VACANCY
Required: Young Legal Professionals – (Fellowship Programme)
- Background and Rationale
India has made progress in many areas, but access to justice is still not equal for all. Many people especially women, children, Dalits, and other marginalized groups continue to face barriers in using the legal system. These barriers include lack of awareness, social discrimination, financial limitations, and difficulty in accessing legal support.
In rural areas, these challenges are even more serious. People often do not know their rights or how to seek help. Even when laws exist to protect them, they are not always able to use them effectively. This creates a gap between the law and people’s everyday realities.
Lawyers can play a key role in bridging this gap. They can help people understand their rights, support them in legal processes, and connect them with institutions. However, many young lawyers do not get opportunities to work closely with communities or understand social issues in depth.
There is a need to support young legal professionals to build both legal skills and a strong understanding of social justice. With the right exposure and guidance, they can become important agents of change.
The Young Legal Professionals Fellowship Programme, under the Enabling Access to Justice Project, has been designed to address this need. It aims to build a group of committed lawyers who can work with communities and improve access to justice at the grassroots level.
- Programme Context
The Enabling Access to Justice Project is currently being implemented in Indri (Karnal, Haryana) and Sahebpur Kamal (Begusarai, Bihar).
In its first phase, the project has built a strong base of Community Justice Workers (CJWs) and local volunteers. They have been trained on issues such as domestic violence, gender-based violence, child protection, and Dalit rights. This has helped increase awareness and community-level action.
However, there is still a need for trained lawyers who can take up cases, provide legal advice, and work with formal institutions. The fellowship programme aims to fill this gap by placing young lawyers within these communities.
- Objectives of the Fellowship:
- To create a pool of public-spirited lawyers committed to social justice and accessible to vulnerable communities.
- To improve access to justice for marginalized groups through legal support and engagement
- To strengthen the skills, understanding, and quality of practice of young legal professionals
- To build a network of lawyers and mentors who can support, guide, and learn from each other
- To promote collaboration, dialogue, and collective action among lawyers working with communities
- Programme Design and Approach
The fellowship is a one-year, full-time programme based in the field. It focuses on learning by doing.
Fellows will work directly with communities, along with Community Justice Workers. They will help identify cases, provide legal support, and guide people through legal processes.
They will also work with institutions such as District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA), police, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), and Protection Officers.
The programme combines practical experience with regular learning and mentoring. Fellows will get support from experienced lawyers and will have space to reflect on their work and improve their skills.
- Roles and Responsibilities of Fellows
- Provide legal advice and support to community members
- Handle cases related to women, children, and Dalit rights
- Work with CJWs to identify and follow up on cases
- Conduct legal awareness sessions in villages
- Support legal processes such as filing cases and documentation
- Engage with relevant legal and government institutions
- Selection of Fellows
Selecting the right candidates is important for the success of the programme.
The fellowship is open to law graduates (fresher or with 2–5 years of experience) who are enrolled with the State Bar Council.
Candidates should:
- Be interested in social justice and community work
- Be willing to work in rural areas
- Have sensitivity to issues like caste, gender, and inequality
- Be open to learning and working closely with people
- Expected Outcomes
The programme will help improve access to justice for marginalized communities by providing direct legal support.
It will also help young lawyers gain real experience, understand social issues better, and build meaningful careers.
In the long run, the programme aims to create a network of lawyers who are committed to working for justice and equality in society.
8. Fellowship Details
- Duration: 1 year (extendable based on performance)
- Location: Karnal (Haryana) / Begusarai (Bihar)
- Engagement: Part-time / flexible engagement. Fellows may continue their legal practice but are expected to be available for trainings, capacity-building sessions, and regular engagement in supporting cases and working with Community Justice Workers (CJWs).
- Honorarium: A monthly fellowship honorarium will be provided as per programme norms
- Conclusion
The Young Legal Professionals Fellowship Programme is an effort to make the legal system more accessible and fair. By supporting young lawyers to work at the grassroots level, the programme aims to bring law closer to people and strengthen justice for all.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can apply by sending:
- Updated CV with references
- A brief Statement of Purpose (Why you want to join this fellowship)
Email your application to: marg@ngo-marg.org
Last Date to Apply: 20th May 2026
Be the Change
If you believe law is not just a profession but a tool for social transformation, this fellowship is your opportunity to make a real difference.
Join us. Serve communities. Strengthen justice
INTERNSHIP
MARG Is looking full time interns for our projects and activities. Students for Laws and Social work are required for the internship.
Contact:
Multiple Action Research Group (MARG)
205, 2nd Floor, Shahpur Jat
New Delhi – 110049
Email:marg@ngo-marg.org
Tel: 011-26495371
