The success rate of a lawyer and his or her experience determine the amount they charge for each appearance in the court for a client. The quest for justice in India is extremely expensive and time consuming. Nevertheless, people with deep pockets want to get hold of a lawyer who can guarantee them success in return for an exorbitant fee. Celebrity lawyers are those who have gained fame by virtue of their success and skills in the courtroom. These lawyers are adept in getting a firm hold on the case and getting the desired results for the clients.
This is the list of the top ten highest hearing fees paid lawyers in India.
10. Ashok Desai
Ashok Desai is an advocate in the Supreme Court of India. Desai was the Solicitor General of India from 1989 to 1990. He was also the Attorney General of India from 1996-1998. He is a distinguished lawyer and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan. He charges Rs 2 lakhs for each hearing.
9. R.F. Nariman
He is a Harvard Law graduate and the son of the famed lawyer Fali Nariman. Nariman enjoys the distinction of being appointed as a senior advocate in the Supreme Court at the age of 37 instead of the mandatory age of 45. Nariman is the acting Solicitor General of India and is also a senior counsel. Nariman charges more than Rs 2 lakhs from his clients for each hearing.
8. K.K. Venugopal
K K Venugopal is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India. He is a Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardee. KK Venugopal was also hired by the Government of Bhutan for consultations during the drafting of the constitution of Bhutan. He has fought many cases for the State Governments and govt. institutions for free. Venugopal charges more than Rs 3 lakhs for each appearance in the court.
7. Mukul Rohatgi
He is the current Attorney General of India and has held the position of Additional Solicitor General of India. He is a senior advocate in the Supreme Court. He represented the Gujarat government in Supreme Court in the 2002 communal riots case and the fake encounter cases. He also represented the government in the well known Best Bakery case. Rohatgi charges Rs 5 lakhs or more for each hearing.
6. Abhishek Singhvi
Abhishek Singhvi became the youngest Attorney General of India at the age of 37. He is a senior advocate and also the member of the Indian National Congress. He is currently a member of Rajya Sabha and represents Congress from the state of Rajasthan. Singhvi charges Rs 6 lakhs for each appearance. He was at the centre of a controversy involving a sex tape.
5. K. Parasaran
K Parasaran was the Advocate General of Tamil Nadu and the Attorney General of India during the rule of Indira Gandhi and then Rajiv Gandhi. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the year 2003 and the Padma Vibhushan in the year 2011. He was appointed to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India in the year 2012. He is known for his excellent skills as an advocate. Parasaran charges Rs 8-12 lakhs for each hearing.
4. Soli Sorabjee
He is a former Attorney General of India and was also the Solicitor General of India from 1977 to 1980. He is the vice president of the United Nations Human Rights Commission and the president of the United Lawyer’s Association. He is the chairman of the Transparency International and convenor of the Minority Rights Group. He is an honorary member of Order of Australia. In the year 2002 he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. His success rate is as high as 80%. Sorabjee charges Rs 10-15 lakhs for each appearance and Rs 1.25-2 lakhs for admission days.
3. Fali S Nariman
He is a very distinguished lawyer who is known for his in-depth knowledge of the constitution. He does not accept many cases. He is proficient in skillful questioning and presents formidable arguments. He also represents many political parties. Nariman is aged 87 and is one of the oldest lawyers who is still active in the courtroom. He has held the position of the Supreme Court Bar Association since the year 1991. He was appointed to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India in the year 1999. He has won the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and the Gruber Prize for Justice. Nariman charges Rs 25 lakhs per day and Rs 8-15 lakhs per appearance.
2. Harish Salve
Harish Salve is a renowned lawyer with a client list consisting of Reliance, ITC Limited, Vodafone, Tata Group, etc. Salve was the Solicitor General of India from 1993 to 2002. He has appeared in the list of the top ten lawyers in the world published by many forums and has also been ranked as the 18th most powerful man in the country. He charges Rs 30 lakhs per day and Rs 15 lakhs per hearing.
1. Ram Jethmalani
Ram Jethmalani is a big name in the law community. He was the Chairman of the Bar Council of India and has also held the position of the Union Law Minister during the NDA government led by AB Vajpayee. He has appeared in a number of high profile cases. Ram Jethmalani is very expensive and charges Rs 25 lakhs per appearance. He tops the list of the most expensive lawyers in India.
It is almost impossible for the common man to enlist the services of the high profile lawyers except some who may fight the cases for a minimal amount.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.