Are you a legal professional seeking a challenging and impactful opportunity in Rajasthan? The Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (Rajasthan SLSA) has announced a recruitment drive for the prestigious posts of Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel. This comprehensive job opportunity aims to strengthen the legal aid system by engaging experienced and motivated individuals dedicated to public service. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are eager to serve the community, this detailed job description will guide you through all essential aspects of the recruitment process.
Overview of Rajasthan SLSA Recruitment 2026 for Legal Aid Defense Counsels
The Rajasthan SLSA has issued an official notification for the appointment of a total of 10 Legal Aid Defense Counsels across various districts in Rajasthan. The recruitment includes one Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, one Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and one Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel for each selected district, making a total of five posts for each category. The positions are contractual with a renewable term based on performance, aimed at enhancing legal aid services and ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Number | LADC3/2026/(15A) |
| Total Positions | 10 (5 Chief, 5 Deputy, 5 Assistant) |
| Post Names | Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel |
| Official Website | https://rajasthan.nalsa.gov.in |
| Application Last Date | 23rd January 2026, 17:00 Hrs |
| Mode of Application | Offline (via submission to concerned DLSA) |
| Age Limit | As per eligibility criteria mentioned below |
| Salary / Honorarium | Post-wise slab-based honorarium, depending on town category and experience |
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown
The following districts will have vacancies across the three categories:
| District | Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel |
|---|---|---|
| Hanumangarh | 1 | 1 |
| Jaipur Metro-Ist | 1 | 1 |
| Jaipur Metro-IInd | 1 | 1 |
| Jodhpur Metro | 1 | 1 |
| Udaipur | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 5 | 5 |
Eligibility Criteria for Selection
Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum practice experience of 10 years in criminal law.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Thorough understanding of criminal law and ethical duties of defence attorneys.
- Proven leadership skills and the ability to effectively work with teams.
- Handled at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Courts (relaxable under some conditions).
- Knowledge of computer systems is preferable, along with the capacity to manage administrative duties.
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel
Eligibility includes:
- At least 7 years of criminal law practice.
- Excellent understanding of legal procedures and communication skills.
- Skill in legal research and strong ethical awareness.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Experience in handling minimum 20 criminal trials in Sessions Courts (may be relaxed in exceptional cases).
- Proficiency in IT and legal research tools.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel
Applicants should possess:
- 0 to 3 years of criminal law practice.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- A thorough understanding of the ethical duties of defence counsel.
- Ability to work efficiently with colleagues.
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- High proficiency in IT tools and software.
*Note: Qualifications may be relaxed for exceptional candidates or circumstances with approval from the Executive Chairman, SLSA.*
Salary Structure and Honorarium
The honorarium varies based on the town category (population) and experience. The post-wise honorarium slabs are detailed as follows:
| Town Category | Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class-A Towns (Population >10 Lakhs) | ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000/month | ₹50,000 – ₹75,000/month | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000/month |
| Class-B Towns (Population >2 Lakhs & <10 Lakhs) | ₹65,000 – ₹80,000/month | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000/month | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000/month |
| Class-C Towns (Population <2 Lakhs or Rest of the Towns) | ₹60,000 – ₹70,000/month | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000/month | ₹20,000 – ₹30,000/month |
Application Process and Instructions
This recruitment is ongoing and applications are to be submitted offline. Candidates must adhere strictly to the process outlined below:
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
- Download the official Scheme of Engagement and Application Form from the official Rajasthan SLSA website.
- Fill in the application form thoroughly, attaching a recent passport-sized photograph and all required documents as self-attested copies.
- Prepare all documents as per the instructions provided in the scheme.
- Submit the completed application form along with necessary documents to the concerned District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) either by Speed Post or in person.
- The application must reach the concerned DLSA on or before 23rd January 2026, 17:00 Hrs. Applications sent to Rajasthan SLSA directly will not be accepted.
Important Notes
- Ensure that all information provided in the application is accurate and complete.
- Application submitted after the deadline or sent to the wrong address will be rejected.
- Applying does not guarantee selection; the process is merit-based.
- Engaged Legal Aid Defense Counsels will be on a contractual basis for two years, subject to renewal based on performance.
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
Selection of candidates will be conducted through a transparent, fair, and merit-based process under the guidance of the DLSA and SLSA:
- Advertisements will be published widely to invite applications.
- Applications will be scrutinized based on eligibility and experience.
- Eligible candidates will be called for interviews or assessment of their knowledge and skills.
- A selection committee, chaired by the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA), along with at least three senior judicial officers, will oversee the process.
- Final approval will be granted by the Executive Chairman of SLSA.
- Contracts will be awarded after formal approval and signing of agreements.
The performance of appointees will be reviewed biannually, with an emphasis on the quality of legal aid services, ethical conduct, and adherence to duties.
General Guidelines and Responsibilities
- Legal Aid Defense Counsel offices handle criminal matters from pre-arrest to appeals, including jail visits.
- Engaged lawyers cannot undertake private practice or retainership during their tenure.
- All personnel must follow the prescribed Code of Ethics, maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and abstaining from outside practice or accepting gifts.
- Full-time commitment to LADC duties is mandatory.
- Any breach of conduct or non-performance may result in termination without prior notice.
How to Apply
Follow these simple steps to apply:
- Download the detailed scheme and application form from the official website.
- Complete the application with accurate details, affixing your latest passport-sized photograph.
- Attach self-attested copies of necessary documents.
- Send the application to the concerned DLSA via Speed Post or submit in person.
- Ensure the application reaches before the deadline: 23rd January 2026, 17:00 Hrs.
Important Links for Candidates
Additional Resources
For practice and preparation, candidates can access free online mock tests and other preparatory materials via the links provided on the official website and relevant portals.
Ensure regular checking of official updates for any amendments or clarifications regarding the recruitment process.