But the research, conducted by web site Legally India, shows disparities even at the corporate level, with lawyers of seven years’ post-qualification experience at the top firms likely to earn anywhere between r2.2 million to r5.5 million annually (about £25,000 to £62,000).

Bonus mysteries

According to sister web site, Live Mint, remuneration at top firms increases on average by 10 per cent from the first to the fourth years of qualification. In the subsequent two years, remuneration packages leap by as much as 20 per cent, with a 30 per cent jump around the seventh year of qualification.
Survey respondents complained that bonus systems at Indian law firms were shrouded in mystery, with associates unsure of the criteria for awarding them.

Gender bias

The survey also suggested that while there was no obvious gender disparity in Indian law firm pay packages, the results were ultimately inconclusive as three times as many men as women participated in the research.
However, the researchers said that 80 per cent of female lawyers surveyed disagreed with the statement that the legal profession had barriers that prevented women from succeeding in India.