Law College Admission 2026
Law College Admission 2026
Direct BA LLB Admission Without CLAT
Get BA LLB and LLB admission in top law colleges across India through management quota, even without a high CLAT score. Expert law admission counseling since 2014.
Where can I get help with law college (CLAT/LLB) admissions?
FindUrCollege gives students free, verified guidance on CLAT/AILET and state-law cutoffs, the top NLUs and private law colleges, fees and the counselling process — official sources only, no upfront fee, no tout shortcuts.
By Krishna Pandey, Founder & Lead Counsellor · Reviewed by Punit Mishra, Law Admissions Lead · Updated 16 June 2026
✅ Sourcing: figures follow official/institute disclosures (year-labeled) — verify current-year details on the official source before payment.
Direct Law Admission Without CLAT — Quick Answer
FindUrCollege helps students secure BA LLB and LLB admission in top law colleges across India through management quota seats, even without a high CLAT score. Counsellors handle shortlisting, documents and seat confirmation end to end.
- Programmes: 5-year BA LLB and 3-year LLB
- Route: Management quota — no high CLAT rank required
- Cities covered: Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi NCR
- Experience: Counselling since 2014, 98% success rate
Law Admission Through Management Quota
Did not clear CLAT or got a low score? FindUrCollege helps you secure BA LLB and LLB admission in top law colleges across India through management quota seats. Our counselors identify the best available options based on your profile, location preference, and budget, without depending solely on your CLAT rank.
Top Law Colleges We Cover
We assist students in getting direct admission to top law colleges in Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi NCR. Whether you are targeting a 5-year integrated BA LLB or a 3-year LLB program, FindUrCollege guides you from college selection to final seat confirmation.
Top Law Colleges in India 2026 — In-Depth Admission Guides
Explore our detailed 2026 admission guides — CLAT / SLAT / own-exam routes, fees, eligibility and placements — for India's leading law schools:
End-to-End Law Admission Support
Our law admission counselors manage your entire application process including college shortlisting, document preparation, and seat booking. With 12+ Years of experience and a 98% success rate, FindUrCollege is India's trusted platform for law college admissions through management quota in 2026.
How do I choose authentic consultants for law college admission?
Choose guidance tied to the actual admission route — CLAT/AILET/LSAT-India for national law schools and state or university tests for others. FindUrCollege offers free, pay-after-admission law counselling across NLUs and top private law schools, with verified fees and cutoffs.
Law Admission India — Which Exam Gets You Where?
Law admission in India runs through several parallel tracks — from the prestigious NLU route via CLAT, to private law schools via SLAT, JSAT, and management quota. Understanding which track fits your profile is the first step to a smart law admission strategy.
The National Law Universities (NLUs) are the gold standard — 22 NLUs across India with CLAT as the single gateway exam. But fewer than 3,000 seats exist across all 22 NLUs combined, making it one of the most competitive admission processes in India. For the remaining 99% of law aspirants, private law schools offer strong alternatives — many with bar results, moot court records, and placement rates that rival some NLUs.
| Admission Track | Exam | Seats Available | Typical Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLUs (National Law Universities) | CLAT | ~2,800 seats | Rs 1L - 2.5L/year |
| NLU Delhi only | AILET | 60 seats (BA LLB) | Rs 1.5L/year |
| Symbiosis Law Schools | SLAT | ~900 seats | Rs 2.5L - 4L/year |
| Jindal Global Law School | JSAT | ~500 seats | Rs 4.5L/year |
| NMIMS Law | NLAT | ~200 seats | Rs 3.5L/year |
| Other private law schools | CLAT + own tests | Unlimited (management quota) | Rs 1.5L - 3.5L/year |
CLAT 2026 — Key Facts
- Conducted by: Consortium of National Law Universities
- Pattern: 120 questions, 120 minutes, comprehension-based (no standalone grammar/GK)
- Sections: English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques
- Negative marking: -0.25 per wrong answer
- Registration fee: Rs 4,000 (general), Rs 3,500 (SC/ST)
- Exam date: December (for academic year starting July)
| NLU | NIRF Law Rank | CLAT Rank for Open (approx.) | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | #1 | Top 50 | Rs 1.08L |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | #2 | Top 200 | Rs 1.20L |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | #3 | Top 350 | Rs 85,000 |
| NLU Jodhpur | #5 | Top 700 | Rs 1.15L |
| Hidayatullah NLU Raipur | #8 | Top 2,500 | Rs 1.3L |
Frequently Asked Questions
Step-by-Step CLAT + Counselling Process 2026
Getting into a law college in 2026 involves multiple sequential steps. Understanding the process end-to-end prevents costly mistakes — a missed deadline or wrong document can cost you a seat.
Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Fill all personal, academic, and category details accurately. Pay ₹4,000 (General) or ₹3,500 (SC/ST). Download admit card. CLAT is conducted in December at centres across India.
Simultaneously register for AILET (NLU Delhi), SLAT (Symbiosis), JSAT (Jindal), or your state-level exam (MH CET Law, KLEE, etc.). Each exam has a separate registration. SLAT registration: ₹1,750. JSAT: ₹1,500. AILET: ₹3,000.
CLAT is held in the first week of December. AILET usually follows 1–2 weeks later. SLAT and JSAT are conducted separately in the same period. Carry original ID proof and admit card to all exam centres.
CLAT results come out within 2 weeks. Use your score to immediately apply to private colleges (JGLS, SLS Pune/Noida, NMIMS, Christ Law) which open their admission windows in January–February. Do not wait — private college seats fill up fast.
The NLU Consortium opens online counselling. Register, pay counselling fee (₹50,000 refundable), upload documents. Multiple rounds of seat allotment — accept your allotted NLU or wait for upgrades in subsequent rounds. Always lock your preferred seat before round closes.
Report to allotted NLU (or private college) with original documents. Pay first-year fee. Complete biometric registration. Classes begin in July 2027. For private college admissions, seat booking requires payment of ₹25,000–₹1L advance fee depending on the institution.
NLU vs Private Law School — Honest Comparison 2026
One of the most common questions FindUrCollege receives: "Is NLU better or a private law school like JGLS/SLS?" The answer is nuanced and depends on your career goals, CLAT score, and budget.
📌 In one line: side-by-side comparison — cutoffs, fees & outcomes.
| Factor | Top NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NLU Delhi) | Top Private Law Schools (JGLS, SLS Pune) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission | CLAT/AILET — very competitive | Own exam (JSAT/SLAT) — lower competition | Private easier to get into |
| Annual Fee | ₹2–2.5L/year | ₹2.8–5L/year | NLU cheaper |
| Tier-1 Law Firm Hiring | Very strong (AZB, Cyril Amarchand recruit heavily) | Moderate (JGLS stronger, SLS moderate) | NLU advantage |
| International Exposure | Limited (India-focused curriculum) | Strong (JGLS: 150+ global partnerships) | Private advantage (JGLS) |
| Litigation Network | Strong — SC/HC alumni base | Moderate — building alumni | NLU advantage |
| Research & Publications | NLSIU, NALSAR have top-ranked student journals | JGLS growing publication culture | NLU advantage |
| Campus Life | Residential, compact, intense academics | Larger campus, more amenities, diverse | Private advantage |
| 5-Year Total Cost | ₹15–20L (with hostel) | ₹25–35L (with hostel) | NLU cheaper by ₹10–15L |
Career Tracks After LLB — Litigation, Corporate, Judiciary, UPSC & Academic
Law is one of India's most versatile professional degrees — the career paths diverge significantly after graduation. Planning your career track in Year 1 itself will help you choose the right internships, moot courts, and electives.
Enrol with Bar Council after AIBE. Join as junior under senior advocate. District courts first, then High Court. Takes 5–7 years to build independent practice. Senior litigators earn ₹50L–5Cr+/year. Requires patience in initial years but offers the most independence.
Join Tier-1 or Tier-2 law firm as Associate. Starting salary ₹8–22 LPA depending on firm tier and law school. Work in M&A, PE, banking, IP, disputes. Partnership track is 8–12 years. General Counsel at corporates: ₹40–100 LPA at senior levels.
