There are several reasons to hire a good attorney. Perhaps you have a complex legal issue that necessitates the expertise of an experienced professional, or perhaps you simply want to know that your case is in good hands. But it would be expensive to hire a good attorney. Among the top 10 most-paid attorneys in India in 2025, some of them charge thousands for a single court hearing or appearance.
There are plenty of lawyers in India, and they charge a wide range of fees. Reputable attorney Harish Salve just had to pay Rs. 1 to represent India in the ICJ case involving Kulbhushan Jadhav. Furthermore, some attorneys bill their business clients lakhs of rupees to appear in court. Nonetheless, have a look at the list of the top 10 highest-paid attorneys in India for 2025.
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S. No.
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Name of the Lawyer
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Appearance Fee
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1.
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Fali Sam Nariman
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Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh
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2.
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Harish Salve
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Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 14 lakh
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3.
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Gopal Subramanium
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Rs. 5.5 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh
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4.
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K. Parasaran
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Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh
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5.
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Abhishek Manu Singhvi
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Rs. 6 lakh to Rs 11 lakh
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6.
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K. K. Venugopal
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Rs. 7 lakh to 10 lakh
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7.
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Palaniappan Chidambaram
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Rs. 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh
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8.
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Mukul Rohatgi
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Rs. 6 lakh to 9 lakh
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9.
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C. Aryama Sundaram
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Rs. 4.5 Lakh to Rs. 16.5 lakh
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10.
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Salman Khurshid
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Rs. 5 lakh
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Fali Sam Nariman
Fali Sam Nariman is among the most renowned and well-known attorneys in India. He has represented several well-known people and companies, including Union Carbide in the well-known Bhopal Gas Disaster Case. He played a pivotal role in helping the victims and the firm reach an out-of-court settlement. He has also appeared in other notable instances, such as those involving Golak Nath and the TMA Pai Foundation.
In addition to being a vocal advocate for human rights, Nariman has stood up for several of the nation's most well-known activists and victims of violations of such rights. In 2007, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the then-President, recognized his contributions with the Padma Vibhushan. According to reports, his fees range from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh for every appearance.
Harish Salve
Attorney and supporter of human rights From November 1, 1999, to November 3, 2002, Harish Salve served as India's Solicitor General. He has also advocated on behalf of large companies including Reliance Industries Limited, Tata Group, and ITC Limited.
Salve is best known for his work in the legal profession, particularly his advocacy for the poor and marginalized. He has also made contributions to other social causes, such as the fight against poverty and the advancement of human rights. He represented Kulbhushan Jadhav in a well-known case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). According to internet rumours, you would have to pay between Rs. 12 and Rs. 14 lakhs for each appearance if you want him to represent you in court.
Gopal Subramanium
Gopal Subramaniam is one of India's wealthiest lawyers. He is one of the Indian attorneys who have made a name for themselves in the field. Gopal Subramanium was the Chairman of the Bar Council of India while serving as the Solicitor General of India from 2009 to 2011.
He is 62 years old, yet it is admirable that he still supports the country's legal community. In 2009, the Indian President presented him with the National Law Day Award for Outstanding Jurist. This illustrates Gopal Subramaniam's reputation as a lawyer. The cost of his presence ranges from Rs. 5.5 to Rs. 15 lakh. Gopal Subramaniam attended Delhi University. He is unquestionably among the richest lawyers in India at the moment.
Even though he is 62 years old, he continues to help the nation's legal community. Gopal Subramaniam received the 2009 National Law Day Award for Outstanding Jurist from the Indian President himself. This demonstrates Gopal Subramaniam's reputation as a reliable attorney.
K. Parasaran
K. Parasaran is one of India's most well-known and prosperous attorneys. He has successfully represented a number of well-known clients in court, including the Nair Service Society in the Sabarimala case and the Hindu parties in the Ayodhya land dispute case.
K Parasaran is a graduate of Madras Law College. He has been awarded numerous accolades throughout his remarkable journey spanning 60 years, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Based on online claims, we may estimate his cost to be between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 12 lakh.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Abhishek Manu Singhvi is a well-known and renowned attorney with more than 40 years of experience. He has defended famous people, such as the late Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He is also a prolific author, having authored numerous books on criminal and political subjects. He has appeared as a legal analyst on several television networks. According to internet sources, his fees for each court hearing range from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh.
K. K. Venugopal
We cannot overlook K.K. Venugopal when discussing the highest-paid attorneys in India in 2025 because he is a superb legal practitioner. He has been practicing law for over 30 years and has built a solid reputation as one of the most brilliant legal brains. He has established a strong reputation in the legal community and has represented several clients in court with success. Do you require KK Venugopal's legal assistance? You could have to pay a hefty amount of Rs. 7 lakhs to 10 lakhs.
Palaniappan Chidambaram
Palaniappan Chidambaram is a well-known politician and attorney in India. He has previously held positions in the Rajya Sabha, as a Member of Parliament, as a lawyer, and as the Union Minister of Finance. Another name for Palaniappan Chidambaram is P. Chidambaram is without a doubt one of India's most well-known and wealthy attorneys. He studied law at Harvard University and the University of Madras.
P. Chidambaram has made a substantial contribution to India's growth and advancement. "A View from the Outside" is among his best works. His cost for legal services ranges from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs for every hearing or court appearance.
Mukul Rohatgi
Among the most exceptional Indian attorneys, Mukul Rohatgi is a well-known figure because of his contributions to constitutional law and human rights. He has also been linked to other well-known instances, such as the Zahira Sheikh case, the Sohrabuddin Sheikh False Encounter case, and the Best Bakery case. Additionally, Rohatgi is a member of the Indian Bar Council. While PM Vajpayee was in charge of the NDA, he also served as India's Additional Solicitor General. He is thought to charge between Rs. 6 Lakhs and Rs. 9 lakhs per hearing.
C. Aryama Sundaram
Apart from his outstanding legal career, C. Aryama Sundaram has left a legacy of quality in his legal profession that reaches beyond the court. He has successfully handled complex court matters involving Anil Ambani and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) thanks to his broad knowledge across multiple legal fields. His dedication to his clients is demonstrated by his skill in defending them, particularly in cases involving disagreements over monetary settlements. His appearance fees start at Rs. 4.5 lakhs, according to reports.
Salman Khurshid
Salman Khurshid is a well-known Indian lawyer who attended Oxford's St. Edmund Hall and St. Stephen's College. He handled Supreme Court matters and remained committed to the law even after entering politics in 1991. His diverse career, which demonstrated comprehension and commitment, achieved financial objectives. Khurshid is currently making a significant contribution to the legal profession and exemplifies fulfillment through a combination of public service, teaching, and legal practice. It is anticipated that his legal proceedings will cost Rs. 5 lakhs.
In conclusion
Ultimately, the legal landscape of India is defined by the presence of highly esteemed and experienced attorneys with contributions and legal expertise. Our list of the top 10 highest-paid attorneys in 2025 demonstrates the outstanding diversity of legal practitioners in India.
From legends like Fali Sam Nariman, who not only fought well-known cases but also understood and supported human rights, to Salman Khurshid's diverse legal career. Each court hearing is expensive for all of these well-known individuals. The fees these elite attorneys demand are a reflection of their skill as clients search for the best attorney. The aforementioned attorneys have made a significant impact on India's legal sector despite the abundance of other legal experts.