District Legal Services Authority Sonepur (DLSA Sonepur) has announced a recruitment drive for the year 2026 to fill a total of 3 positions, including Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, and Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel. This comprehensive job description provides detailed insights into the available posts, eligibility criteria, essential qualifications, salary structure, application procedure, and important dates, enabling interested candidates to prepare effectively for their application process.
DLSA Sonepur Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organization Name | District Legal Services Authority, Sonepur (DLSA) |
|---|---|
| Post Names | Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel |
| Total Posts | 3 |
| Advertisement Number | 01/2026 |
| Salary Range | Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 70,000 per month |
| Educational Qualification | LLB / LLM |
| Notification Release Date | 10 February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 21 February 2026 |
| Official Website | https://sonepur.dcourts.gov.in |
Download Official Notification
Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification PDF for detailed instructions, vacancy specifics, and eligibility criteria. You can download the PDF using the link below:
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel | 1 |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel | 1 |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel | 1 |
| Total | 3 |
Eligibility Criteria
Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel
The ideal candidate must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- LLB degree from a recognized university or institute.
- Minimum practice in criminal law for at least 10 years.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Deep understanding of criminal law and legal procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of ethical duties of a defence counsel.
- Proven leadership abilities with the capability to lead a team.
- Experience in handling at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Courts.
- Knowledge of computer systems is preferable.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee office operations effectively.
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel
The candidate should possess:
- LLB degree from a recognized law university.
- At least 7 years of experience practicing criminal law.
- Strong understanding of criminal law and legal procedures.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Skill in legal research and case analysis.
- Good knowledge of the ethical duties of a defence counsel.
- Ability to work efficiently with team members.
- Experience in handling at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Courts.
- Proficiency in IT and related work tools.
Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel
The minimum eligibility requirements include:
- LLB degree from a recognized university.
- Practice in criminal law ranging from 0 to 3 years.
- Good communication skills, both oral and written.
- Thorough understanding of ethical obligations of defence counsel.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others.
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Proficiency in IT tools and software.
Salary / Stipend Details
| Post Name | Monthly Honorarium |
|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel | Rs. 70,000/- |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel | Rs. 50,000/- |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel | Rs. 30,000/- |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 February 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 21 February 2026 |
Selection Process
The selection procedure for the posts will be fair, transparent, and highly competitive. It will be based on a merit system considering the candidate’s knowledge, skills, practice, and experience. The process involves:
- Evaluation by a Selection Committee chaired by the District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA).
- Final approval by the Executive Chairman of SLSA (State Legal Services Authority).
- The process will involve screening, written tests, and interviews as deemed necessary.
Application Procedure
Candidates interested in applying for these posts must follow the outlined steps carefully to ensure their applications are considered:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Read the official notification thoroughly to understand vacancy details and eligibility criteria.
- Download the application form from the official DLSA Sonepur website.
- Fill out the application form with accurate and complete information.
- Attach self-attested copies of the necessary documents, including photographs, signatures, ID proofs, and educational certificates.
- Recheck all filled details and attachments for accuracy.
- Send the completed application form via Speed Post or Registered Post to the specified address mentioned in the notification.
- Ensure the application reaches the destination before the deadline: 21 February 2026.
- Keep a photocopy of the submitted application for future reference.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the official notification thoroughly and prepare all necessary documents before starting the application process for a smooth and hassle-free experience. This is a valuable opportunity to serve in the legal services department at Sonepur with competitive honorariums and significant professional growth potential.