DLSA Aurangabad has released a notice for engagement of a full-time Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System in Maharashtra. This is a contractual legal services position connected to criminal legal aid work, not a regular court establishment recruitment. Candidates who want to apply need to focus on the official eligibility conditions, especially criminal law practice, Sessions Court trial experience, and the requirement to work full-time without private practice during the engagement period.
The recruitment is for 1 post in Aurangabad district, and the authority may also prepare a waiting list of 3 suitable candidates. The application process is offline. Interested lawyers must download the scheme and application form from the official district court website or collect it from the DLSA notice board, then submit the form with self-attested supporting documents by 28 April 2026 before 5:00 PM.
For most applicants, the key questions are whether they meet the experience threshold, what the monthly retainer is, how selection will happen, and what documents are needed. The official notice answers these points clearly: the post carries a monthly honorarium of Rs. 90,000, requires at least 10 years of criminal law practice, and selection will be merit-based through the prescribed process. DLSA Aurangabad has also reserved the right to conduct a written exam if a large number of applications are received.
Recruitment Overview
DLSA Aurangabad has invited applications for engagement as a full-time Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System. The post is based in Aurangabad district in Maharashtra and is meant for handling legal aid work in criminal matters.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Authority | District Legal Services Authority, Aurangabad |
| Post | Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel |
| Vacancy | 1 |
| Application mode | Offline |
| Last date | 28 April 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Honorarium | Rs. 90,000 per month |
| Nature of engagement | Full-time contractual |
The notice also allows preparation of a waiting list of 3 suitable candidates.
Vacancy and Honorarium
The official notice is for one position of Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel in Aurangabad district. It separately mentions that a waiting list of three candidates may also be prepared if suitable applicants are available.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post name | Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel |
| Number of posts | 1 |
| Town category | Class B Town |
| Monthly retainer / honorarium | Rs. 90,000 |
| Waiting list | Up to 3 candidates |
This is a retainer-based full-time legal aid engagement. Candidates should not treat it as a part-time panel assignment.
Eligibility and Professional Experience
The post is intended for experienced criminal law practitioners. The notice focuses more on practice record, court exposure, and leadership ability than on a simple academic degree line.
Practice in criminal law for at least 10 years.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent understanding of criminal law.
Thorough understanding of the ethical duties of a defence counsel.
Ability to work effectively with others and lead a team.
Must have handled at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Courts. This condition may be relaxed in appropriate circumstances.
Knowledge of computer systems is preferable.
The application form also requires details of enrollment as a lawyer, Bar experience, court of regular practice, and supporting documents related to case handling and professional standing.
Work Profile of the Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel
This role is broader than court appearance alone. The Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel is expected to lead the legal aid defence office and supervise case work in criminal matters.
Conduct trials, appeals, and bail matters in courts.
Coordinate work with Deputy Chief and Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels.
Ensure proper legal research and defence strategy in each legal aid case.
Maintain complete files and documentation of legal aid seekers.
Ensure quality of legal aid services.
Handle administrative responsibility for the Legal Aid Defense Counsel Office.
Perform any other duty assigned by the Legal Services Authority.
The official scheme also expects the office to support criminal legal aid from early stages such as arrest and remand through trial and appeal, along with prison visits and related legal assistance.
Important Dates and Submission Deadline
Candidates should follow the submission deadline strictly. Applications received after the cutoff time will not be considered.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notice date | 07 April 2026 |
| Recruitment listing start date | 08 April 2026 |
| Last date to submit application | 28 April 2026 |
| Closing time | 5:00 PM |
If applying by post, candidates should keep enough time for delivery. If submitting personally, the application must reach the office of the Secretary, DLSA Aurangabad before the deadline.
How to Apply Offline
The application process is offline. The notice says the scheme and the application form can be downloaded from the official District Court Aurangabad website or obtained from the DLSA Aurangabad notice board.
Download the application form and scheme from the official district court website.
Fill in the form carefully with personal, professional, enrollment, and practice details.
Attach all required self-attested supporting documents.
Submit the application through speed post or by hand in a sealed envelope.
Ensure the application reaches the office on or before 28 April 2026 by 5:00 PM.
The application is to be submitted to the Secretary, DLSA Aurangabad. The official notice makes it clear that applying does not create any right or assurance of engagement.
Documents Required with the Application
The application form itself lists the documents to be attached. Missing documents can weaken or invalidate the application.
Self-attested copies of educational qualification certificates.
Self-attested copy of enrollment certificate issued by the Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961.
Self-attested copy of photo identity card and address proof.
Self-attested copies of ITR for the last 3 years, if available.
Photocopies of judgments in 5 Sessions cases represented as defence lawyer.
Photocopies of at least 5 cross-examinations in Sessions cases.
Experience certificate issued by the Bar Association or Council.
Bar Association membership certificate.
The form also asks for details of total cases handled, nature of cases, specialization, earlier legal aid panel experience, and any disciplinary or criminal proceedings, if applicable.
Selection Process
The selection is described as merit-based and is to be carried out by a selection committee under the chairmanship of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, who is also the Chairman of DLSA. The final approval is subject to the Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority.
The official notice also says DLSA Aurangabad reserves the right to conduct a written exam if a large number of applications are received. Candidates should therefore be prepared for scrutiny beyond document review if the response is high.
The process is meant to be fair, transparent, and competitive. Selection is based on knowledge, skills, practice, and experience relevant to criminal defence legal aid work.
Tenure, Leave and Service Conditions
The engagement is contractual and full-time. It is not treated as independent private practice or part-time panel work.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 2 years |
| Extension | Yearly extension on satisfactory performance |
| Performance review | Every 6 months |
| Leave | 15 days in a calendar year on pro-rata basis |
| Private practice | Not allowed during engagement |
| Excess leave | No remuneration beyond admissible leave |
Unavailed leave cannot be carried forward or encashed. The official scheme also allows termination in situations such as misconduct, criminal charge or conviction, unethical conduct, prolonged unauthorized absence, political activity, or unsatisfactory performance.
What Applicants Should Check Before Applying
Before sending the application, candidates should verify a few practical points.
Whether they have at least 10 years of actual criminal law practice.
Whether they can document Sessions Court trial handling properly.
Whether they are willing to work full-time without private practice.
Whether all self-attested supporting documents are enclosed.
Whether the application can reach DLSA Aurangabad before 5:00 PM on 28 April 2026.
This is a role for experienced lawyers who can lead criminal legal aid work at district level. If your practice profile does not match that requirement, the application is unlikely to be competitive.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
There is 1 vacancy for the post of Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel. A waiting list of 3 candidates may also be prepared.
The last date to submit the offline application is 28 April 2026 by 5:00 PM.
The monthly honorarium is Rs. 90,000.
The applicant should have at least 10 years of criminal law practice and should have handled at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Courts, subject to relaxation in appropriate cases.
The application process is offline. The filled form with self-attested documents must be submitted by speed post or by hand.
No. The engagement is full-time, and private practice or other retainership is not allowed during the term.
The notice says DLSA Aurangabad reserves the right to conduct a written exam if a large number of applications are received.