DLSA Kolhapur invites applications for 3 Legal Aid Lawyer posts (Deputy Chief & Assistant). Eligibility: Law degree with experience. Last Date: 20 March 2026. Apply at kolhapur.dcourts.gov.in.
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kolhapur, has released a recruitment notification for the engagement of Full-Time Legal Aid Lawyers. This is a golden opportunity for eligible legal professionals to contribute to the ‘Legal Aid Defense Counsel System’ (LADCS) and serve the underprivileged sections of society. Applications are invited for the posts of Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel on a contractual basis. Interested candidates must submit their applications on or before 20th March 2026.
Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kolhapur |
| Post Names | Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel |
| Total Vacancies | 3 |
| Application Mode | Offline (Speed Post / Personal Submission) |
| Application Last Date | 20th March 2026 (by 17:00 hrs) |
| Official Website (for details) | www.legalservices.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Official Website (for application form) | https://kolhapur.dcourts.gov.in/ |
Vacancy Details
A total of 3 positions are available for Legal Aid Lawyers in the District Legal Services Authority, Kolhapur:
| Post Name | Vacancies | Monthly Honorarium (Retainership Fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 1 | Rs. 60,000/- |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 2 | Rs. 35,000/- |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria as per the official notification:
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized university.
- Enrollment as an Advocate with the Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961.
Age Limit
Age limit details are not explicitly mentioned in the official notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the comprehensive scheme available on the official website or contact the DLSA Kolhapur for clarification.
Experience
Experience in criminal law practice is mandatory for both posts:
| Post Name | Required Experience | Additional Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | At least 7 years of practice in Criminal law. Must have handled at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Courts. | Excellent understanding of criminal law, excellent oral and written communication skills, skill in legal research, thorough understanding of ethical duties of defense counsel, ability to work effectively and efficiently with others, IT Knowledge with proficiency. |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 0 to 3 years of practice in criminal law. | Good oral and written communication skills, thorough understanding of ethical duties of defense counsel, ability to work effectively and efficiently with others, excellent writing and research skills, IT Knowledge with high proficiency. |
Note: Qualifications may be reasonably relaxed in case of exceptional candidates or circumstances with the approval of the Executive Chairman, SLSA.
Application Fee
Details regarding the application fee are not specified in the official notification. Candidates should check the application form or the official website for any applicable fees.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 18th February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 20th March 2026 (by 17:00 hrs) |
Selection Process
The selection process for Legal Aid Defense Counsels will be fair, transparent, and competitive, based purely on merit. The key stages are:
- Application Scrutiny: Duly filled applications along with supporting documents will be reviewed.
- Merit-Based Evaluation: Selection will consider the candidate’s knowledge, skills, practice, and experience.
- Interview/Assessment: A Selection Committee, chaired by the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA), will conduct the selection. The committee will include at least three senior-most judicial officers.
- Final Approval: The selection is subject to final approval by the Executive Chairman, SLSA.
- Contractual Engagement: Selected candidates will be engaged on a contract basis initially for a period of two years, with a stipulation for yearly extension based on satisfactory performance. Performance will be assessed every six months by SLSA in consultation with DLSA.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the DLSA Kolhapur Legal Aid Lawyer Recruitment 2026:
- Download Application Form: Visit the official website of the District and Session Court, Kolhapur (https://kolhapur.dcourts.gov.in/) to download the prescribed application form and the complete scheme of engagement. The form may also be available on the Notice Board of DLSA, Kolhapur.
- Fill the Form: Carefully fill in all required details in the application form.
- Attach Documents: Enclose self-attested copies of all necessary documents as mentioned in the ‘Required Documents’ section below.
- Submission: Submit the duly filled application form along with self-attested copies of documents to the DLSA, Kolhapur (District Legal Services Authority, Kolhapur).
- Mode of Submission: Applications can be sent through Speed Post or submitted personally in an envelope at the office of the Secretary, DLSA, Kolhapur.
- Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the office on or before 20th March 2026 by 17:00 hrs. Applications received after the due date will not be considered.
Required Documents
Candidates must attach self-attested copies of the following documents with their application form:
- Certificates in support of educational qualifications (LL.B., LL.M., etc.).
- Certificate of Enrollment issued by the Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961.
- Photo Identity Card (e.g., Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Driving License).
- Address Proof.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 3 years (if available).
- For Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Photocopies of judgments in at least 5 Sessions cases where the applicant represented as Defense lawyer.
- For Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Photocopies of at least 5 cross-examinations in Sessions cases.
