DLSA Theni Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026

About This Job

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Theni is hiring 5 Legal Aid Defense Counsel posts under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) in Tamil Nadu. If you are a practising advocate with criminal law experience, you can apply offline by post or in person. The last date to apply is 22 May 2026. You must be a local resident of Theni district, at least 21 years old. Salary ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 70,000 per month based on the post.

DLSA Theni Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026 - 5 Posts

District Legal Services Authority, Theni (under Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority) has released Notification No. 1 of 2026 dated 29 April 2026 for the engagement of 5 Legal Aid Defense Counsels on contract basis for one year, extendable yearly based on performance. The role is to provide free legal aid in criminal cases on the lines of the Public Defender System - handling trials, appeals, bail work, jail visits and pre-arrest assistance for unrepresented inmates. Advocates with strong criminal law practice and Theni domicile are encouraged to apply.

Vacancy Breakdown by Post

• Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 1 post (Salary Rs. 70,000/month)
• Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 2 posts (Salary Rs. 40,000/month)
• Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 2 posts (Salary Rs. 25,000/month)

Total: 5 vacancies on contract basis for one year, extendable on satisfactory performance.

Who Can Apply?

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of India and a local resident of Theni District.
• Bar Enrollment: You must be enrolled with the Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961.

For Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel:

• At least 10 years of practice in criminal law
• Must have handled at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Court
• 5 Sessions cases in which judgments were delivered with you appearing as defense lawyer
• 5 cross-examinations in sessions cases done by you
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, leadership ability
• Knowledge of computer system is preferable

For Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel:

• At least 7 years of practice in criminal law
• Must have handled at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Court
• 5 Sessions cases with judgments delivered (you as defense lawyer) and 5 cross-examinations
• Excellent understanding of criminal law and communication skills
• IT knowledge with proficiency in work

For Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel:

• Practice in criminal law from 1 to 3 years
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Excellent writing and research skills
• IT knowledge with proficiency in work

Age Limit

• You must be at least 21 years old as on the date of notification (29 April 2026).
• No upper age limit specified in the notification.

Salary

• Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Rs. 70,000 per month
• Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Rs. 40,000 per month
• Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Rs. 25,000 per month
• Engagement is on contract basis for one year, extendable yearly based on satisfactory performance.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process

Selection is purely merit-based:

1. Shortlisting: Based on years of practice, criminal case experience and legal knowledge
2. Viva-voce (Interview): Conducted by the selection committee chaired by the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA)
3. Final approval: By the Executive Chairman, Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA)

There is no written exam. Selection takes into account drafting skills, efficiency in handling criminal cases and overall legal knowledge.

How to Apply

1. Download the standard application form annexed with the notification from theni.dcourts.gov.in.
2. Fill in the form completely with your personal details, qualifications and Bar enrollment number.
3. Attach two passport-size photographs and self-attested copies of educational qualification certificates.
4. Attach experience certificate from the Bar Association/Council, photo copies of judgments in 5 Sessions cases and 5 cross-examinations (for Chief/Deputy posts).
5. Submit the application in person or by post to: The Chairman / Principal District Judge, District Legal Services Authority, ADR Building, Integrated District Court Campus, Lakshmipuram, Theni - 625 523.
6. Superscribe the envelope as "Application for the post of ........... in Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) in DLSA, Theni".
7. The application must reach the office on or before 22 May 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 29 April 2026
• Application Start Date: 30 April 2026
• Last Date to Submit Application: 22 May 2026 (by 5:00 p.m.)
• Interview Date: To be announced

• Conduct trials, appeals and bail matters in Sessions, Special and Magistrate Courts for legal-aid clients
• Handle remand and bail work in criminal cases on a daily basis
• Provide legal assistance at the pre-arrest stage as per NALSA's scheme
• Visit jails periodically and offer legal aid to unrepresented inmates
• Maintain complete case files and proper documentation of every legal-aid case
• Plan defense strategy through legal research, evidence review and client interviews
• Guide Assistant counsels and law students attached to the office in legal research
• Report progress to legal-aid seekers and the Secretary, DLSA