Consultant (Senior Legal Fellow) Vacancy at NALSAR University of Law, Nagpur: Apply by 30 July 2026

NALSAR University of Law has invited applications for the position of Consultant (Senior Legal Fellow) at its Nagpur office under the Fair Trial Programme of The Square Circle Clinic. This opportunity is designed for legal professionals interested in criminal justice, legal aid, trial advocacy support, and research-based legal work.

The appointment will be made on a contractual basis for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on program requirements and funding availability.

Overview of the Position

• Position: Consultant (Senior Legal Fellow)
• Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Organization: NALSAR University of Law
• Programme: Fair Trial Programme, The Square Circle Clinic
• Employment Type: Full-Time Contractual Position
• Initial Contract Duration: One Year
• Date of Notification: 13 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 30 July 2026

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will support legal aid representation for undertrial prisoners and work closely with legal aid lawyers handling criminal cases.

Major responsibilities include:

• Assisting lawyers during court proceedings.
• Conducting legal research on criminal law and procedural issues.
• Drafting legal documents, applications, and case-related materials.
• Coordinating with District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs).
• Supporting matters handled through Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) offices.
• Visiting prisons for client meetings and interviews.
• Assisting in case preparation and trial strategy.
• Providing legal and procedural support in ongoing criminal litigation.

Nature of Engagement

The engagement is intended to strengthen legal representation for undertrial prisoners and improve access to justice through effective legal aid services.

Key features include:

• Full-time role based in Nagpur.
• One-year contractual appointment.
• Extension subject to institutional requirements and availability of funds.
• Opportunity to work directly on criminal justice and legal aid initiatives.

About The Square Circle Clinic

The Square Circle Clinic is a criminal justice initiative operating under NALSAR University of Law. The clinic works across multiple locations, including:

• New Delhi
• Pune
• Nagpur
• Hyderabad

The initiative focuses on legal representation, research, advocacy, and public engagement in areas related to criminal justice reform.

Major Areas of Work

The Square Circle Clinic undertakes activities such as:

• Pro bono criminal defense representation.
• Assistance in death penalty cases.
• Support for undertrial prisoners.
• Research on criminal law and punishment.
• Legal aid and access to justice initiatives.
• Forensic justice and evidence-related studies.
• Prevention of torture and custodial violence.
• Mental health and criminal justice research.
• Public engagement and policy discussions.

The team currently associated with The Square Circle Clinic previously carried out similar criminal justice work under Project 39A before transitioning to NALSAR University of Law in 2025.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This position offers legal professionals a chance to:

• Gain practical exposure to criminal litigation.
• Work on legal aid and fair trial initiatives.
• Engage directly with courts, prisons, and legal aid institutions.
• Contribute to criminal justice reform efforts.
• Develop expertise in research, drafting, and client representation support.

About NALSAR University of Law

NALSAR University of Law is one of India’s leading law universities and is recognized for excellence in legal education, research, policy engagement, and public interest initiatives. Established to promote advanced legal studies and professional legal training, the university regularly undertakes research and outreach projects addressing contemporary legal and social issues.

Through specialized centres and clinics, NALSAR works on areas such as constitutional law, criminal justice, human rights, technology law, public policy, and access to justice. The university collaborates with courts, government institutions, legal aid bodies, and civil society organizations to strengthen legal systems and promote social justice.

Application Procedure & Deadline

Interested candidates must submit their applications on or before 30 July 2026.

Important Dates

• Notification Released: 13 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 30 July 2026

Apply Online: Call for applications for Consultant (Senior Legal Fellow) Nagpur