Consultant at The Square Circle Clinic, NALSAR

About The Square Circle Clinic
The Square Circle Clinic is a criminal justice initiative under NALSAR University of Law, with operational offices in New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, and Hyderabad. The Clinic focuses on pro bono criminal defence for death row prisoners and undertrials. It also engages in research, public discourse, and advocacy concerning death penalty jurisprudence, forensic science, criminalisation and punishment, torture prevention, legal aid, and intersections of mental health with criminal justice. This work, previously conducted under Project 39A, transitioned to NALSAR in April 2025.

About the Position: Consultant (Litigation)
The Square Circle Clinic at NALSAR University of Law is inviting applications for three full-time Consultant (Litigation) positions on a contractual basis, based in New Delhi. The appointment will initially be for one year, with possible annual renewals at the University’s discretion.

Eligibility Criteria

Must hold an LLB degree and be enrolled with any State Bar Council.
Preference will be given to candidates with at least two years of full-time criminal litigation experience at the appellate level.
Proficiency in reading, writing, or speaking multiple Indian languages is desirable, but not mandatory.

Key Responsibilities

Draft legal documents including criminal appeals, writs, review petitions, mercy petitions, rejoinders, and applications.
Collaborate with senior advocates, AORs, and seasoned criminal lawyers in litigation before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and trial courts.
Develop legal strategies and conduct comprehensive legal research for ongoing cases.
Visit prisons across India to interview death row prisoners and their families for case preparation.
Liaise with prison authorities to obtain relevant case documents and updates.
Represent the Clinic’s work at public and academic forums.
Contribute to ongoing research and strategic projects of the Clinic.
Organise and facilitate training programs and conferences.
Perform other related duties necessary to advance the Clinic’s mission.

Location
New Delhi (full-time, in-office position)

Number of Positions
3

Deadline for Applications
Submit applications by 11 PM on 15th May 2025.
Subsequent selection rounds are tentatively scheduled between 30th May – 1st June 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be notified about the final schedule.

Application Procedure