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Karnataka State Legal Services Authority
May. 8, 2026

Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) 2026 Recruitment: Legal Aid Defense Counsels (29 Vacancies)

Chief Legal Aid Defense CounselDeputy Legal Aid Defense CounselAssistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel

Required Qualification

Professional165
LLB24
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Vacancies
29 positions across 16 districts
Pay Scale
₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month (Honorarium/Retainership Fee, varies by post and city classification)
Age Limit
Age to be calculated as on 01-10-2025 (no specific age limits mentioned)
Job Location
Karnataka52Dharwad2+15 More...

Important Dates

Published

Apr. 27, 2026

2

Starts

Apr. 27, 2026

3

Deadline

May. 8, 2026

4

Exam Date

Jun. 20, 2026

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KS

Karnataka State Legal Services Authority

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Job Analysis

AI-generated insights

Best-Fit Profile

This role is ideal for dedicated legal professionals with significant experience in criminal law, committed to public service and providing legal aid to marginalized communities. Candidates should possess excellent oral and written communication skills, strong legal research abilities, a thorough understanding of ethical duties, and the capacity for effective teamwork and leadership. Specific experience requirements vary by post: 10 years for Chief Counsel, 7 years for Deputy Counsel, and 0-3 years for Assistant Counsel. Knowledge of computer systems is a desirable asset.

Important Considerations

Individuals seeking to maintain a private practice alongside this engagement should not apply, as the positions require full-time, exclusive dedication to legal aid work. Those lacking the minimum criminal law practice experience specified for each role (e.g., 10 years for Chief, 7 years for Deputy) will not be suitable. A strong commitment to the code of ethics, including refraining from any activities that create conflicts of interest or involve soliciting pecuniary gains, is paramount.

Career Impact

These positions offer a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to social justice and the legal aid movement in Karnataka, under the prestigious Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). While initially contractual, the roles come with the prospect of yearly extensions based on satisfactory performance, providing stability and a clear pathway for professional growth within the public defender system. It's a chance for experienced lawyers to build a distinguished public service career and enhance their reputation within the state's legal framework.

Note: This is a helpful, AI-generated overview designed to save you time. Always refer to the official PDF notification for complete and final details.

View165Active Professional JobsView52Active Jobs in Karnataka

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. Specific experience in criminal law is mandatory for all positions, with varying requirements:

  • Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: At least 10 years of practice in criminal law, with experience handling a minimum of 30 criminal trials in Sessions Courts.
  • Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel: At least 7 years of practice in criminal law, with experience handling a minimum of 20 criminal trials in Sessions Courts.
  • Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: 0 to 3 years of practice in criminal law.

Knowledge of computer systems is preferable for all roles. The condition regarding handling criminal trials may be relaxed in appropriate circumstances with the approval of the Executive Chairman, SLSA.

Salary & Pay Scale

The honorarium (retainership fee) varies based on the post and the classification of the town (Class-A, Class-B, Class-C) where the Legal Aid Defense Counsel Office is located. The monthly honorarium ranges are as follows:

Post NameClass-A Towns (Population > 10 lacs)Class-B Towns (Population 2-10 lacs)Class-C Towns (Population < 2 lacs)
Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000₹65,000 to ₹80,000₹60,000 to ₹70,000
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel₹50,000 to ₹75,000₹40,000 to ₹60,000₹30,000 to ₹50,000
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel₹25,000 to ₹45,000₹20,000 to ₹35,000₹20,000 to ₹30,000

Note: The honorarium for specific districts mentioned in the main document (e.g., Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru for Class-A; Bagalkote, Ballari, etc. for Class-B) align with these ranges.

Vacancy Breakdown (Category-wise)

  • Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel1
  • Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel26
  • Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel2
Total Vacancies29 positions across 16 districts

How to Apply

Interested eligible lawyers must apply for the full-time engagement as Legal Aid Lawyers. The application process involves the following steps:

  • Download Application Form: The application form, along with the detailed scheme of engagement, can be downloaded from the official website of the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) at www.kslsa.kar.nic.in or obtained from the office/notice board of the concerned District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).
  • Complete and Self-Attest: Duly fill out the application form and self-attest all required copies of documents.
  • Submission: The completed application form and self-attested documents must be submitted to the concerned DISTRICT LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (DLSA) only. Candidates can submit their applications either by speed post or personally at the office of the MEMBER SECRETARY, DISTRICT LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (DLSA).
  • Deadline: Applications must be received on or before 08.05.2026 by 17:00 Hrs. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Documents to be attached (as listed in the application form):

  • Self-attested copy of Certificates/Marks Cards for educational qualifications & experiences (SSLC Marks Card and LLB Marks Cards are mandatory).
  • Self-attested copy of Enrolment certificate issued by the Karnataka State Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961.
  • Self-attested copy of the practice/experience certificate issued by the Bar Association.
  • Self-attested copy of Photo Identity Card/Aadhaar Card and any other Address Proof.
  • Certificate of Computer knowledge, if available.
  • List of 30 Sessions cases and 20 Sessions Cases handled by the candidate for Chief and Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsels (copy of vakalat filed in each case to be submitted).
  • Photo copies of judgments in 5 Sessions cases and cross-examinations in 5 sessions cases, represented as Defence lawyer (for Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel and Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel respectively).
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