DLSA Tiruchirappalli Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 05 Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel And More Posts

The District Legal Services Authority, Tiruchirappalli (DLSA Tiruchirappalli) invites applications from qualified advocates and legal professionals for engagement as full-time Legal Aid Defense Counsel under the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System. This recruitment drive aims to fill 05 vacancies across three crucial positions - Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel. These positions offer an excellent opportunity for experienced criminal law practitioners to serve the cause of justice by providing legal representation to undertrials and accused persons who cannot afford private legal services. The Legal Aid Defence Counsel System operates under the mandate of providing free legal aid to eligible persons as per the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The engaged counsels will be responsible for representing indigent accused persons in criminal proceedings at various stages including remand hearings, bail applications, trial proceedings, and appeals before Sessions Courts and the High Court of Madras. This is a contractual engagement with attractive monthly remuneration ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 90,000 depending on the position and experience level. Candidates interested in this prestigious opportunity must possess extensive experience in criminal law practice with proven courtroom skills and ethical conduct. The positions require advocates who demonstrate excellent oral and written communication abilities, thorough knowledge of criminal procedure, evidence law, and constitutional provisions relating to rights of accused persons. Selected counsels will work directly under the supervision of the District Legal Services Authority and will be expected to maintain high professional standards while serving economically weaker sections of society. The application process is entirely offline, and interested advocates must submit their applications in the prescribed format along with self-attested copies of all relevant certificates including enrollment certificate, identity proof, educational qualifications, and experience certificates. Applications must reach the office of the Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, ADR Building, District Court Campus, Tiruchirappalli before the closing date. This recruitment notification provides a detailed breakdown of eligibility criteria, experience requirements, salary structure, duties and responsibilities, terms of engagement, and grounds for termination. **About District Legal Services Authority Tiruchirappalli:** The District Legal Services Authority functions under the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority and operates under the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Its primary objective is to provide free and competent legal services to eligible persons belonging to weaker sections of society and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. The Authority is headed by the District Judge and works towards ensuring access to justice for all citizens irrespective of their economic or social status. **Post-wise Vacancy Details:** The recruitment notification announces vacancies for three distinct positions within the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System. One position is available for Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel requiring minimum 10 years of criminal law practice with substantial trial experience. One vacancy exists for Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel requiring 7 years of practice experience. Three positions are open for Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel requiring 3 years of practice in criminal matters. Each position has specific eligibility criteria, experience requirements, and assigned responsibilities. **Key Responsibilities and Duties:** Engaged counsels will be required to appear on behalf of legal aid seekers in all criminal proceedings before Sessions Courts, District Courts, and subordinate criminal courts. They must attend to remand work, bail applications, trial proceedings, filing of appeals, and representing clients at all stages of criminal litigation. Counsels are expected to make periodic visits to prisons for meeting undertrials, providing legal advice, and preparing defense strategies. They must maintain detailed case diaries, submit periodic reports to the District Legal Services Authority, and ensure compliance with all procedural requirements. Professional conduct must strictly adhere to the Bar Council rules and ethical guidelines prescribed for legal practitioners. **Selection Process and Interview:** Eligible candidates will be called for a personal interview before a Selection Committee constituted by the District Legal Services Authority. The interview will assess the candidate's knowledge of criminal law, courtroom experience, communication skills, ethical understanding, and commitment to legal aid work. Candidates may be required to present details of past cases handled, judgments obtained, and practical experience in various aspects of criminal defense work. The Selection Committee's decision will be final and binding. **Terms of Engagement:** The engagement is purely contractual and does not confer any right to regular employment or permanent appointment. Services can be terminated at any time without prior notice in case of breach of duties, accepting fees from legal aid seekers, conviction in criminal cases, involvement in political activities, physical or mental incapacity, or any conduct deemed unbecoming of the position. Engaged counsels cannot undertake private practice alongside legal aid work and must devote full time to assigned responsibilities. Annual performance reviews will be conducted, and continuation depends on satisfactory service record.