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's Karnataka Seeks Lead Litigator for Fellowship
The , through its access-to-justice initiative , has opened applications for the position of Lead, Karnataka under its flagship . This senior leadership role is designed for accomplished litigators who wish to extend their impact beyond individual practice and strengthen the systems that deliver justice to underserved communities. The announcement, made public this week, calls for a legal professional with at least five years of experience in litigation, , or programme management, along with strong communication skills in English and Kannada.
The position is based in Bangalore and offers a monthly remuneration between INR 70,000 and 80,000, commensurate with experience. Applications must be submitted online by . The role is a full-time commitment, with occasional travel as per programme requirements.
A Leadership Opportunity in
The is a flagship initiative of , which itself is an independent public legal education and access-to-justice project housed within the . The Fellowship aims to create a cadre of public-interest lawyers who can use litigation, , and to address systemic barriers to justice. The Lead, Karnataka will anchor the Fellowship’s strategic and operational success across the state, overseeing a cohort of Fellows and managing a diverse litigation and legal-aid portfolio.
According to the job description, the Lead will work closely with the Lead, mentors, and external stakeholders to shape how the Fellowship delivers impact and to mentor the next generation of public-interest lawyers. The role requires a blend of courtroom experience and programme-management capability, making it a unique opportunity for lawyers who want to transition from individual practice to institutional leadership.
The Role and Responsibilities
The responsibilities outlined in the application are broad and strategic. Under the head of Programme Leadership, the Lead will be responsible for implementing and growing the across Karnataka, ensuring high-quality delivery and measurable impact. This includes translating programme priorities into clear workplans, milestones, and performance goals for Fellows, as well as fostering a high-performing learning environment through regular coaching, feedback, and peer learning. Coordination with mentors, advisors, and subject-matter experts to strengthen Fellows’ professional development is also a key component.
On the litigation front, the Lead will provide strategic oversight of the Fellowship’s litigation and legal-aid portfolio, ensuring timely, high-quality case management. This involves guiding Fellows on litigation strategy, client counselling, , and legal interventions. The role also requires building and strengthening relationships with advocates, legal service providers, courts, and partner organisations. A critical responsibility is developing and maintaining a pipeline of litigation and legal-aid opportunities, including cases with potential for . The Lead must monitor case progress, referrals, documentation, and outcomes, ensuring strong quality assurance and knowledge management.
Stakeholder engagement is another pillar. The Lead will serve as the state-level representative for the Fellowship, cultivating trusted relationships with legal practitioners, institutions, and civil society partners. Identifying opportunities to strengthen the Fellowship’s ecosystem through collaborations and strategic initiatives is essential. Additionally, the role involves capturing insights and best practices to inform programme improvements and ’s broader access-to-justice mission.
Qualifications and Expectations
The essential qualification is an undergraduate degree in law, combined with a minimum of five years of relevant experience in litigation, , programme management, or a related field. The candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Kannada, a strong understanding of litigation processes, court procedures, and legal-aid ecosystems, and a demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor professionals, and manage multiple priorities. Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities, along with excellent planning, analytical, documentation, and reporting skills, are also required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace is expected.
The emphasis on Kannada proficiency is notable, as it underscores the importance of local language competence in effective and community engagement. The role is not merely administrative; it demands a litigator who can think strategically about while remaining hands-on with casework.
Why This Role Matters for Legal Professionals
For legal professionals, this position represents a rare opportunity to combine litigation practice with institutional programme management. The is one of India’s leading law and policy research organisations, and has emerged as a significant platform for public legal education and . The , in particular, has been instrumental in training young lawyers to work on issues ranging from criminal justice reform to land rights and social welfare entitlements.
The role of Lead, Karnataka is designed for a lawyer who wants to move beyond individual client representation and into systems change. By mentoring a cohort of Fellows, the Lead can multiply their impact, shaping the careers of multiple public-interest lawyers while simultaneously managing a portfolio of . The position also offers the chance to build partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, including the judiciary, legal services authorities, civil society organisations, and academic institutions.
From a career perspective, the role provides a pathway into senior leadership within the public-interest law ecosystem. The remuneration, while modest compared to corporate law, is competitive for the non-profit sector and reflects the organisation’s commitment to attracting experienced professionals. The Bangalore location also places the Lead at the heart of Karnataka’s legal landscape, with access to the and numerous district courts.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested candidates are required to apply online through the official application portal. The last date for submission is . The organisation has specified that queries may be sent to admin@.in with the subject line “Query - Lead, Karnataka,” but resumes and cover letters should not be emailed. The official notification, which includes further details, is available on the Vidhi Centre’s website.
The extended deadline—over a year from now—suggests that the organisation is seeking the right candidate and is willing to wait for a suitable applicant. This also gives practising litigators ample time to prepare a thoughtful application.
Conclusion
The call for applications for Lead, Karnataka is more than a job posting; it is an invitation to shape the future of in Karnataka. For litigators who are passionate about and ready to take on a leadership role that blends courtroom advocacy with programme management, this is a compelling opportunity. The and are offering a platform to influence systemic change while mentoring the next generation of socially conscious lawyers. Legal professionals who meet the qualifications should consider applying before the deadline to contribute to a mission that goes beyond individual cases to strengthen the very structures through which justice reaches those who need it most.
