DLSA Nagapattinam Assistant Legal Aid Counsel Recruitment 2026

About This Job

DLSA Nagapattinam is hiring 2 Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsels on a full-time contract basis for a period of two years. If you are a lawyer with 0 to 3 years of practice in criminal law, you can apply. The last date to submit your application is 29 May 2026 by 5:45 PM. The monthly honorarium is Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 as per the NALSA Legal Aid Defense Counsel Scheme.

DLSA Nagapattinam Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Nagapattinam, has released Notification No. 02/2026 dated 22 April 2026 inviting applications from eligible lawyers for engagement as Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS). The lawyers engaged will not be allowed to take any private cases or other retainership — the engagement is exclusively for legal aid work in criminal matters. The scheme is run on the lines of the Public Defender System and was introduced by NALSA.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• You must hold an LLB degree and be enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council.

Experience and Skills

• Practice in criminal law from 0 to 3 years.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of ethical duties of a defense counsel.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with others.
• IT knowledge with high proficiency in work.
• Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience.

Salary

• Monthly honorarium of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 (as per NALSA Modified Scheme 2022 — Class C towns).
• The performance of every candidate will be monitored for 6 months and further confirmation will be based on performance.
• You will be eligible for 12 days of leave in a calendar year on pro-rata basis.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is purely based on merit and is carried out by a Selection Committee under the Chairmanship of the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA):

1. Scrutiny of Applications: Only shortlisted candidates will be called for written test/interview after scrutiny.
2. Written Test / Interview: The date and time will be intimated by email through the ecourts website or by telephone/mobile only to shortlisted candidates.
3. Document Verification: Candidates must appear with original certificates. Travel expenses for the interview are at your own cost.

Selection is purely based on merit, taking into account the knowledge, skills, practice and experience of candidates.

How to Apply

1. Download the Scheme of Engagement and Application Form from the official website at nagapattinam.dcourts.gov.in or get it from the Notice Board of DLSA, Nagapattinam.
2. Fill in the application form completely with your personal details, educational qualifications, Bar enrolment details and experience in Bar.
3. Attach self-attested copies of educational certificates, Bar Council enrolment certificate, photo ID, address proof and ITR for the last 3 years (if available).
4. Superscribe the envelope as "Application for the post of Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel in Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) in DLSA, Nagapattinam".
5. Submit by Post or in person to: Chairman/District Judge, District Legal Services Authority, ADR Building, District Court Campus, Nagapattinam - 611 001.
6. Applications must reach on or before 29 May 2026 by 5:45 PM.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 22 April 2026
• Last Date to Submit Application: 29 May 2026 (by 5:45 PM)
• Written Test / Interview Date: To be announced (intimated to shortlisted candidates by email/mobile)

• File cases and conduct trials in Magistrate Trial Courts
• Handle remand, bail and other miscellaneous criminal matters
• Carry out legal research in legal-aided cases
• Visit prisons and legal aid clinics as per directions
• Provide legal assistance to suspects at the pre-arrest stage
• Assist the Chief and Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel in conducting legal aid cases
• Develop defence strategy by analysing prosecution evidence and the accused's version
• Handle legal queries from legal aid seekers and update them on case progress