Location:

Salary: ₹35,000 per month (fixed)

Experience: Practice in criminal law: 0 to 3 years

Eligibility: Must be a qualified Advocate / Panel Lawyer

Recruitment for the Post of Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel at District Legal Services Authority, Ahmednagar (2026)

About the Organisation

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ahmednagar, functions under the framework of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and operates under the guidance of the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA). It is responsible for providing free and competent legal services to eligible persons and ensuring access to justice through the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System.

About the Post / Opportunity

The post of Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel is a contract-based legal position under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System. The role involves assisting in criminal legal aid matters, supporting defense strategy, and working closely with senior legal aid counsels.

Engagement is initially for 1 year, extendable based on performance

Performance is reviewed every 6 months

Selection is merit-based through a structured process under judicial supervision

Number of Vacancies

Total: 1 Post

Additionally, a waitlist of 3 candidates will be prepared

Roles and Responsibilities

• Filing of cases and conducting trials in Magistrate courts
• Handling remand, bail, and miscellaneous criminal matters
• Conducting legal research in legal aid cases
• Visiting prisons and legal aid clinics as directed
• Providing assistance at pre-arrest stage to suspects
• Assisting Chief and Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsels
• Developing defense strategy after analyzing prosecution evidence
• Visiting crime locations and interacting with accused/family members
• Handling queries of legal aid seekers
• Updating clients on case progress
• Addressing legal queries (including telephonic queries)
• Performing any other legal aid-related duties assigned

Eligibility

Educational / Professional Qualification

Must be a qualified Advocate / Panel Lawyer

Experience

Practice in criminal law: 0 to 3 years

Desired Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Understanding of ethical duties of defense counsel
• Ability to work efficiently in a team
• Excellent legal research and drafting skills
• Good IT/computer proficiency

(Note: Qualifications may be relaxed in exceptional cases with approval of competent authority.)

Salary

₹35,000 per month (fixed)

Selection Process

Based on merit, considering: Legal knowledge, Skills, Experience and practice

Conducted by a Selection Committee chaired by: Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA)

Final approval by: Executive Chairman, State Legal Services Authority

Governed by: NALSA (Free and Competent Legal Services) Regulations, 2010

How to Apply

Submit application in prescribed format

Attach self-attested copies of testimonials and certificates

Applications must be submitted as per instructions in the official notification

Deadline

2-04-2026

Location

District Legal Services Authority, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Access the Official Notification here