Official Job Vacancy Announcement for Legal Aid Defense Counsel Positions at DLSA Tiruchirappalli 2026
District Legal Services Authority Tiruchirappalli (DLSA Tiruchirappalli) has issued an official notification inviting applications for the recruitment of 05 highly specialized legal professionals to serve as Legal Aid Defense Counsels. The positions available include Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel. This comprehensive job opportunity is aimed at qualified legal practitioners with experience in criminal law, seeking to contribute to the vital legal aid system within the Tiruchirappalli district.
The selected candidates will be appointed on a contractual basis initially for two years, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. Interested and eligible candidates are instructed to submit their applications offline through the official DLSA Tiruchirappalli website before the deadline of 23 January 2026. This document provides a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria, salary structure, application procedure, and other pertinent information necessary to apply for the respective posts.
Overview of DLSA Tiruchirappalli Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 03 January 2026 |
| Company/Organization | District Legal Services Authority, Tiruchirappalli (DLSA Tiruchirappalli) |
| Posts Available | Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel |
| Total Vacancies | 05 |
| Salary Range | Rs. 30,000/- to Rs. 90,000/- per month, depending on the position |
| Qualification | Practical experience in Criminal Law |
| Age Limit | Minimum 21 years (No maximum age limit specified) |
| Application Start Date | 03 January 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 23 January 2026 |
| Official Web Link | https://tiruchirappalli.dcourts.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Number of Vacant Positions |
|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 01 |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 01 |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 03 |
Eligibility Criteria for Candidate Selection
General Requirements:
– Must be a citizen of India and a resident of Tiruchirappalli District.
– Age should be at least 21 years as of the notification date. No upper age limit specified.
– Practice in criminal law is essential, with specific criteria outlined for each post.
Specific Qualifications per Post:
1. Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- Minimum 10 years of practice in criminal law.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
- Deep understanding of ethical duties related to defense practice.
- Leadership qualities with the ability to work collaboratively and lead a team.
- Experience handling at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Court, including 5 sessions where judgments were delivered and at least 5 cross-examinations in sessions cases.
- Computer proficiency (preferable).
2. Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- At least 7 years of criminal law practice.
- Strong understanding of criminal law fundamentals.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Knowledge of ethical duties of a defense counsel.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Experience with no less than 20 criminal trials in Sessions Court, including 5 judgments in sessions cases and 5 cross-examinations.
- Proficiency in Information Technology applications.
3. Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel
- Experience of 1 to 3 years in criminal law practice.
- Good command of oral and written communication.
- Understanding of ethical duties of defense counsel.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Proficiency in relevant IT applications.
Compensation and Salary Structure
| Post | Monthly Compensation |
|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Rs. 90,000/- |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Rs. 60,000/- |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Rs. 30,000/- |
Important Dates to Remember
- Notification Release Date: 03 January 2026
- Deadline for Application Submission: 23 January 2026, 5:00 PM
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
Selection of candidates will be carried out based on merit, emphasizing practical experience, handling of criminal cases in sessions courts, legal knowledge, and communication skills. The process involves assessment by a selection committee chaired by the Principal District & Sessions Judge, DLSA, Tiruchirappalli.
The initial appointment is for a two-year contractual period, which may be extended based on candidate performance and ongoing requirements.
General Instructions and Job Description
The Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) under DLSA Tiruchirappalli is established to provide legal aid and assistance throughout various stages of criminal proceedings. The work encompasses legal advice, representation in courts, trial, appeals, remand and bail work, pre-arrest consultations, and prison visits.
Engaged legal professionals are expected to perform full-time duties on a contract basis, fulfilling responsibilities such as visiting jails, participating in trials and appeals, and ensuring justice for aid seekers. Breach of duties, accepting unauthorized fees, or involvement in political activities may lead to termination without prior notice.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates must fill out the prescribed application form, available through the official notification and online links. Applications should include:
- Completed application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Self-attested copies of educational certificates and experience documents
The duly filled applications, along with all necessary documents, should be submitted in person or via postal service to the following address:
Address for Submission
“CHAIRMAN/PRINCIPAL DISTRICT JUDGE,
District Legal Services Authority,
ADR Building, District Court Campus,
Tiruchirappalli.”
Incomplete applications will be rejected, and no applications will be considered after the deadline.
For updated information regarding eligible candidates, the list will be published on the official website: https://districts.ecourts.gov.in/tiruchirappalli
Essential Links & Resources
For additional updates and government job alerts, candidates are advised to join official channels and stay informed about further notifications related to this recruitment.