Freshers Job | Associates (Litigation Team) at Project 39A by NLU Delhi: Apply by Feb 10

About Project 39A

Project 39A draws inspiration from Article 39-A in the Indian Constitution on equal justice and signals the broadening of our work on the criminal justice system in India. We undertake litigation, research and communications relating to forensics, torture, legal aid, mental health and death penalty (for more information, visit www.project39a.com).

About the litigation initiative

Project 39A provides pro bono legal assistance to prisoners sentenced to death across the country. We also represent prisoners who are challenging the rejection of their mercy petitions by the Governor or the President. Additionally, we are involved in strategic litigation aimed at challenging procedural and substantive aspects of the criminal justice system for the realization of constitutional rights of prisoners sentenced to death.

Litigation Associates of Project 39A brief eminent senior advocates or experienced criminal defense advocates in the Supreme Court and various High Courts in the country. Project 39A has been involved in several Criminal Appeals, Review Petitions and Writ Petitions before various judicial fora.

About the Job Opportunity

• The National Law University, Delhi (‘University’) through Project 39A is seeking to engage, on a contractual basis, two Associates (Litigation) at its campus in Dwarka, New Delhi.
• The contract will be for one year initially and can be extended on an annual basis at the discretion of the University.
• The Associate will be responsible for working on cases being handled by Project 39A, primarily concerning prisoners sentenced to death.

Responsibilities

• A. Draft criminal appeals, review petitions, writ petitions, applications, rejoinders, mercy petitions and other legal documents.
• B. Brief and assist senior advocates and advocates on record.
• C. Devise legal strategy and arguments for cases handled by Project 39A and carry out related research.
• D. Visit prisons across India to conduct detailed interviews with prisoners sentenced to death, their families as part of developing legal strategy in particular cases.
• E. Regularly communicate with prison authorities to obtain case specific information and documents.
• F.  Present the work of Project 39A at appropriate fora.
• G. Contribute to the research and strategic efforts at Project 39A as and when required.
• H. Organise training workshops and conferences.
• I. Any other work that may be necessary to further the aims of Project 39A.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A. Graduate with an LLB degree and enrolment with any State Bar Council.
• B. Those with full-time criminal litigation experience of two years or more at the appellate stage will be given preference.
• C. Ability to read/ write/ speak different Indian languages will be an advantage but is not mandatory.
• D. This is a full-time position based in Delhi.

Compensation: The compensation will be commensurate with experience. 

Application Process

Interested persons may send their résumé and a statement of purpose, explaining their interest in representing prisoners sentenced to death and the contribution that they see themselves making through this position.

The statement of purpose must not exceed 750 words.

Applications and documents will be accepted only through the form available here.

Deadline

Applications must reach us no later than 10th February 2023 after which the applications will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be informed by 14th February 2023. Online tests and in-person interviews will be held between 16th February 2023 and 19th February 2023, the exact dates for which will be announced later.