DLSA Samastipur Recruitment 2026: Apply for Legal Aid Counsel posts (Chief, Deputy, Assistant) by Feb 5, 2026. Check eligibility, vacancies, honorarium & application process for these Bihar legal jobs.
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Samastipur, has released an official recruitment notification (Advt. No. 01/2026) inviting applications for various Legal Aid Defense Counsel positions in 2026. This is a significant opportunity for experienced legal professionals to contribute to the justice system on a contractual basis. The recruitment aims to fill crucial roles including Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel. Eligible candidates can apply offline by Speed Post or Registered Post by February 05, 2026. This comprehensive guide provides all essential details regarding important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, and honorarium.
Important Dates for DLSA Samastipur Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Application End Date | February 05, 2026 |
DLSA Samastipur Vacancy Details 2026
A total of 09 contractual positions are available for Legal Aid Defense Counsel roles as per the official notification:
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 01 |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 02 |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 06 |
| Total Vacancies | 09 |
Eligibility Criteria for Legal Aid Counsel
Candidates must meet the specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and experience, for each post as detailed below:
Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- Practice: At least 10 years of practice in Criminal Law.
- Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Legal Understanding: Excellent understanding of criminal law.
- Ethical Duties: Thorough understanding of ethical duties of a defense counsel.
- Leadership: Ability to work effectively and efficiently with others, with capability to lead.
- Trial Experience: Preferably handled at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Courts (this condition can be relaxed in appropriate circumstances).
- Computer Knowledge: Knowledge of computer system is preferable.
- Team Management: Quality to lead the team with capacity to manage the office.
- Retired Personnel: Retired Judicial Officers/Retired Public Prosecutors/Retired District Public Prosecutors (DPO) may also apply, with their applications considered in appropriate cases.
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- Practice: At least 7 years of practice in Criminal Law.
- Legal Understanding: Excellent understanding of criminal law.
- Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Legal Research: Skill in legal research.
- Ethical Duties: Thorough understanding of ethical duties of a defense counsel.
- Work Efficiency: Ability to work effectively and efficiently with others.
- Trial Experience: Preferably handled at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Courts (this condition may be relaxed in exceptional circumstances by the Hon’ble Executive Chairman, BSLSA).
- IT Knowledge: Proficiency in work.
- Retired Personnel: Retired Judicial Officers/Retired Public Prosecutors/Retired District Public Prosecutors (DPO) may also apply, with their applications considered in appropriate cases.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- Practice: 0 to 3 years of practice in Criminal Law.
- Communication Skills: Good oral and written communication skills.
- Ethical Duties: Thorough understanding of ethical duties of a defense counsel.
- Work Efficiency: Ability to work effectively and efficiently with others.
- Writing & Research: Excellent writing and research skills.
- IT Knowledge: High proficiency in work.
Honorarium (Retainership Fee) – Monthly
The honorarium for the Legal Aid Defense Counsel positions is based on the classification of the town (Class A, B, or C) where the office is located. While the specific classification for Samastipur is not explicitly mentioned in the advertisement, the monthly honorarium ranges as per the Modified Legal Aid Defense Counsel Scheme 2022 are provided below:
| Post Name | Class A Towns (Population > 10 Lacs) | Class B Towns (Population 2 Lacs – 10 Lacs) | Class C Towns (Population < 2 Lacs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹65,000 – ₹80,000 | ₹60,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | ₹50,000 – ₹75,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 |
Application Process for DLSA Samastipur Recruitment
Candidates interested in applying for the DLSA Samastipur Legal Aid Counsel positions must follow the offline application procedure:
- Download Application Form: The application form and the Modified Legal Aid Defense Counsel Scheme 2022 can be downloaded from the official website of Civil Court, Samastipur: samastipur.dcourt.gov.in.
- Fill Application Form: Duly fill out the application form with all required details.
- Self-Attest Documents: Attach self-attested copies of all necessary documents as listed below.
- Submission Method: Send the completed application form along with self-attested documents in a sealed envelope via Registered Post or Speed Post.
- Address for Submission: The application must be delivered to the office of the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Samastipur.
- Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the office on or before February 05, 2026, within office working hours. Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.
- No Application Fee: Applicants are explicitly not required to pay any fee along with their applications.
Important Note: The number of engagement positions may vary based on the actual need projected by the DLSA. Applying for engagement does not create any right or assurance of employment.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must attach self-attested copies of the following documents with their application form:
- Certificates in support of educational qualifications.
- Certificate of Enrollment issued by the Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961.
- Photo Identity Card and Address Proof.
- Income Tax Return (ITR) for the last 3 years (if available).
- For Chief/Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel posts:
- Photocopies of judgments in 5 Sessions cases where the applicant represented as Defense lawyer.
- Photocopies of at least 5 cross-examinations in Sessions cases.
Selection Process
The selection for Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel positions will be conducted purely based on merit. Candidates will be evaluated through an interview process by a Selection Committee. This committee will be headed by the respective Chairperson of DLSA, taking into account the candidate’s knowledge, skills, practice, and experience. The selection process aims to be fair, transparent, and competitive.
Work Profile & Responsibilities
The roles involve full-time engagement in providing legal aid, assistance, and representation in criminal matters. Key responsibilities include:
- Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Conducting trials, appeals, bail matters; assigning duties to Deputy & Assistant Counsels; ensuring legal research, defense strategy, documentation, and quality legal aid; overall administration of the office; client consultation.
- Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Conducting trials, appeals, remand work, bail applications; prison visits; filing appeals; maintaining case files; legal research; client interviews.
- Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Filing cases, conducting Magistrate trials; remand/bail work; legal research; prison/clinic visits; pre-arrest assistance; assisting Chief/Deputy Counsels; developing defense strategies; visiting crime scenes; handling client queries; maintaining files.
Legal Aid Defense Counsels are expected to devote full time to their duties and are not allowed to engage in private practice during their engagement.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What are the application dates for DLSA Samastipur Legal Aid Counsel Recruitment 2026?
The application process starts on January 16, 2026, and the last date to submit applications is February 05, 2026.
Q2: How many vacancies are available in this recruitment?
There are a total of 09 vacancies: 01 for Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, 02 for Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and 06 for Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel.
Q3: What is the application fee for these posts?
There is no application fee required for any of the posts in the DLSA Samastipur Legal Aid Counsel Recruitment 2026. Applicants are explicitly not required to pay any fee.
Q4: What is the minimum experience required for Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel?
Candidates applying for the Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel position must have at least 10 years of practice in Criminal Law.
Q5: How can I apply for the DLSA Samastipur Legal Aid Counsel positions?
Applications must be submitted offline. You need to download the application form from samastipur.dcourt.gov.in, fill it, attach self-attested copies of required documents, and send it via Registered Post or Speed Post to the office of the Secretary, DLSA, Samastipur, before February 05, 2026.
Q6: What is the selection process for these posts?
The selection will be based purely on merit, knowledge, skills, practice, and experience, through an interview conducted by a Selection Committee headed by the Chairperson of DLSA.
Q7: What is the honorarium for Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel in a Class B town?
For Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel in a Class B town (population between 2 Lacs and 10 Lacs), the monthly honorarium ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 as per the Modified Legal Aid Defense Counsel Scheme 2022.
Q8: Can retired Judicial Officers apply for these positions?
Yes, retired Judicial Officers, Public Prosecutors, and District Public Prosecutors (DPO) may also apply for the Chief and Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel positions.
