About ED Vacancy for Advocates as Panel Counsels

Directorate of Enforcement, Government of India, is inviting applications for the empanelment of advocates as Panel Counsels to handle cases under PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) and FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act). ​

Purpose

To select advocates for handling cases before:

1. Appellate Tribunal
2. Adjudicating Authority
3. Special Director (Appeals), FEMA ​

Eligibility Criteria

Qualification

• Essential: Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university. ​ An experience certificate from the Bar Association is required. ​
• Additional Weightage: LLM degree holders and those empaneled with other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) may get preference. ​

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of practice as an advocate (as of 31/07/2025). ​

Desirable

• Experience in criminal and fiscal law. ​
• Preference for advocates previously empaneled with LEAs. ​

Terms and Fees

1. Effective Hearing: ₹9,000 per case/day. ​
2. Non-Effective Hearing: ₹1,500 per case/day (up to 5 hearings). ​
3. Settling Pleadings: ₹3,000 per case. ​
4. Miscellaneous Applications: ₹3,000 per case. ​
5. Conference: ₹900 per conference (up to 3 conferences). ​
6. Miscellaneous Expenses: As per actuals, subject to approval.

Duties

1. Appear in cases before the designated authorities. ​
2. Provide legal opinions on filing appeals. ​
3. Update the Directorate on case progress and provide copies of judgments/orders. ​
4. Assist senior advocates and law officers when required. ​
5. Draft legal documents like replies, rejoinders, and written submissions. ​
6. Coordinate with the concerned Investigation Officer (IO) and Unit Head for case preparation. ​
7. Handle cases across jurisdictions if required. ​
8. Maintain confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest. ​

Engagement Terms

1. Initial engagement for 36 months, subject to performance review. ​
2. Advocates must sign a contract with confidentiality, integrity, and non-compete clauses. ​
3. Breach of contract may lead to termination and debarment. ​
4. Engagement can be terminated with one month’s notice. ​

Selection Process

1. Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email for interviews. ​
2. Only selected candidates will be notified after the process.

Proforma-A (Application Form)

The application form requires details such as:

• Personal information (name, date of birth, address, etc. ​).
• Educational qualifications (12th, graduation, LLB, LLM, etc. ​).
• Professional experience (law practice, criminal/fiscal law, FEMA/PMLA cases). ​
• Achievements, publications, and empanelment with other LEAs.
• Zone/sub-zone preference for empanelment. ​

Applicants must declare the accuracy of the information and submit original documents during the interview or after selection. ​

Application Process

1. Submit the application in the prescribed format (Proforma-A) along with supporting documents. ​
2. Address the application to: Deputy Director (Legal), Enforcement Directorate, Headquarters Office, Block A, Pravartan Bhawan, Dr. A.P.J. ​ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi-110011. ​
3. Deadline: 31st August 2025. ​
4. Email a copy of the application to ddlegal-ed@gov.in. ​

Contact Information

• Email: ddlegal-ed@gov.in ​
• Phone: (011)-23339176 ​

This document outlines the requirements, terms, and application process for advocates interested in working with the Directorate of Enforcement. ​