State Judicial Services exam for Civil Judge positions. Written exam + viva. Age limit typically 35 years. Requires deep knowledge of civil and criminal procedure. Stable government career with scale pay and housing. Respected social position.
Many NLSIU and NLU Delhi graduates crack IAS, IFS, IRS with a law background. Constitutional law, polity, and current affairs — all overlap with UPSC General Studies. A law degree provides inherent advantage in ethics and polity papers.
Complete LLM (domestic or foreign) after 2–3 years of practice. Teach at law schools, join think tanks, legal policy organisations (PRS Legislative Research, CUTS), or pursue PhD for professorship. Salary: ₹8–20 LPA at private law schools; government university professors on 7th Pay Commission.
Scholarship Options for Law Aspirants 2026
Law education in India — especially at NLUs — is significantly subsidised by state governments. Several scholarship options exist for meritorious and economically weaker students.
📌 In one line: scholarship slabs — verify eligibility & continuation terms in the official policy.
| Scholarship | Eligible For | Amount | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | SC/ST/OBC/EWS students at any NLU or UGC-recognised law college | ₹50,000–1.2L/year | scholarships.gov.in |
| NLSIU Need-Based Financial Assistance | NLSIU enrolled students with family income below ₹5L/year | Partial to full fee waiver | NLSIU Financial Assistance Committee |
| NALSAR Merit Scholarship | NALSAR enrolled students in top 10% of batch | ₹50,000/year | NALSAR administration |
| State Government Scholarships | Domicile students at state/central universities (varies by state) | ₹20,000–80,000/year | State scholarship portals |
| JGLS Merit Scholarship | JSAT top scorers — 5% tuition waiver to 25% waiver | ₹19,000–95,000/year | JGLS admissions office |
| Symbiosis (SLS) Scholarship | SLAT top performers — institutional merit scholarships | Up to 25% fee reduction | SIU scholarship portal |
| Ministry of Minority Affairs Scholarships | Minority community students (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Jain) | Full tuition at central institutions | minorityaffairs.gov.in |
| Inlaks Foundation (Post-graduation) | Indian students for foreign LLM (Harvard, Oxford, etc.) | Up to USD 100,000 | inlaksfoundation.org |
Extended FAQs — Law Admission India 2026
Expert Tips for Law Admission 2026
Do not rely on CLAT alone. Register for CLAT + AILET + your target private school exam (JSAT/SLAT) + your state exam (MH CET/KLEE). Total cost: ₹8,000–12,000. Multiple exams = multiple chances. You can withdraw from exams you don't need once you have a seat.
CLAT's Legal Reasoning section has the most questions and highest weight. Unlike English or GK which require months of work, Legal Reasoning can be mastered in 8–10 weeks with the right practice material. Focus 40% of prep time here.
Start full-length CLAT mocks from September. Analyse every mock — not just score, but time spent per section, types of errors, and accuracy by question type. The pattern of your errors is more valuable than your overall score.
Most students build their college list after results — which is too late to apply to private colleges. Build your target college list by October with 3 tiers: reach (NLSIU/NLU Delhi), target (NALSAR/NUJS/JGLS), and safety (SLS/Amity/state NLU). Apply to safety colleges immediately when results are out.
Begin collecting original documents in October — before CLAT. Category certificates, domicile certificates, migration certificates from schools take weeks to obtain. Having all documents ready means you can accept a seat the same day allotment happens — critical when seats are limited.
For personalised law admission counselling — college selection, CLAT strategy, document preparation, or management quota law seats — contact FindUrCollege at WhatsApp +91 91126 50438 or call +91 91126 50438. Free, no-obligation guidance.
Quick Reference — Law Admission 2026 at a Glance
Use this snapshot to compare key details across India's top law entrance routes and colleges before finalising your application strategy for 2026.
- CLAT 2026 date: Usually held in December; register on consortiumofnlus.ac.in by October. Target a score above 100 out of 120 for top NLUs.
- AILET 2026: NLU Delhi's standalone exam. Separate registration required; roughly 80 seats for B.A. LL.B. (Hons). Extremely competitive — score 90+ to be safe.
- LSAT India: Conducted by Pearson VUE; accepted by 80+ private law colleges including Jindal, Bennett, and Nirma. Multiple attempts allowed in one cycle.
