DLSA Sangli Deputy Chief Legal Aid Counsel 2026

About This Job

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Sangli is hiring 1 Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS). This is a full-time contractual position with a monthly honorarium of Rs. 60,000/-. You need at least 7 years of criminal law practice to apply. The last date to submit your application is 18 April 2026 by 5:00 PM.

DLSA Sangli Deputy Chief Legal Aid Counsel Recruitment 2026 — 1 Post

The District Legal Services Authority, Sangli — working under the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) — has released this notification (No. MSLSA/2026/1252, dated 30 March 2026) for engaging a Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel on contract. The LADCS is a NALSA initiative modeled on the public defender system, where full-time lawyers handle criminal legal aid work exclusively — from pre-arrest stage to appeals. This is a great opportunity for experienced criminal lawyers who want to serve the underprivileged while earning a steady monthly income.

Who Can Apply?

To apply for the Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel post, you need to meet these requirements:

• Educational Qualification: Law degree (LL.B.) from a recognized university
• Experience: At least 7 years of practice in criminal law
• Must have handled at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Courts
• Excellent understanding of criminal law
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Skill in legal research
• Thorough understanding of ethical duties of defense counsel
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with others
• IT knowledge with proficiency in work

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

Age Limit

• Age as on 01 April 2026 (as per application form)
• No specific upper age limit mentioned in the notification

Salary

• Monthly Honorarium: Rs. 60,000/- (retainership fee)
• This is a full-time engagement — you cannot take any private cases or other retainerships while working in this role
• Leave: 15 days per calendar year on pro-rata basis
• Unavailed leave cannot be carried forward or encashed

Selection Process

The selection is merit-based, considering your knowledge, skills, practice, and experience. Here is how the process works:

1. Application Screening: Your application and documents will be reviewed for eligibility
2. Selection Committee Interview: A committee chaired by the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA) along with at least three senior judicial officers will evaluate candidates
3. Final Approval: The selected candidate needs approval from the Executive Chairman, SLSA
4. Contract Execution: An engagement contract will be signed between the Secretary, DLSA and the selected person

No written exam is required — selection is purely based on merit and interview.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form and scheme from the official website: sangli.dcourts.gov.in or from the DLSA Sangli notice board
2. Fill the application form completely
3. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents
4. Submit the filled application either by speed post or in person to: Secretary, DLSA Sangli
5. Make sure your application reaches on or before 18 April 2026 by 5:00 PM

Important: Any application received after the due date will not be considered. Also, applying does not create any right or assurance of engagement.

Required Documents

• Self-attested copies of educational qualification certificates (Graduation, LL.B., LL.M. if any)
• Bar Council Enrollment Certificate under the Advocates Act, 1961
• Photo Identity Card and Address Proof
• ITR for last 3 years (if available)
• Photocopies of judgments in 5 Sessions cases where you represented as defense lawyer
• Photocopies of at least 5 cross-examinations in Sessions cases
• Experience certificate from Bar Association/Council
• Bar Association Membership Certificate

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 30 March 2026
• Revised Application Format Released: 09 April 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 18 April 2026 (by 5:00 PM)

• Handle trials, appeals, remand work, and bail applications in Sessions, Special, and Magistrate Courts as assigned by the Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
• Prepare and argue bail applications and appeals in courts on behalf of legal aid beneficiaries
• Maintain complete case files for all assigned legal aid matters
• Conduct legal research in legal aid cases and guide Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel and law student interns
• Perform proper client interviews at various stages for quality research work and representation at remand, trial, and appellate stages
• Visit prisons periodically under the guidance of the Secretary, DLSA to address legal needs of unrepresented inmates
• Assist with any other legal aid work assigned by the Legal Services Authority