DLSA MP Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2025 – 10 Posts

Overview

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Madhya Pradesh is hiring 10 Legal Aid Defense Counsels to provide quality legal assistance to accused persons in criminal cases. These are full-time contractual positions where selected advocates will handle cases assigned by DLSA MP and cannot engage in private practice during the contract period.

This is an excellent opportunity for practicing lawyers to serve in the legal services sector while earning an attractive honorarium.

---

🏢 Organization Details

---

📊 Total Vacancies: 10 Posts

---

💼 Post Type & Nature

These are contractual positions specifically for providing legal aid defense services. The nature of work includes:

• Handling cases assigned by DLSA MP
• Representing accused persons from pre-arrest stage to appeal
• Covering all intermediate stages of criminal proceedings
• Full-time commitment required
• No private practice allowed during the contract period

---

📅 Important Dates

Ensure your application reaches the DLSA MP office on or before the deadline.

---

🎓 Educational Qualifications Required

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be a practicing advocate at the Bar
• Minimum bar practice experience as specified for each position:
  • Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 0-3 years of experience
  • Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 7 years of experience
  • Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 10 years of experience
• Experience should be in specified courts (as per guidelines)
• Must possess valid Bar Council enrollment

---

💰 Salary/Honorarium (Monthly)

The honorarium varies based on the position and your years of bar practice experience:

Note: Honorarium is based on minimum qualifying experience in specified courts. Higher experience may attract higher honorarium within the prescribed range.

---

👥 Selection Process

The selection will be based on:

1. Eligibility Verification: Check of bar practice experience and qualifications
2. Document Review: Assessment of submitted credentials and experience certificates
3. Selection Criteria: Merit-based selection considering:
   • Years of bar practice experience
   • Track record in legal services
   • Professional credentials
   • Adherence to NALSA guidelines

Note: No written examination or interview is mentioned in the notification. Final selection will be as per NALSA’s modified guidelines and MP State Legal Services Authority SOPs.

---

⏳ Age Limit

No specific age limit has been mentioned in the notification for these contractual positions.

(Generally, for contractual legal aid positions, practitioners of any age with required bar experience are eligible.)

---

📝 How to Apply

Application Format: Use the prescribed application format mentioned in the official notification.

Steps to Apply:

1. Download the prescribed application form from the official website
2. Fill all details accurately with your personal and professional information
3. Attach self-attested copies of:
   • Bar Council enrollment certificate
   • Documents proving bar practice experience
   • Educational qualifications
   • Any other supporting documents
4. Submit the complete application in person OR by registered post to: The Secretary, DLSA MP
   District Legal Services Authority, Madhya Pradesh
   Contact via official website for exact address
5. Deadline: Submit by 2 January 2026 at 5:00 PM

Important: Keep a copy for your records and get an acknowledgment receipt upon submission.

---

⚙️ Key Documents Required

Prepare the following documents before applying:

✅ Bar Council Enrollment Certificate (current and valid)
✅ Experience Proof (certificates from courts where you practiced)
✅ Educational Qualifications (law degree, postgraduate certificates if any)
✅ Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Driving License)
✅ Address Proof (Recent utility bill or rental agreement)
✅ Photograph (Passport-size, recent)
✅ Resume/CV (highlighting bar practice experience)
✅ Certificates of any legal aid work (if previously engaged)

All copies must be self-attested.

---

📘 Important Links

---

❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I apply if I don’t have the minimum years of experience?
A: No, you must meet the minimum bar practice experience requirement for your desired position (0-3 years for Assistant, 7 years for Deputy Chief, 10 years for Chief).

Q2: Can I engage in private practice if selected?
A: No, engaging in any private practice is strictly prohibited during the contract period.

Q3: Is there an age limit for these positions?
A: No specific age limit has been mentioned in the notification.

Q4: What is the contract duration?
A: The notification does not specify the contract duration. Please refer to the official notification or contact DLSA MP for details.

Q5: Will there be a written exam or interview?
A: The selection appears to be merit-based on experience and credentials, with no written exam mentioned.

Q6: Can I apply for multiple positions?
A: It’s recommended to apply for the position matching your experience level, though specific guidance should be sought from DLSA MP.

---

📌 Key Highlights

✨ Stable Government Legal Services Employment
✨ Attractive Honorarium (₹35,000 – ₹80,000 per month)
✨ Meaningful Legal Work – Provide legal aid to underrepresented accused
✨ No Written Exam – Direct merit-based selection
✨ Full-Time Opportunity – Dedicated legal services role

---

⚠️ Important Notes

• This is a contractual position, not permanent employment
• Private practice is strictly prohibited during employment
• Application must be submitted in prescribed format
• Self-attested documents are mandatory
• Offline submission only – apply in person or via registered post
• Check the official notification for any additional requirements or updates

---

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

For more details or clarifications, visit the official DLSA MP website or contact them directly through the Madhya Pradesh High Court portal.