- State CETs: AP LAWCET, KLEE (Kerala), MH CET Law, and TS LAWCET are state-level options for students preferring local colleges with lower fees.
- Management quota seats: Available at private law colleges; admission through college counselling. Contact FindUrCollege at +91 91126 50438 for direct-seat assistance.
FindUrCollege advisors map your CLAT score or CET rank to the best-fit college across every category — government NLU, private national, and state-funded. Reach us on WhatsApp at +91 91126 50438 for a free strategy call.
Law Admission India 2026 — Complete Guide to CLAT, AILET & Private Colleges
Getting into law in India involves choosing the right entrance exam, the right type of college, and the right specialisation. This guide covers everything — from CLAT strategy to private university admission to career outcomes.
Types of Law Colleges in India
| Category | Examples | Admission Exam | Avg Fees (5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Law Universities (NLUs) | NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR, NLU Delhi, NUJS Kolkata | CLAT (or AILET for NLU Delhi) | Rs 8-15L total |
| State Law Universities | University of Mumbai, Osmania, AMU | State entrance or merit | Rs 1-5L total |
| Private Deemed Universities | Symbiosis, Amity, Christ, Manipal Law | SLAT, AILET, or own exam | Rs 15-30L total |
| Affiliated law colleges | GLC Mumbai, DU Law Faculty | CLAT or state CET | Rs 1-4L total |
CLAT 2026 — Key Strategy Points
CLAT is a comprehension-based exam — all sections (English, GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Maths) are embedded in passages. The strategy shift from traditional CLAT to the new comprehension-based format requires reading speed and analytical accuracy rather than memorisation.
- English: Read editorial-quality English daily — The Hindu, Indian Express. Vocabulary comes from context, not lists.
- Legal Reasoning: Practice applying principles to facts — the exam does not require prior legal knowledge, just logical application
- GK: Focus on legal GK (recent Supreme Court judgements, constitutional amendments, law reform news) and general current affairs from September 2025 onwards
- Logical Reasoning: Practice inference, assumption, and strengthening/weakening question types
- Maths: 10 questions only — focus on data interpretation and basic arithmetic, not advanced maths
Private Law College Admission — SLAT, Manipal, Christ
For students who want law but may not crack CLAT for NLU seats, private law schools offer strong alternatives. Symbiosis Law School (SLS Pune) through SLAT is among the most respected. Christ University Bangalore, Manipal Law School, and Amity Law School Delhi are strong options with good placement records in corporate law, ADR, and in-house legal roles.
Private law school fees are higher — Rs 3-6 lakh per year vs Rs 1.5-3L at NLUs. But the quality of training, faculty, and moot court facilities at top private law schools rival state universities. For law admission counselling across NLUs and private colleges, contact FindUrCollege: +91 91126 50438.
Law Career Pathways — Litigation, Corporate, Judiciary & Beyond
Many students enter law without a clear picture of the career paths available after a 5-year BA LLB or 3-year LLB degree. Here's an honest breakdown of the major career pathways and what it takes to succeed in each.
1. Litigation (Advocate Practice)
Joining the Bar and practising as an advocate is the most traditional law career. After clearing AIBE, you enrol with a state bar association and start as a junior under a senior advocate. Early years are low-income — but senior litigation advocates (10+ years experience) at High Court and Supreme Court level earn very high fees. This path requires patience for the first 5 years but can be extremely rewarding in the long run.
2. Corporate Law (Law Firm)
Top law firms (Tier-1: AZB, Cyril Amarchand, Khaitan, Shardul, JSA) recruit primarily from NLUs and top private law schools. Starting CTC is Rs 12-20 LPA for Tier-1 associates. The work involves M&A, private equity, banking regulation, IP, and dispute resolution for corporate clients. This is the most financially rewarding immediate-post-law-school option but requires exceptional academic performance and internship track records.
3. Judicial Services
Each state has a Judicial Services exam for Civil Judge positions. The exam is based on civil, criminal, and local law with a regional language component. Judicial service is stable, respected, and comes with government benefits. Students who want judicial careers should focus on civil and criminal procedural law and practice through mock tests available from state public service commissions.
