Virudhunagar Court Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026

About This Job

Virudhunagar District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) is hiring 5 Legal Aid Defense Counsel on a temporary contract basis at Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu. If you are a practising criminal lawyer who has cleared the All India Bar Council exam, you can apply by post. The last date to submit applications is 13 May 2026 (5:45 PM). Salary ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 70,000 per month depending on the post.

Virudhunagar District Legal Services Authority Legal Aid Defense Counsel Recruitment 2026 - 5 Posts

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Virudhunagar at Srivilliputtur — a unit of the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA), Chennai — has released a notification for filling up 5 posts of Legal Aid Defense Counsel across three levels: Chief, Deputy Chief and Assistant. Selection is purely merit-based by a committee under the Principal District & Sessions Judge — there is no written exam. Engagement is initially for two years, extendable yearly on satisfactory performance.

Vacancy Breakdown

Who Can Apply?

Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel

• You must have practiced in Criminal Law for at least 10 years.
• You must have cleared the All India Bar Council Examination.
• You should have handled at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Court (relaxable in special cases).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, knowledge of computer system (preferable).

Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel

• You must have practiced in Criminal Law for at least 7 years.
• You must have cleared the All India Bar Council Examination.
• You should have handled at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Court.
• Skill in legal research and IT proficiency.

Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel

• You must have practiced in Criminal Law for 1 to 3 years.
• You must have cleared the All India Bar Council Examination.
• Excellent writing, research skills and IT knowledge.

Other Requirements

• You must be a citizen of India and a local resident of Virudhunagar District.
• You should not be less than 18 years of age as on the notification date.

Salary

• Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Rs. 70,000 per month
• Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Rs. 40,000 per month
• Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: Rs. 25,000 per month
• Engagement is on contract basis for 2 years, extendable on satisfactory performance.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is based on:

1. Merit Evaluation: Knowledge, skills, practice and experience of candidates.
2. Interview: Conducted by a selection committee under the Chairmanship of the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA).
3. Final Approval: Subject to approval by the Executive Chairman, State Legal Services Authority (SLSA).

Note: Shortlisted candidates will not be informed individually. Interview details will be displayed only on the official Virudhunagar District court website and DLSA notice board.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the official Virudhunagar District court website at virudhunagar.dcourts.gov.in.
2. Fill the prescribed application form with all required details.
3. Attach two passport size photographs and self-attested copies of educational qualifications and experience certificates.
4. Send the duly filled application by Registered Post to: The Chairman/Principal District Judge, District Legal Services Authority, ADR Building, District Court Campus, Srivilliputtur.
5. Applications must reach the office on or before 13 May 2026 by 5:45 PM.
6. Submit separate applications if applying for more than one post.

Note: Applications will not be received in person. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 17 April 2026
• Last Date for Submission of Application (by Post): 13 May 2026 (5:45 PM)
• Interview Date: To be announced on official website

• Conduct trials, appeals, bail applications and remand work in Sessions Court
• Visit jails and provide legal assistance to legal aid seekers and accused persons
• Prepare effective defense strategies through evidence review and client interviews
• Maintain complete case files and records of legal aid assistance provided
• Conduct legal research in legal aided cases and guide junior counsels and law students
• Handle queries from legal aid seekers and update them on case progress
• Follow the code of ethics prescribed by Bar Council of India and NALSA regulations
• Assist in administration of the Legal Aid Defense Counsel office