About Project 39A:
Project 39A draws inspiration from Article 39-A in the Indian Constitution on equal justice and signals the broadening of our work on the criminal justice system in India. We undertake litigation, research and communications relating to forensics, torture, legal aid, mental health and death penalty.
About the litigation initiative:
Project 39A provides pro bono legal assistance to prisoners sentenced to death across the country. The Project also represents prisoners who are challenging the rejection of their mercy petitions by the Governor or the President. Additionally, the Project is involved in strategic litigation aimed at challenging procedural and substantive aspects of the criminal justice system for the realization of constitutional rights of prisoners sentenced to death. Litigation associates of the Project brief eminent senior advocates or experienced criminal defense advocates in the Supreme Court and High Courts. The Project has been involved in several Criminal Appeals, Review Petitions and Writ Petitions before various judicial fora.
Responsibilities:
A. Draft criminal appeals, review petitions, writ petitions, applications, rejoinders, mercy petitions and other legal documents.
B. Brief and assist senior advocates and advocates on record.
C. Devise legal strategy and arguments for cases handled by Project 39A and carry out related research.
D. Visit prisons across India to conduct detailed interviews with prisoners sentenced to death, their families as part of developing legal strategy in particular cases.
E. Regularly communicate with prison authorities to obtain case specific information and documents.
F. Present the work of Project 39A at appropriate fora.
G. Contribute to the research and strategic efforts at Project 39A as and when required.
H. Organise training workshops and conferences.
I. Any other work that may be necessary to further the aims of Project 39A.
Qualifications and Requirements:
A. Graduate with an LLB degree and enrolment with any State Bar Council.
B. Thosewithfull-timecriminallitigationexperienceoftwoyearsormoreattheappellatestage
will be given preference.
C. Ability to read/ write/ speak different Indian languages will be preferred but is not mandatory.
D. This is a full-time position based in Delhi.
Compensation: The compensation will be commensurate with experience.
Application Process: Interested persons may send their résumé and a statement of purpose, explaining their interest in representing prisoners sentenced to death and the contribution that they see themselves making through this position.
The statement of purpose must not exceed 750 words.
Applications and documents will be accepted only through the form available here
Deadline: Applications must reach us no later than 2nd October 2022 after which the applications will not be accepted.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed by 6th October 2022.
Online tests and in-person interviews will be held between 6th October 2022 till 16th October 2022, the exact dates for which will be announced later.
Note:
A. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks after the deadline, please assume that your application has not succeeded. Unfortunately, we cannot reply to individual queries about the status of applications.
B. National Law University, Delhi is an equal opportunity employer and Project 39A ensures access to legal representation for prisoners regardless of the offence.
C. National Law University, Delhi reserves the right to conduct additional rounds of interviews or written tests or simulation exercises.
D. National Law University, Delhi reserves the right to conduct interviews and not fill these positions.
E. The position shall be paid under the grants received by Project 39A, National Law University, Delhi.