4. In-House Legal (Corporate Counsel)
Working as a legal counsel inside a company is increasingly popular. Roles include contract management, regulatory compliance, IP management, and dispute coordination. In-house roles offer better work-life balance than law firms with CTC ranging from Rs 8-25 LPA depending on company size and experience level. These roles are accessible to graduates from both NLUs and top private law schools.
For law admission counselling — whether NLU through CLAT or private law school through SLAT/direct — reach FindUrCollege at +91 91126 50438.
Bar Council of India — Enrollment & AIBE Requirements
Every law graduate who wishes to practise as an advocate in India must enrol with the State Bar Council (through Bar Council of India regulations) and clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). AIBE is an open-book exam conducted by BCI — it tests basic knowledge of all major law subjects. The pass rate is around 60-65%, meaning preparation is necessary even though it is open-book. Graduates have multiple attempts. Upon clearing AIBE, you receive a Certificate of Practice, which is mandatory for appearing in courts. For law college admission in 2026 across NLUs and private colleges, contact FindUrCollege: +91 91126 50438.
CLAT 2026 Syllabus — Detailed Breakdown
Understanding the CLAT 2026 syllabus in detail is essential for targeted preparation. The new CLAT format (introduced in 2020) is entirely passage-based — meaning all 120 questions derive from reading comprehension passages across five subjects. There are no isolated factual questions. This rewards reading speed, analytical reasoning and consistent practice over rote memorisation.
| Section | Questions | Approximate Weight | Passage Length | Key Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22–26 | 20% | 450–500 words per passage | Reading comprehension, inference, vocabulary in context |
| Current Affairs & GK | 28–32 | 25% | 450–500 words per passage | Legal and general current affairs awareness (Sep 2024–Dec 2025) |
| Legal Reasoning | 35–39 | 30% | 450–500 words per passage | Applying legal principles to factual situations; no prior legal knowledge needed |
| Logical Reasoning | 21–25 | 20% | 300–400 words per passage | Deductive/inductive reasoning, argument evaluation |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–14 | 10% | Short data sets/charts | Basic arithmetic, data interpretation, ratio-proportion |
Legal Reasoning (30% weight) is the most important section for CLAT score improvement. It tests your ability to understand a legal rule/principle stated in the passage and apply it to a new factual scenario — exactly what lawyers do daily. No prior knowledge of Indian law is required or tested. A student who has never studied law can score perfectly in Legal Reasoning by practicing the logical application of stated rules to new facts.
Current Affairs (25% weight) is the second most impactful section. The GK passages in CLAT focus heavily on legal and constitutional current affairs: significant Supreme Court judgments, constitutional bench decisions, new legislation passed by Parliament, international law developments, and major national current events. Standard current affairs monthly magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan, Chronicle IAS) plus The Hindu newspaper editorial reading form the backbone of GK preparation.
CLAT 2026 — Exam Day Strategy
On exam day: Start with English (fastest to complete, sets a rhythm). Move to Legal Reasoning (most points available, do these while mind is fresh). Logical Reasoning next. Current Affairs (knowledge-dependent, skip unknowns quickly). Quantitative last (can be done in 10–12 minutes for 10–14 questions). Total time: 120 minutes for 120 questions — 1 minute per question average, but some passages allow doing 5–6 questions in 4–5 minutes. Aim to attempt 105–115 questions with 80%+ accuracy for a competitive CLAT score. Negative marking is 0.25 per wrong answer — skip only when completely uncertain; educated guesses are generally better than blanks.
CLAT Score vs NLU Admission — Reality Check
Each NLU has a different CLAT score threshold. For NLSIU Bangalore (Rank 1 NLU): need CLAT All India Rank 1–50 or score 110–118/120. NALSAR Hyderabad (Rank 2): AIR 50–200 or score 105–112. NLU Delhi (separate AILET exam, 80 seats): need AILET score 115–125/150. NUJS Kolkata (Rank 4): CLAT AIR 100–400 or score 100–108. For state NLUs (Rank 10–22): CLAT AIR 500–3000 is typically sufficient. Private law schools (JGLS, SLS Pune, SLS Noida) use their own exams (JSAT, SLAT) alongside CLAT — a CLAT score of 80–100 combined with strong proprietary exam performance secures private law school admission.
