumental cases they've handled. Their fees, high-profile clientele, and contributions to Indian law make them the most sought-after names in the legal fraternity.

List of Top 10 Highest Paid Lawyer in India

Also Read: Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid Before CLAT 2025

1. Fali S Nariman

Fali S. Nariman is widely regarded as one of India's top lawyers and a well-known Senior Advocate and former judge of the Supreme Court. He is an expert in Indian constitutional law.

In recognition of his dedication to the legal profession, Nariman received the 2018 Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration. He has also earned several other prestigious awards, further boosting his reputation and influence in India.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 10 lakh to INR 15 lakh
• Notable Cases: Fali S Nariman has been instrumental in landmark cases like the Keshavananda Bharati Case, which established the "Basic Structure Doctrine," and the Golak Nath Case, which limited Parliament's power to amend fundamental rights.
• Achievements : Fali S Nariman, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, is a renowned constitutional law expert, mentor, and leader who has shaped India's legal landscape and global arbitration standards.

2. Harish Salve

Harish Salve is one of India's wealthiest and most respected lawyers, having served as the Solicitor General of India from 1999 to 2002. He continues to practice law and is known for his expertise across various legal fields.

Salve has handled numerous high-profile Supreme Court cases, earning him the respect of both aspiring lawyers and law students. His current fees for each court appearance range from INR 6 to 15 lakh.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 12 lakh to INR 14 lakh
• Notable Cases: Vodafone tax dispute, Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice
• Achievements: Known for his expertise in constitutional law, Harish Salve is a go-to counsel for corporations and individuals involved in high-stakes disputes. He has also been conferred with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to law.

3. Gopal Subramanium

Gopal Subramaniam is one of India's wealthiest and most respected lawyeINR He has made a significant mark in the legal field and previously served as India's Solicitor General and the head of the Indian Bar Council.

At 62, Subramaniam remains active in the legal community and was honored with the National Law Day Award for Outstanding Jurist in 2009 by the Indian President, highlighting his esteemed reputation. His appearance fees range between INR 5.5 to 15 lakh. He is an alumnus of Delhi University and continues to be one of India's top lawyeINR

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 5.5 lakh to INR 15 lakh
• Notable Cases: Played pivotal roles in landmark cases such as the Parliament Attack Case, 2G Spectrum Case, Godhra Riots, and the Karnataka MLAs Disqualification Case, showcasing his legal acumen in high-profile and politically sensitive matteINR

• Achievements: A former Solicitor General of India and renowned Supreme Court advocate, is known for his expertise in constitutional law, pro bono work, and contributions to global legal forums, along with his scholarly writings and 2014 Supreme Court judgeship nomination.

4. KK Venugopal

Next on our list of top 10 advocates in India is KK Venugopal, renowned for his expertise in constitutional law and public interest litigation.

Born on September 6, 1931, in Kerala, Venugopal completed his education at Madras Christian College and later studied law at the University of Madras. He started his legal career in the early 1950s and was appointed a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India in 1972. Venugopal has served as the Attorney General of India since 2017, a role he also held briefly in the 1990s.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 8 lakh-INR 10 lakh
• Notable Cases: KK Venugopal has played a key role in landmark cases such as the Article 370 abrogation, Aadhaar, NJAC, and Nambi Narayanan case, shaping India's legal landscape in constitutional and privacy matteINR
• Achievements: KK Venugopal, Attorney General of India and Padma Vibhushan awardee, is a prominent constitutional lawyer, international advocate, and legal author, known for his ethical advocacy and significant contributions to law and legal reform.

5. Abhishek Manu Singhvi

Abhishek Manu Singhvi is a well-known name in India, recognized both as a prominent lawyer and a politician. He represents West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, and is a member of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Although his wealth is not solely from his legal career, Abhishek Manu Singhvi is among the highest-paid attorneys in India, further solidifying his stature in both law and politics.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 8 lakh-INR 10 lakh
• Notable Cases: Represented high-profile clients in corporate and constitutional law cases.
• Achievements: A politician and lawyer, Singhvi brings a unique blend of experience to his practice, making him a favorite among the elite.

Also Read: Types of Lawyers in India

6. Kapil Sibal

Kapil Sibal is a prominent Indian lawyer, politician, and author, known for his expertise in constitutional, commercial, and intellectual property law. Born on August 8, 1948, in Jalandhar, he studied at St. Stephen's College and the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, and holds a Master's degree from Harvard University.

A Senior Advocate since 1983, Sibal has also served as a Union Minister in various roles, including Communications, Human Resource Development, and Law and Justice.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 8 lakh-INR 12 lakh
• Notable Cases: Represented several top political figures in corruption cases.
• Achievements: Known for his oratory and legal prowess, Kapil Sibal has also played a significant role in shaping policies during his time as a Union Minister.

