DLSA Latur Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026

About This Job

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Latur is hiring 1 Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel on a contractual, full-time basis. If you have an LLB degree with Bar Council enrollment and up to 3 years of criminal law practice, you can apply by post or in person. The last date to submit your application is 7 May 2026 by 5:00 PM. The monthly honorarium (retainership fee) is Rs. 35,000 per month.

DLSA Latur Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Latur, functioning under the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (SLSA), Mumbai, has issued a notification for one Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel post in Latur district. This is part of NALSA's Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS), a full-time public defender model introduced to provide free and competent legal services to underprivileged citizens in criminal matters. The engaged lawyer will work exclusively on legal aid cases and cannot take any private cases or other retainerships during the engagement period.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• You must hold a graduation degree plus a professional LLB degree from a recognised university.
• Enrollment with the Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961 is mandatory.

Experience

• Practice in criminal law from 0 to 3 years — freshers with LLB who have recently enrolled are eligible.

Other Requirements

• Good oral and written communication skills in relevant languages.
• Thorough understanding of the ethical duties of a defense counsel.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with others.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• IT knowledge with high proficiency is required.

Note: Qualifications may be reasonably relaxed in case of exceptional candidates with the approval of the Executive Chairman, SLSA.

Age Limit

• Age is calculated as on 07-04-2026.
• No specific age limit mentioned in the notification — check the official scheme for details.

Salary / Honorarium

• You will get a retainership fee (honorarium) of Rs. 35,000 per month.
• This is a contractual engagement initially for 2 years, extendable on a yearly basis based on satisfactory performance.
• Performance is reviewed every 6 months by SLSA in consultation with DLSA.
• 12 days' leave per calendar year on a pro-rata basis is allowed for the Assistant Counsel.
• No pay is given for absence beyond admissible leave, and un-availed leave cannot be carried forward or encashed.

Selection Process

Selection is purely merit-based — there is no written exam:

1. Application Screening: Applications reviewed based on qualification, experience, knowledge, skills, and criminal law practice record.
2. Selection Committee Interview: A committee chaired by the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA) and comprising at least three senior judicial officers evaluates candidates.
3. Final Approval: The Executive Chairman, SLSA gives final approval after which an engagement contract is executed between the Secretary DLSA and the selected candidate.

Note: No person with a conflict of interest shall be part of the selection process.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the official website at latur.dcourts.gov.in or collect it from the notice board of District Court, Latur or DLSA Latur.
2. Fill in the application form completely with all required details.
3. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents (see documents list below).
4. Submit the filled application by speed post or deliver it in person to the office of the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Latur.
5. Applications must reach the office on or before 07/05/2026 by 5:00 PM. Late applications will not be considered.

Important: Applying for engagement does not create any right or assurance of selection.

Documents Required

• Self-attested copies of certificates proving educational qualifications (graduation, LLB, LLM if any).
• Self-attested copy of Bar Council enrollment certificate issued under the Advocates Act, 1961.
• Self-attested copy of Photo Identity Card and Address Proof.
• Self-attested copy of ITR for last 3 years (if available).
• Experience certificate issued by the Bar Association or Council (showing duration, nature of cases, and specialisation).
• Bar Association Membership Certificate showing the courts where you regularly practise.
• Passport size photograph.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 06 April 2026
• Last Date to Submit Application: 07 May 2026 by 5:00 PM
• Exam/Interview Date: To be announced

• File cases and conduct trials in Magistrate Court on behalf of legal aid clients.
• Handle remand, bail, and other miscellaneous court work as assigned.
• Assist the Chief and Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel in conducting legal aid cases.
• Provide legal assistance to suspects at the pre-arrest stage as needed.
• Visit prisons and Legal Aid Clinics as per directions from DLSA.
• Maintain complete case files and keep legal aid seekers updated on their case progress.
• Conduct legal research in legal aided cases and help develop defense strategies.
• Handle telephone queries related to criminal matters from legal aid seekers.