About the Organisation

The Square Circle Clinic is a criminal justice initiative at NALSAR University of Law, with its offices in New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur and Hyderabad. The founders, leadership group, and the full-time staff members at The Square Circle Clinic were earlier engaged in criminal justice work as Project 39A and moved to NALSAR in April 2025. The Clinic undertakes pro bono criminal defense of prisoners sentenced to death and also undertrials, research and public engagement efforts on issues relating to the death penalty, forensics, criminalisation and punishment, prevention of torture, legal aid, and mental health and criminal justice.

About the Job Opportunity

The NALSAR University of Law (‘University’) through The Square Circle Clinic is seeking to engage, on a contractual basis, three Consultants (Litigation). These are full-time in-person positions based in New Delhi. The contract will be for one year initially extendable on a yearly basis at the discretion of the University. The Associates will be responsible primarily for working on criminal appeals in cases concerning prisoners sentenced to death.

Job Responsibilities:

Brief and assist senior advocates, advocates on record and experienced criminal practitioners in cases before the Supreme Court, various High Courts and trial courts.
Devise legal strategy and arguments for cases handled by The Square Circle Clinic, including for cases where sentence of death has been imposed and develop strategic litigation involving questions of criminal and constitutional law.
Visit prisons across India to conduct detailed interviews with prisoners sentenced to death, their families as part of developing legal strategy in particular cases.
Regularly communicate with prison authorities to obtain case specific information and documents.
Draft criminal appeals, review petitions, writ petitions, applications, rejoinders, mercy petitions and other legal documents.
Present the work of The Square Circle Clinic at appropriate fora.
Contribute to the research and strategic efforts at The Square Circle Clinic as and when required.
Organise training workshops and conferences.
Any other work that may be necessary to further the aims of The Square Circle Clinic.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Graduate with an LLB degree and enrolment with any State Bar Council.
Those with full-time criminal litigation experience of two years or more at the appellate stage will be given preference. However, candidates with a strong aptitude, interest, and potential for contributing to The Clinic’s work are also encouraged to apply.
Ability to read, write, and/or speak different Indian languages is preferred but not mandatory.