Call For Applications: Associate (Litigation)
Position:
The National Law University, Delhi (‘University’) through Project 39A is seeking to engage, on a contractual basis, two Associates (Litigation) at its campus in Dwarka, New Delhi. The contract will be for one year initially and can be extended on an annual basis at the discretion of the University. The Associates will be responsible for working on cases being handled by Project 39A, primarily concerning prisoners sentenced to death
About Project 39A:
Project 39A draws inspiration from Article 39-A in the Indian Constitution on equal justice and signals the broadening of our work on the criminal justice system in India. We undertake litigation, research and communications relating to forensics, torture, legal aid, mental health and death penalty (for more information, visit www.project39a.com).
About the litigation initiative:
Project 39A provides pro bono legal assistance to prisoners sentenced to death across the country. The Project also represents prisoners who are challenging the rejection of their mercy petitions by the Governor or the President. Additionally, the Project is involved in strategic litigation aimed at challenging procedural and substantive aspects of the criminal justice system for the realization of constitutional rights of prisoners sentenced to death. Litigation associates of the Project brief eminent senior advocates or experienced criminal defense advocates in the Supreme Court and High Courts. The Project has been involved in several Criminal Appeals, Review Petitions and Writ Petitions before various judicial fora.
Responsibilities:
Draft criminal appeals, review petitions, writ petitions, applications, rejoinders, mercy petitions and other legal documents.
Brief and assist senior advocates and advocates on record.
Devise legal strategy and arguments for cases handled by Project 39A and carry out related research.
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.
Present the work of Project 39A at appropriate fora.
Contribute to the research and strategic efforts at Project 39A as and when required.
Organise training workshops and conferences.
Any other work that may be necessary to further the aims of Project 39A.
Qualifications and Requirements:
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.
Ability to read/ write/ speak different Indian languages will be preferred but is not mandatory.
This is a full-time position based in Delhi.
Compensation: The compensation will be commensurate with experience.
Application Process: Interested persons may send their résumé and a statement of purpose, explaining their interest in representing prisoners sentenced to death and the contribution that they see themselves making through this position. The statement of purpose must not exceed 500 words. Applications and documents will be accepted only through the form available below.
Deadline: Applications must reach us no later than midnight of 18th August 2024, after which they will not be accepted. Interviews will be held thereafter; the date will be notified separately. Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to further selection rounds, if considered necessary.
Note:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email. If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the deadline, please assume that your application has not succeeded. Unfortunately, we cannot reply to individual queries about the status of applications.
National Law University Delhi is an equal opportunity employer and P39A ensures access to legal representation for prisoners regardless of the offence.
National Law University Delhi reserves the right to not fill the position or vary the number of positions vacant for this call. Also, we shall be unable to cover the costs of attending interviews.
National Law University Delhi reserves the right to conduct additional rounds of interviews or written tests.
The position shall be paid under the grants received by Project 39A, National Law University Delhi.
For any query , please contact at 011- 28032533 or e-mail at p39a@nludelhi.ac.in.