Lawyer - Hyderabad

The Lawyer will play a vital role in advancing Legal Aid Society’s (LAS) mission to promote access to justice. This position is responsible for representing clients before courts and tribunals, preparing legal documents, and ensuring the highest standards of client service and legal practice. The Lawyer will diligently pursue justice in assigned cases, while complying with internal policies and contributing to the organization’s broader legal and social impact goals.

• Client Representation and Communication:
  a. Represent clients in court and tribunal proceedings in an ethical, diligent, and effective manner
  b. Conduct in-depth client interviews to assess eligibility against LAS litigation criteria and legal merit
  c. Maintain regular coordination with clients, providing timely updates on case progress and legal strategy
  d. Ensure the needs and concerns of clients are accurately reflected in legal pleadings and courtroom advocacy

• Legal Drafting and Research
  a. Prepare and draft legal pleadings, applications, affidavits, written statements, petitions, and all other court submissions as required
  b. Conduct thorough legal research to support litigation strategies, staying up to date with relevant laws, precedents, and procedural rules
  c. Ensure all legal documents are drafted to high professional standards and in compliance with LAS guidelines

• Case Management and Documentation
  a. Maintain comprehensive case files, client notes, and supporting documentation
  b. Regularly update the Case Management System (CMS) with case proceedings, hearing outcomes, and disposal details
  c. Collaborate closely with Court Clerks and Lawyer to ensure case files are complete, organized, and up to date

• Stakeholder Engagement and Internal Compliance
  a. Conduct meetings with LAS stakeholders, including community partners, government agencies, and court personnel, as required
  b. Adhere strictly to the Litigation Department’s Yearly Policy Statement Directive and comply with all internal by-laws and operational protocols
  c. Ensure compliance with ethical standards and maintain client confidentiality at all times

• Reporting and Collaboration
  a. Submit detailed progress reports on litigation activities to the Litigation Manager and the Program and Research Coordinator
  b. Collaborate with Court Clerks, supporting them in case preparation and procedural filings
  c. Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to improving litigation processes and client service delivery

• Other Responsibilities
  a. Take on additional responsibilities and assignments as directed by the Litigation Manager and Assistant Litigation Manager
  b. Participate in training, capacity-building activities, and initiatives to improve personal and departmental performance
  c. Ensure compliance with the Litigation By-Laws and organizational policies

Education & Licensing
a. LL.B. from a recognized institution
b. Enrolment or license to practice law is mandatory

Experience
a. Minimum of 2 years of post-qualification litigation experience
b. Adequate experience in litigating cases related to family laws
c. Experience working with vulnerable communities will be considered an asset

Legal Skills
a. Strong legal research and drafting skills
b. Ability to prepare accurate, well-structured legal pleadings and court documents
c. Familiarity with court procedures and litigation workflows

Professional Competencies
a. Strong commitment to social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities
b. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced legal environment
c. Strong organizational skills for managing case files and deadlines
d. High ethical standards and strict adherence to confidentiality requirements

EEO & Non-Discrimination Statement:

Integrated into our shared values is LAS's commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of sex, age, race, colour, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristics or conduct protected by law. LAS is committed to being an inclusive organization where all people are treated fairly, recognized for their individuality, promoted based on performance and encouraged to strive to reach their full potential. We believe in understanding and respecting differences among all people. Every individual at LAS has an ongoing responsibility to respect and support a diverse environment.

Safeguarding & PSEA Commitment

Legal Aid Society (LAS) is committed to the prevention and protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). LAS explicitly prohibits its staff, associates, partners, consultants, or any other representatives associated with the delivery of its work from:

• Engaging in any form of sexual exploitation or abuse;
• Sexual activity with children (persons below the age of 18) irrespective of a mistaken belief of the age of the child which shall not amount to a defense;
• Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favors or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance;
• Sexual relationships between LAS staff and beneficiaries of assistance, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics, undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of LAS and are strongly discouraged.