About the Organisation
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Sundargarh, operates under the Odisha State Legal Services Authority and aims to provide free and competent legal aid to the underprivileged. In line with the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) initiated by NALSA, DLSA Sundargarh is implementing this public defender-style model to ensure access to justice in criminal cases.
About the Job Opportunity
Applications are invited for the contractual engagement of Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsels, and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsels in the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System Office at Sundargarh District. Engagement is full-time and on a contractual basis for two years, extendable based on performance.
Job Responsibilities:
Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- Lead legal aid trials and appeals, assign duties to team members.
- Ensure legal research and preparation, file maintenance, client updates.
- Responsible for administration and quality control of legal aid services.
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- Conduct trials, appeals, and prison visits.
- Perform legal research, maintain case files, guide junior counsels.
- Support chief counsel in legal and administrative tasks.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- Handle trial cases, remand/bail applications, and assist senior counsels.
- Conduct legal research, prison visits, and client interactions.
- Support defense strategy, maintain documentation, and assist in legal queries.
Eligibility & Qualifications:
Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- 10+ years’ practice in criminal law
- Experience in at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Court
- Leadership, administrative skills, and basic IT knowledge
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- 7+ years’ practice in criminal law
- Experience in at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Court
- Good communication, legal research, and IT skills
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- 0 to 3 years’ practice in criminal law
- Strong legal writing, communication, and research skills
- Basic IT proficiency
Note: Qualifications may be relaxed in exceptional cases with approval of Executive Chairman, SLSA.
Additional Perks:
- Monthly honorarium:
- Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: ₹70,000
- Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel: ₹50,000
- Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: ₹30,000
- Entitled leave: 12–15 days annually (pro-rata, non-carry forwardable)
- Opportunity to contribute to public service and legal reform
How to Apply?
- Submit application in the prescribed format along with all required documents.
- Applications can be sent via speed post/registered post or delivered personally to:
Secretary, DLSA, Sundargarh
ADR Building, District Court Premises,
Sundargarh – 770001, Odisha
- The envelope should be superscribed as:
“Application for Engagement as (Name of the Post) ________________”
Application Deadline
09th June 2025, 01:00 PM
Click here to apply for official notification
