District Legal Services Authority Jhargram (DLSA Jhargram) has announced an official recruitment notification for the selection of qualified professionals to fill various legal aid positions. The posts available include Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel. This comprehensive job description provides detailed information about eligibility criteria, application procedures, selection process, and other important aspects to aid prospective applicants in preparing their applications and understanding the roles thoroughly.
Overview of DLSA Jhargram Legal Aid Counsel Recruitment 2025
In this section, you’ll find the key highlights of the recruitment process including the organization, posts, salary, eligibility, and application timelines.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | District Legal Services Authority, Jhargram (DLSA Jhargram) |
| Posts | Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel |
| Total Posts | 07 |
| Salary Range | Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 85,000 per month |
| Eligibility Criteria | Practice in Criminal Law (10 years for Chief, 7 years for Deputy Chief, 0-3 years for Assistant) |
| Job Type | Full Time (Contractual Basis) |
| Application Start Date | 17 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 26 December 2025 (up to 5:00 p.m.) |
| Written Test Date | 4th January 2026 |
| Official Website | https://jhargram.dcourts.gov.in/ |
Vacancy Details for Legal Aid Positions
The recruitment drive includes a total of 7 vacancies distributed across the three posts as follows:
| Post Name | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 1 |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 2 |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel | 4 |
| Total Vacancies | 7 |
Eligibility and Educational Qualifications
1. Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of 10 years of practice in Criminal Law.
- In-depth understanding of Criminal Law.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Proficient in legal research and ethical duties of Defense Counsel.
- Experience of handling at least 30 Criminal trials in Sessions Court.
- Proficiency in IT applications relevant to legal work.
2. Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
Candidates should possess:
- At least 7 years of practice in Criminal Law.
- Strong understanding of Criminal Law.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Legal research skills and ethical awareness.
- Handled at least 20 Criminal trials in Sessions Court.
- IT proficiency.
3. Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel
Candidates must have:
- Practice experience ranging from 0 to 3 years in Criminal Law.
- Strong communication skills.
- Legal research proficiency and understanding of ethical duties.
- Ability to work effectively with teams.
- IT knowledge.
Salary Structure
The remuneration package for the selected candidates varies based on the post:
| Post Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Rs. 85,000/- per month |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Rs. 60,000/- per month |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel | Rs. 35,000/- per month |
Selection Process
The selection process comprises multiple stages designed to assess candidates comprehensively:
Engagement Conditions
Legal Aid Counsel will be engaged on a contractual basis for an initial period of two years, with possible extension based on performance and project continuation.
Criteria & Evaluation
- Selection will be based on a Written Examination, Computer Skills Test, and Personal Interview.
- The entire process will be overseen by a Selection Committee chaired by the Learned District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA), with final approval from the Executive Chairman of the West Bengal State Legal Service Authority (WBSLSA).
Written Examination Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 50 |
| Written Test Marks | 35 (Objective and Essay Questions) |
| Objective Questions | 15 Marks (1 mark each for 15 questions) |
| Essay Questions | 20 Marks (Four questions, 5 marks each) |
| Test Duration | 1 Hour |
| Date | 4th January 2026 |
| Venue | Court premises in Jhargram |
Interview & Final Assessment
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Oral Communication & Public Interaction Skills | 15 Marks |
| Body Language & Professional Ethics | 15 Marks |
| Computer Skills & Technical Knowledge | 15 Marks |
| Overall Commitment & Attitude | 5 Marks |
Important Instructions & Documents
Candidates must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Admit cards for written exams will be sent via email to shortlisted candidates.
- Name of shortlisted candidates will be published on the official website for interview scheduling.
- Candidates must bring original certificates and proof of eligibility during the interview.
- Applications must be complete with self-attested documents, including educational and experience certificates, and recent passport-sized photographs.
- Incomplete or late applications will be rejected without notice.
- All communications regarding the recruitment will be posted on the official website; no separate correspondence will be sent.
Application Procedure
How to Apply
Candidates are advised to use the prescribed application form attached with the official notification. The procedure includes:
- Filling the application form with accurate details.
- Attaching self-attested copies of educational qualifications, experience certificates, and recent photographs.
- Submitting the application at the designated drop box at the DLSA office or mailing it via speed post to:
“In The Chairman, Selection Committee, Office of the District Legal Services Authority, Jhargram, ADR Building, District Judge’s Court Compound, Jhargram, PIN-721507”
- The application must reach the office before the deadline: 26 December 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Notes on Application Submission
- Ensure all documents are self-attested and correctly attached.
- Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be entertained.
- Application forms can also be submitted physically at the DLSA office during working hours.
Code of Ethics & Conduct for Legal Aid Counsel
Lawyers and personnel engaged in the Legal Aid Defense Counsel office are expected to uphold high ethical standards, including:
- No engagement in outside legal practice or activities conflicting with office duties.
- No disclosure of non-public information acquired during official duties.
- Avoidance of accepting gifts or favors that could influence professional judgment.
- Full-time commitment to office responsibilities without private practice.
- Adherence to the ethical guidelines prescribed by the Bar Council of India.
Termination & Disciplinary Actions
Services may be terminated immediately without prior notice in cases such as:
- Breaching of duties or conduct code.
- Seeking or accepting pecuniary benefits from clients or legal aid seekers.
- Conviction or criminal charge.
- Engagement in political activities or misconduct affecting professional integrity.
- Failure to attend required training sessions without valid reasons.
- Using office position for inappropriate gain or unethical purposes.
- Unauthorized absence for more than two weeks.
Additional Resources & References
Candidates can refer to the official notification and the LADCS Modified Scheme 2022 published by the National Legal Services Authority for detailed guidelines. The official notification is available at:
Official Notification & Application Form
For updates and further information, candidates are encouraged to follow the official Jhargram District Court website and their social media channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some commonly asked questions to facilitate quick guidance:
- Q1: When is the application start date for the recruitment?
- Answer: 17 December 2025.
- Q2: What is the last date to submit applications?
- Answer: 26 December 2025, up to 5:00 p.m.
- Q3: What are the eligibility criteria for applicants?
- Answer: Practice in Criminal Law for at least 10 years (Chief), 7 years (Deputy), 0-3 years (Assistant).
- Q4: How many vacancies are available?
- Answer: Seven in total – 1 Chief, 2 Deputy, 4 Assistant.
- Q5: What are the salary packages offered?
- Answer: Rs. 85,000/month (Chief), Rs. 60,000/month (Deputy), Rs. 35,000/month (Assistant).
For more FAQs, candidates should refer to the official notification and updates on the district court website.