Junior Associate at Vis Legis Law Practice, Advocates, Mumbai

Vis Legis Law Practice, Advocates (VLLP) has opened applications for a Junior Associate position at its Mumbai office – a rare opportunity for lawyers with two or more years of post-qualification experience to step into a fast-growing, full-service law firm with a truly pan-India footprint. Whether you are a litigator looking to diversify into corporate transactions or a corporate lawyer hoping to gain courtroom exposure, this role promises a blended workload that is increasingly hard to find in an era of hyper-specialisation.

Why This Corporate & Disputes Role at VLLP Deserves Your Attention

VLLP is not your average mid-sized firm. Founded in 2017 by Nihaar B Thackeray and Rahul N Hingmire, the firm has expanded from its Mumbai base to offices in New Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and, most recently, Bengaluru. This kind of growth signals a steady inflow of work across litigation, arbitration, cross-border transactions, and regulatory advisory. For a junior associate, joining at this stage means you are not just another hire – you are part of a scaling practice where early responsibility is common and mentorship from partners is direct.

"The successful candidate will work closely with the firm’s Partners and Senior Associates on a broad spectrum of corporate, commercial and dispute resolution matters." – VLLP Job Posting

What makes this role particularly appealing is the dual focus on corporate and disputes. Many law firms separate these tracks early, forcing young lawyers to choose between drafting contracts and arguing cases. VLLP explicitly wants both. If you are someone who enjoys the intellectual challenge of a complex arbitration one day and the adrenaline of a NCLT hearing the next, this role is designed for you.

What You'll Actually Be Doing as a Junior Associate

The job description is refreshingly detailed, giving you a clear picture of day-to-day responsibilities. You will not be confined to research and drafting in the back office. Instead, expect to be front and centre in client interactions and court appearances. Here is a breakdown of the core work:

• Court and Tribunal Representation: Appearing before courts, tribunals, NCLT, arbitrators, and other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies. This is a litigator's playground, and even those with a corporate background will find the exposure invaluable.
• Drafting and Negotiation: Preparing contracts, commercial agreements, pleadings, legal notices, opinions, and transaction documents. You will be expected to handle these with minimal supervision, ensuring both legal precision and commercial practicality.
• Corporate Transactions and Compliance: Assisting on cross-border deals, India market entry strategies, regulatory compliance, and business restructuring. VLLP's international advisory practice means you could be working with foreign investors and multinationals.
• Client Management and Business Development: Managing client relationships, liaising with government authorities, and participating in client pitches and networking events. This is a clear sign that the firm expects you to grow beyond a technical role into a trusted advisor.
• ADR and Strategic Support: Supporting partners in arbitration, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, while preparing strategy notes and case briefs.

This is not a monotonous desk job. The role explicitly requires willingness to travel for client meetings and court appearances, so if you thrive on varied environments, you will find this refreshing.

Who Needs to Apply: Eligibility and Experience Norms

The eligibility criteria are designed to filter for candidates who can hit the ground running. You must hold an LL.B. from a recognised university and be enrolled with the Bar Council of India. The firm insists on a minimum of two years' post-qualification experience in a law firm setting, and your experience must clearly demonstrate competence in both litigation and corporate matters. Specifically, they want to see:

• Civil and commercial litigation exposure, including drafting and arguing before courts
• Corporate transactions and business documentation experience
• Contract drafting and review proficiency
• Arbitration and ADR knowledge
• A sound understanding of Company Law, Contract Law, Arbitration Law, and the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code

Preferred candidates will have appeared before High Courts, NCLT, or Commercial Courts. Cross-border or international commercial experience is a bonus. The firm also values soft skills: excellent verbal and written communication, strong client-interaction abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple matters under strict deadlines. If you have a track record of independent matter handling while also contributing to team goals, you are exactly what they are looking for.

How to Prepare an Application That Gets Shortlisted

With over 200 applicants already, you need to stand out. Your resume should not merely list duties; it must quantify achievements. For example, instead of saying "drafted contracts", write "drafted and negotiated 30+ commercial agreements worth ₹50 crore across sectors." Highlight any independent court appearances, arbitration wins, or major transactions you have supported.

When you email your application to nihar@vllp.co.in and sakina.bandukwala@vllp.co.in, do not send a generic cover letter. Mention why you are specifically interested in VLLP's hybrid practice. Reference their expansion into Bengaluru or their geopolitical risk advisory practice – showing you have done your homework. Attach your CV in PDF format, and if you have a writing sample or a case note you are proud of, include it.

Also, since the role involves business development, prepare to talk about how you can bring in clients or contribute to the firm's visibility. A junior associate who thinks like a partner is a rare asset.

Career Trajectory and Growth at a Multi-Office Full-Service Firm

This is not just a job; it is a career-defining move. Starting as a Junior Associate at VLLP puts you on a clear path to Senior Associate and eventually Partner-level responsibilities. The firm's practice areas span civil and commercial litigation, criminal litigation, arbitration, cross-border transactions, labour and employment, insolvency, real estate, intellectual property, and media law. Such breadth means you can pivot or specialise later without switching firms.

Moreover, the firm's focus on strategic advisory and cross-border investment work offers exposure that few peer firms in Mumbai can match. You will learn to analyse geopolitical risks that impact legal decisions – a skill set that is increasingly valued in today's globalised economy. Working directly with partners like Nihaar B Thackeray, who brings experience in corporate law and risk analysis, ensures that your professional growth is guided by seasoned practitioners.

If you are ready to build a long-term career in a dynamic, commercially focused law firm, this opportunity at Vis Legis Law Practice should be on your radar. The deadline is not explicitly specified, so act quickly – roles at this level in Nariman Point tend to close once the right candidate is found.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can final-year law students or freshers apply for this Junior Associate role?
No. The firm explicitly requires a minimum of two years' post-qualification experience. Freshers and final-year students should look for internships or trainee positions to gain the required experience first.

2. Is the role purely litigation, or is there corporate work involved?
The role is a hybrid of corporate and disputes practice. You will handle litigation, arbitration, and NCLT matters while also drafting contracts and assisting on corporate transactions. This is ideal for someone wanting exposure to both sides of legal practice.

3. What is the application process and who should I contact?
Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to nihar@vllp.co.in and sakina.bandukwala@vllp.co.in. The official LinkedIn posting also has an 'Apply' button. It is advisable to apply through both channels to increase visibility.

4. Is there a specific deadline for applications?
The job posting does not mention a formal deadline. However, given the high volume of applicants (over 200), the firm may close applications once they shortlist suitable candidates. Early application is strongly recommended.