- Any other relevant experience certificates or documents mentioned in the scheme.
- Recent passport-size photograph (to be affixed on the application form).
- Self-declaration form (as provided in the application).
It is highly recommended to keep a photocopy of your submitted application form and all attached documents for your records.
Job Profile & Career Scope
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel:
- Conducting trials, appeals, remand work, bail applications, and prison visits.
- Filing and arguing appeals and bail applications in Courts.
- Maintaining complete case files and performing legal research.
- Guiding Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel and law students in legal research.
- Conducting client interviews for quality research and representation at remand, trial, and appellate stages.
- Assisting Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel in legal aided cases and developing defense strategies.
- Handling queries from legal aid seekers and updating them on case progress.
- Any other work/duty assigned by the Legal Services Authority or Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel:
- Filing cases, conducting trials in Magistrate trial cases.
- Handling remand/bail and other miscellaneous work.
- Conducting legal research in legal aided cases.
- Visiting prisons and Legal Aid Clinics as per directions.
- Providing assistance at the pre-arrest stage to suspects.
- Assisting Chief and Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel in legal aided cases.
- Any other work/duty assigned by the Legal Services Authority.
Career Scope: Working with DLSA Kolhapur provides an excellent platform for legal professionals to gain extensive experience in criminal law, specifically in the public defense system. This role offers direct involvement in impactful cases, enhancing legal skills, and contributing to social justice. The contractual engagement, subject to performance review, offers stability and an opportunity for long-term association with the legal aid system. Such experience is highly valued in both public and private legal sectors.
Preparation Tips
For legal professionals aiming for these positions, a strategic approach to the application and selection process is crucial:
Highlight Relevant Experience:
- For Deputy Chief: Clearly articulate your 7+ years of criminal law practice, emphasizing your experience in Sessions Courts and the 20+ trials handled. Provide detailed judgments and cross-examination samples as requested.
- For Assistant: If you have 0-3 years of experience, focus on any internships, pro-bono work, moot court achievements, or legal research projects related to criminal law.
Showcase Communication Skills:
As the role requires excellent oral and written communication, ensure your application form is meticulously filled, free of errors, and your cover letter (if submitting one) is professional and persuasive. Be prepared to demonstrate these skills during any potential assessment or interview.
Demonstrate IT Proficiency:
Mention your proficiency in legal research software, case management tools, and general office applications, as IT knowledge is a stated requirement.
Ethical Understanding:
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of ethical duties as a defense counsel, as this is a key criterion for both posts.
Document Preparation:
Gather all required documents well in advance. Ensure all copies are self-attested and clearly legible. Organize them systematically before submission to avoid any last-minute rush or errors.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification & Scheme (for details) | www.legalservices.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Application Form Download | https://kolhapur.dcourts.gov.in/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is this a permanent government job?
A1: No, these positions are for contractual full-time engagement, initially for a period of two years, with a possibility of yearly extension based on satisfactory performance.
Q2: Can advocates from outside Kolhapur apply?
A2: The notification specifies engagement in Legal Aid Defense Counsel Office, District Kolhapur. While not explicitly restricted, candidates should be prepared to work full-time in Kolhapur and fulfill the local requirements. It’s advisable to confirm with DLSA Kolhapur if there are any residency preferences.
Q3: What documents are most critical for the application?
A3: The most critical documents include your LL.B. degree, Bar Council enrollment certificate, proof of criminal law practice (especially for Deputy Chief), and the specific judgments/cross-examination records for the Deputy Chief post.
Q4: What is the last date to submit the application?
A4: The last date for submitting the application is 20th March 2026, by 17:00 hrs. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Q5: Is there an interview for selection?
A5: Yes, the selection process involves a merit-based evaluation by a Selection Committee, which typically includes an interview or assessment of knowledge, skills, practice, and experience.
Q6: Will I be allowed to practice privately alongside this engagement?
A6: No, the notification explicitly states, “The Lawyers so engaged therein will not be allowed to take any other private cases or any other retainership.” This is a full-time engagement.
Q7: Where can I find the complete scheme and detailed terms of engagement?
A7: You can visit the website www.legalservices.maharashtra.gov.in for full details of the scheme and terms of engagement.
Q8: What if I face issues downloading the application form?
A8: If you face technical issues, try accessing the website during off-peak hours or using a different browser. Alternatively, the form may be available on the Notice Board of DLSA, Kolhapur. You can also contact DLSA Kolhapur directly for assistance.
