DLSA Theni Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026

About This Job

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Theni is hiring 5 Legal Aid Defense Counsel on a contract basis under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS). If you are a practising criminal lawyer enrolled with the Bar Council and a local resident of Theni district, you can apply. The salary ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 70,000 per month depending on the post. The last date to submit your application is 22 May 2026.

DLSA Theni Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026 - 5 Posts

The District Legal Services Authority, Theni (under Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority) has released Notification No. 1 of 2026 for the appointment of full-time lawyers under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS). The system follows the "Public Defender" model and provides legal representation in criminal cases — from pre-arrest stage to appellate stage, including jail visits for unrepresented inmates. Engagement is purely on contract for one year, extendable based on performance.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 1 post
• Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 2 posts
• Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 2 posts

Who Can Apply?

You must be a citizen of India and a local resident of Theni district. You should also be at least 21 years of age as on the notification date. Specific qualifications differ by post:

For Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel (Rs. 70,000/month):

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

For Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel (Rs. 40,000/month):

• At least 7 years of practice in Criminal law
• Must have handled at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Court
• 5 sessions cases with delivered judgments where you appeared as defense lawyer
• 5 cross-examinations in sessions cases done by you
• IT knowledge with proficiency in work

For Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel (Rs. 25,000/month):

• 1 to 3 years of practice in Criminal law
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Excellent writing and research skills
• IT knowledge with proficiency in work

Age Limit

• Minimum age: 21 years as on the date of notification (30 April 2026)
• No maximum age specified — eligibility is decided by years of practice

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 for one year, extendable yearly based on satisfactory performance.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is purely merit-based with a viva voce:

1. Shortlisting on merit: Based on years of practice, efficiency in handling criminal cases in sessions and other courts, legal knowledge, and drafting skills
2. Viva Voce (Interview): Conducted by a selection committee chaired by the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA Theni)
3. Final Approval: Subject to final approval by the Executive Chairman, TNSLSA

Selection follows NALSA (Free and Competent Legal Services) Regulations 2010.

How to Apply

1. Use the prescribed application form annexed with the notification.
2. Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, Bar enrollment number, and bar experience details.
3. Attach self-attested copies of educational certificates, Bar Council enrollment certificate, photo ID, address proof, ITR for last 3 years (if available), 5 judgment copies and 5 cross-examination copies (for Chief and Deputy Chief posts).
4. Include two passport-size photographs.
5. Super scribe the envelope as "Application for the post of [Post Name] in Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) in DLSA, Theni".
6. Submit by post or in person before 22 May 2026, 5:00 PM to:

The Chairman/Principal District Judge, District Legal Services Authority, ADR Building, Integrated District Court Campus, Lakshmipuram, Theni - 625 523

Incomplete or late applications will be rejected without any further reason.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 30 April 2026
• Reference Date for Age: 30 April 2026
• Last Date to Submit Application: 22 May 2026 (5:00 PM)
• Interview Date: To be announced

• Conduct criminal trials, appeals, and bail matters in Sessions, Special, Magistrate, and Executive Courts
• Handle remand and bail work and provide legal assistance at pre-arrest stage as per NALSA scheme
• Make periodic visits to district prisons under the guidance of the Secretary, DLSA
• Provide legal advice and assistance to walk-in legal aid seekers
• Conduct legal research, plan defense strategy, and prepare every legal-aided case thoroughly
• Maintain complete case files and proper documentation of legal aid provided
• Guide Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsels and law students in legal research
• Handle any other legal-aided work assigned by the Secretary, DLSA