Emerging areas of law in the foreseeable future

As in every profession, the areas of law are also evolving and ever-changing with the change in technology, society, trends there is a need for the legal community to also evolve and understand the new aspects of law one can pursue after a law degree. The simple example of this evolution is the advent of arbitration and negotiation in certain cases which would otherwise be deliberated upon in a litigation setting. Few of the specialized fields that have emerged over the past few years and will shape the legal field to come include –

1. MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT LAW

This niche space has found its calling with the increase in streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others. Lawyers in this field will have to provide services ranging from royalties in book, music publication to celebrity service agreements, etc. Clients in this area include authors, celebrities, athletes among others who require expertise on agreements, negotiations and others. Lawyers are also needed on the end of the service providers such as for Netflix and others. Therefore, this space makes for a great fit for people who wish to pursue a glamourous career with celebrities and agreements, negotiations and limited amount of litigation.

Average Pay Scale– based on the experience in the field the salary ranges from 9lakhs to 17 lakhs per annum.

Development of the Field– Moderate, still in the initial phases with upcoming lawyers in the field.

Interests and Skills – One must be open to work on a varied field, especially service agreements, contracts and always should be able to be quick on their feet.

2. SPORTS LAW

With growing awareness and the role played by sports persons in the daily life a person, this law has found its way into the importance as it applies to not only the persons but also the sport. This law specifies on matters of contracts, doping trials/arbitration, corruption, match fixing and others. Lawyers in this realm include lawyers for the players who work in lieu of contracts and any legal matters as well as lawyers for agencies such as the National Anti-Doping Agency, BCCI, etc.

Average Pay Scale – This is based on the clients that one can gather as the firms on this law are limited. The client based pay ranges from 5 lakhs to 40 lakhs.

Development of the Field – Beginner level, the field is still upcoming with more young lawyers showing interest.

Interests and Skills –One must able to rope in other clients(sportspersons) so the knowledge in sports will help in this manner. Ability to engage and get clients is the most important skill with a knack for contracts, negotiations, etc.

3. IMMIGRATION AND INTERNATIONAL LAW

With this law, the clients include people who seek asylum in other countries, naturalization of people. The practice depends on the condition of the legal world at the international level with respect to accords, treaties, etc. International law as a concept involves personal matters as well as private matters of importance such as marriages of people from different countries, etc.

Average Pay Scale – Salaries range from 8 lakhs to 15.5 lakhs per annum based on the skill and expertise.

Development of the Field – The field is not one which is new but is slowly picking up pace to make it to the big leagues of clients, money and legal requirement.

Interests and Skills –One must be able to work in high stress situations in a calm manner with a unique attention to detail and complete understanding of procedures as this law entails a huge amount of paperwork.

4. DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY LAW

In the era of information, access and technology most people believe that privacy is a myth. However, the lawyers in this field work towards making a space for the people where their privacy is not unreasonably taken away from them and the data of a person is protected. In this scope, lawyers work within the framework of the IT Act and the Constitution for client interests. This sector will definitely see a boom with the number of cases that Facebook, Instagram and such platforms face.

Average Pay Scale – The pay scale ranges from 6-7lakhs per annum at the entry level and increases based on the clientele and experience.

Development of the Field – The space is still in its initial stages of development with the new laws still being implements such as the IT Act in 2000 and others.

Interests and Skills –Knowledge in data protection and cases surrounding them with patience, negotiation skills and ability to assess risk/security of certain cases to the clients.

5. CYBER LAW

Much similar to the above, the Cyber Law has definitely evolved with the creation f a separate cell called the Cyber Cell with the Police and other such initiatives. This specialised field has a lot of potential for lawyers and legal consultants in the near future. The area may get more streamlined or branch out more to make room for newer specialised fields. Knowledge in this field can be got only with understanding the cases and practical cases.

Average Pay Scale – The pay scale ranges from 6-7lakhs per annum at the entry level and increases based on the clientele and experience.

Development of the Field – The space is still in its initial stages of development with the new laws still being implements such as the IT Act in 2000 and others.

Interests and Skills – Interest and knowledge in the latest technological advancements so as to keep up with the changes and working knowledge of the same such as in block chain technology, etc.

6. BANKRUPTCY LAW

With the advent of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in India and cases such as that of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi this sector has seen an immense growth. With companies and persons claiming Bankruptcy on numerous cases, the demand for lawyers and auditors specializing in this area has increased and will keep on increasing in this era of debt, money laundering, non-performing assets among various others.

Average Pay Scale – Based on the skill, experience and talent of the person one can earn anywhere between 8 lakhs to 40 lakhs (after min. 8-10 years).

Development of the Field – The new code of 2016 has been the most important reason for the boom in the field as well as the upcoming cases of not only businesses being insolvent but also persons in general.

Interest and Skills –One must have a knack for numbers and finance to be able to understand the cases well and analyse the same. Skills include drafting, NEGOTIATING, eye for small details and provide sound legal advice under high pressure.

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW

The 21st century came with a boom in this specific law dealing with copyrights, trademarks and patents of everything. This also works hand in hand with the Entertainment law as discussed above. Legal professionals in this field have a wide area of expertise that they must possess as it deals not only with the protection but also with royalties and such connected matters. This law is however the sought-after booming laws in India today.

Average Pay Scale – Attorneys make a good amount of money in this field only if they have the ability. The pay ranges from 20lakhs – 40 lakhs (approx.)

Development of the Field – This field is at a very good stage now for new lawyers to enter as there are a sound number of lawyers already working in the filed but also not too many, which helps create a name for oneself.

Interest and Skills –Communication skills and technical knowledge on this basis are very important. One can be certified as a trademark, patent lawyer and enhance skills and certification in this field. Time management and stressful situations are a part and parcel of any legal field that one must be able to work under.

8. FAMILY LAW

Family law and personal laws have always formed an important part of the legal community in India. However, with the 2018 judgement decriminalising Section 377 of the Penal Code, non-traditional families are evolving. With newer binaries and rights of persons such as trans rights to family, the LQBTQI community, the personal laws have a long way to go in India and with it the need for lawyers.

Average Pay Scale – Renowned family law lawyers make around 40-50 lakhs a year based on clientele. However, the new era of family law still needs to see a pay range.The average of 5-7 lakhs can be attributed to upcoming lawyers.

Development of the Field – This field will see a drastic boom in it’s side with more and more people wanting to start a family as members belonging to a different sexual orientation.

Interest and Skills –One must be empathetic in dealing with such matters and also be updated on the current changes in the law as there are constant changes in the field.

In addition to the above, the legal space of criminal law, civil law and laws such as corporate law are always persistent. These are the areas of law which newer lawyers can try to look into in finding their passion. Finding newer areas, evolving areas and entering the same gives beginners advantage of being a part of shaping the legal field surrounding the same, therefore one can keep in mind the above areas before deciding their career path. The pay scale is an appropriate amount as per payscale.com and are only approximates.