NALSAR Associate Mitigation Recruitment 2026

NALSAR Associate Mitigation Recruitment 2026: Overview

NALSAR University of Law is hiring Associate (Mitigation) staff for The Square Circle Clinic (TSCC) at its New Delhi office. This contractual engagement supports the clinic's work with prisoners facing the death penalty. The focus is on bringing a person's life history and social circumstances into the sentencing discussion.

TSCC grew out of the Project 39A team, which moved from National Law University, Delhi, to NALSAR in April 2025. The clinic continues work across criminal defence, forensic evidence, mental health and punishment. Its wider agenda also covers wrongful convictions, poverty and the use of science and technology in criminal justice.

The notice places mitigation within the defence team's work after a finding of guilt. At that point, the court considers punishment separately, and material about the prisoner's background can become relevant. You will join a team that connects legal representation with a fuller account of the individual behind the case.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Contract: The initial engagement lasts one year. Further yearly extensions depend on the university's decision.
• Work base and travel: You will be based in New Delhi, with extensive travel across India as the clinic's cases need.
• Funding: The post is supported through grants received by TSCC at NALSAR.
• Access to representation: The clinic works with prisoners regardless of the offence involved. NALSAR describes itself as an equal opportunity employer.
• Hiring discretion: The university may change the number of appointments or leave positions unfilled.
• Travel costs: You must cover your own costs of attending interviews.
• Communication: Only shortlisted applicants receive an email. If you hear nothing within four weeks after the deadline, treat your application as unsuccessful. Individual status queries will not receive a reply.

• Build trust with prisoners, families and other people who can explain their life history.
• Collect biographical accounts and supporting records through field visits across India.
• Analyse case information with lawyers for sentencing proceedings and mercy petitions.
• Draft mitigation investigation reports and related court material.
• Consult mental health professionals and other experts about individual cases.
• Use academic research to develop case analysis and write articles about the work.
• Organise workshops for criminal justice professionals and present the clinic's work.