Associate (Mitigation) Job at The Square Circle Clinic, NALSAR, New Delhi | 2 Years PQE | Criminal Law

About the Square Circle Clinic

The Square Circle Clinic is a criminal justice initiative at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. Its work includes pro bono criminal defence, the death penalty, forensic science, mental health and criminal justice, wrongful convictions, criminalisation of poverty, punishment, prevention of torture, and the role of science and technology in the criminal justice system.

About the Opportunity

There are three positions available for Associate (Mitigation). The appointment will initially be for one year and may be extended annually at the discretion of NALSAR University of Law. The Associate (Mitigation) will join the defence team providing legal representation to prisoners sentenced to death.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Meeting and communicating with prisoners, their families and other persons who may have information relevant to mitigation.
• Conducting interviews and building sustained relationships with prisoners and their families.
• Collecting biographical information, documents and records concerning childhood, social circumstances, physical health and mental health.
• Travelling extensively across India for field investigations.
• Preparing mitigation investigation reports and other documents for use before courts.
• Assisting with material to be presented before senior counsel, judicial forums or in mercy petitions.
• Working with mental health professionals and other experts.
• Engaging with academic research to develop appropriate frameworks for individual cases.
• Writing op-eds, blogs and academic pieces.
• Assisting with workshops and conferences for judges, lawyers, prison officials and other criminal justice professionals.
• Presenting the work of The Square Circle Clinic at relevant forums.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree in Law, Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, Development Studies, Economics, Sociology, or an allied discipline. Candidates with two years of work experience in the relevant field will be preferred. Substantial proficiency in reading and speaking Hindi is necessary.

Postgraduate degree in Law, Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, Development Studies, Economics, Sociology, or an allied discipline with preferred 2 years of work experience and proficiency in Hindi.

The Square Circle Clinic is a criminal justice initiative at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, combining legal representation with research and public engagement on criminal justice issues.