After CLAT — What Happens Next
CLAT results are declared in January (for December exam). Immediately after results: (1) CLAT Counselling — conducted by the Consortium of NLUs online; you fill preferences and are allotted NLU based on rank. (2) Private college applications — apply to JGLS (JSAT), SLS (SLAT), VIT Law, UPES Law using your CLAT scorecard. (3) State college applications — KLEE (Karnataka), MH CET Law (Maharashtra), TANCET (Tamil Nadu), LSAT (national) — all accept CLAT scorecards or have separate registration. (4) Management quota seats — available at many private universities for direct fee payment without exam. Contact FindUrCollege for management quota availability: +91 91126 50438.
Top Law Colleges in India by Specialisation
Different law colleges have emerged as leaders in specific legal practice areas. Choosing a college aligned with your intended specialisation gives you an advantage in internship access, faculty quality, alumni network and placement outcomes.
| Specialisation | Top Colleges | Typical Recruiters | Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Law (M&A, PE, Securities) | NLSIU, NLU Delhi, NALSAR, JGLS | AZB, Cyril Amarchand, Shardul, Khaitan | ₹12–22 LPA |
| Constitutional & Public Law | NLSIU, NLU Delhi, NALSAR, NUJS | Supreme Court chambers, HC senior advocates, NGOs | ₹5–10 LPA initially |
| Energy Law | UPES Dehradun (only dedicated programme) | ONGC, BPCL, Adani Green, NTPC, PNGRB | ₹8–16 LPA |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Law | NLSIU, VIT Law, JGLS, SLS Pune | IP firms, tech companies, pharmaceutical companies | ₹7–14 LPA |
| Technology & Cyber Law | VIT School of Law, JGLS, NLU Delhi | IT companies, data protection consultancies, CERT-In | ₹7–12 LPA |
| International Law & Arbitration | NLSIU, JGLS, NLU Delhi, NUJS | International law firms, ICC, SIAC arbitration | ₹10–20 LPA |
| Karnataka HC Practice | St. Joseph's Law, Ramaiah Law, NLSIU | Senior advocate chambers, Karnataka HC bar | ₹3–8 LPA initially |
| Judiciary & Civil Services | All NLUs, St. Joseph's Law, SLS Pune | State PSC Judicial Services, UPSC | Government pay scale |
The table above reflects placement reality as of 2024–2025. Specialisation choices should align with your career goals — students who identify their target practice area by Year 2 and focus internships accordingly consistently outperform those who remain generalists until Year 5. FindUrCollege counsellors specialise in helping law students build a 5-year internship roadmap aligned with their intended practice area. WhatsApp +91 91126 50438 for a free career planning session.
Law Internship Strategy — The Most Underrated Factor in Law Placements
The single most determinative factor in law placement outcomes — more than CGPA, more than which college you attend — is the quality and quantity of your internships during 5 years of BA LLB. This is consistently reported by law firm recruiters at Tier-1 and Tier-2 firms across India. A student from JGLS with 5 quality internships (Supreme Court, AZB, in-house at a Fortune 500) will outperform an NLU student with 5 mediocre internships. The internship record tells recruiters: Can this person function in a real legal work environment? Do they know how to research, draft and communicate like a lawyer?
Building internship quality requires: (1) Sending formal, professional internship applications — not WhatsApp messages — to senior advocates and law firms from Year 1. (2) Starting early — HC chambers fill slots for summer interns by March; most students who start asking in May are too late. (3) Treating every internship as an audition — arrive early, ask intelligent questions, produce polished work product, follow up with a thank-you note. Interns who deliver quality work receive positive references and return offers. (4) Building a portfolio — maintain an internship log with project descriptions, learnings, and work samples (where non-confidential). This portfolio becomes your primary talking point in placement interviews. (5) Networking within internships — every internship opens doors to the next. A SC chamber reference gets you into a Tier-1 firm interview. A law firm internship gets you client referrals. Cumulative networking over 5 years is the foundation of a successful legal career.