7. P. Chidambaram

Palaniappan Chidambaram, also known as P. Chidambaram, is a prominent Indian attorney and politician, having served as India's Finance Minister and a key member of the Indian National Congress. Educated at Harvard University and the University of Madras, he is one of India's wealthiest and most influential lawyeINR

Chidambaram's contributions to India's growth are multifaceted, and his book, "A View from the Outside", is highly regarded for its insightful impact on readers, including myself.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 5 lakh-INR 10 lakh
• Notable Cases: Cases involving economic offenses and constitutional challenges.
• Achievements: With a career spanning law and politics, Chidambaram's expertise in financial and corporate law sets him apart.

8. Ram Jethmalani (Late)

Ram Jethmalani was one of India's most celebrated and controversial lawyers, renowned for his expertise in criminal law and fearless advocacy.

Born on September 14, 1923, in Shikarpur, Sindh (now Pakistan), Jethmalani studied law at S.C. Shahani Law College, Karachi.

He began his legal career early and earned a reputation for his skill and tenacity in the courtroom. Jethmalani served as India's Union Law Minister and was also a Member of Parliament for multiple terms, often taking on high-profile and controversial cases.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 10 lakh-INR 20 lakh during his career
• Notable Cases: Defend Indira Gandhi's assassins, Harshad Mehta in the stock market scam.
• Achievements: Known as the "maverick lawyer," Jethmalani was celebrated for his fearless advocacy and wit. His legacy continues to inspire lawyers across India.

9. Soli Sorabjee (Late)

Soli Sorabjee was one of India's top lawyers, renowned for his expertise in constitutional law, human rights, and civil liberties.

Born on March 9, 1930, Sorabjee studied at St. Xavier's College and Government Law College in Mumbai. He began his legal career in 1953 and became a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court in 1971. Sorabjee served as Attorney General of India twice (1989-1990, 1998-2004) and was a member of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Human Rights.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 8 lakh-INR 12 lakh during his tenure
• Notable Cases: Defense of free speech in the landmark S. Rangarajan vs. P. Jagjivan Ram case.
• Achievements: A former Attorney General of India and a Padma Vibhushan awardee, Sorabjee was a beacon of constitutional law.

10. C. Aryama Sundaram

Aryama Sundaram is one of India's most respected and fearless attorneys, known for his ability to challenge government actions that go against the law. Regarded as one of the wealthiest and most expensive lawyers in India, Sundaram has handled hundreds of significant cases, contributing greatly to the country's legal landscape.

One of his notable contributions was presenting the legal argument in the S. Rangarajan case, which led to a landmark ruling on the right to free speech and expression.

• Fees Per Appearance: INR 5 lakh-INR 8 lakh
• Notable Cases: High-profile corporate arbitration and mergeINR
• Achievements: With a focus on corporate and commercial litigation, Sundaram's client list includes some of the biggest names in business.

Also Read: Top Female Lawyers in India

What Makes Them the Highest Paid Lawyers in India?

The Highest Paid Lawyer in India aren't just skilled professionals; they are powerhouses of intellect, strategy, and influence. Their ability to consistently deliver results in high-pressure environments and their reputation for handling complex, high-stakes cases set them apart. Here's a closer look at the key factors that make these legal giants extraordinary:

1. Specialized Expertise These lawyers excel in specific legal areas like constitutional law, corporate litigation, or criminal defense, offering unmatched precision and authority in complex cases. For example, Harish Salve is renowned for his tax and constitutional law expertise, while Fali S Nariman is a leader in constitutional law and arbitration.

2. Strong Court Presence These lawyers are known for their persuasive abilities in court, combining logic and compelling narratives to influence judges. Kapil Sibal's eloquence and Ram Jethmalani's wit are prime examples.

3. Success in Landmark Cases Their careers are defined by pivotal cases that shape Indian law, such as Salve's role in the Vodafone tax dispute and Rohatgi's defense of Aadhaar, influencing society and governance.

4. High-Profile Clientele Trusted by influential figures and organizations, they are sought after for their legal acumen and discretion. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Aryama Sundaram exemplify this with their high-profile clients.

5. Exceptional Problem-Solving Known for innovative legal strategies, these lawyers often turn complex cases in their favor, such as Salve's success in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the ICJ.

6. Dedication and Work Ethic Their success is a result of relentless preparation, staying updated on legal developments, and refining their arguments, earning them respect from peers and clients.

7. Influence Beyond the Courtroom These lawyers shape public policy and mentor future generations. Mukul Rohatgi served as Attorney General, while Fali S Nariman has written extensively on constitutional law.

8. Handling Pressure and Complexity They manage high-stakes cases with ease, staying calm under pressure, which makes them indispensable in critical legal battles.

9. Legacy and Trailblazing Lawyers like Ram Jethmalani and Soli Sorabjee have set standards of professionalism and ethics that continue to inspire future legal minds.

10. Recognition and Awards

Many have received prestigious honors, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, acknowledging their immense contributions to law and justice.

Also Read: List of Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in India