NLUJA Lawyer Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

NLUJA Lawyer Fellow Programme 2026 Announced

The National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam, has announced a recruitment drive for its Lawyer Fellowship Programme. This is a one-year, field-embedded fellowship designed for early-career advocates practicing in Assam.

About the Fellowship

The Lawyer Fellowship Programme aims to deepen the competence of practitioners and prepare them for leadership roles. Fellows will handle real casework, including legal aid and public interest litigation, under the guidance of senior practitioners and NLUJA faculty. The programme also involves mentoring junior lawyers and leading community outreach initiatives. A special focus will be placed on Assam's unique legal, customary legal systems, and access-to-justice challenges in remote districts.

Key aspects of the fellowship include:

• Duration: One year, field-embedded.
• Cohort Size: 6 Fellows will be selected.
• Mode: Blended - field placement, periodic in-person sessions, and weekly online sessions.
• Award: Certificate of Fellowship from NLUJA, Assam.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Lawyer Fellowship Programme, candidates must meet all the following requirements:

• Must be enrolled as an advocate with a State Bar Council.
• Must have 2 to 5 years of continuous practice as of the application deadline.
• Must currently be practicing in Assam.
• Must have proven experience in trial/lower-court litigation, legal aid, or rights-based/community work.
• Should have the potential to manage legal-aid cases independently and contribute to systemic legal reform.
• Must possess the capacity and willingness to mentor junior lawyers.
• Must be able to commit to the full one-year tenure, including in-person intensives at NLUJA, Assam, and placement in a designated district.

Preference will be given to applicants practicing in trial and lower courts and those with a demonstrated commitment to public-interest law and community engagement.

Important Dates

The key dates for the NLUJA Lawyer Fellow recruitment are as follows:

Dates are indicative and will be confirmed on the NLUJA portal.

Vacancy Details

A total of 6 Fellows will be selected for the Lawyer Fellowship Programme.

What Fellows Will Do

Selected Fellows will be involved in various activities, including:

• Handling end-to-end casework, legal aid matters, public interest litigation, and systemic advocacy under senior mentorship.
• Being embedded in a designated district or block, working with State and District Legal Services Authorities, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
• Mentoring junior advocates and facilitating peer-learning workshops.
• Leading legal-awareness initiatives and rights-based outreach.
• Attending periodic in-person intensives at NLUJA, Assam, and weekly online sessions.

What Fellows Will Receive

Fellows will benefit from:

• Intensive, structured mentorship from senior advocates.
• Exposure to complex casework and a cross-jurisdictional network.
• A Certificate of Fellowship from NLUJA, Assam.
• Advanced workshops and access to NLUJA's academic resources.
• Stipend/financial support and accommodation for in-person blocks as per project guidelines.

Selection Process

The selection process involves several stages:

1. Application Submission: Candidates must submit their application via email with the required documents.
2. Shortlisting: Based on prior commitment to legal aid, rights-based advocacy, or community engagement.
3. Interviews: A two-stage interview process, including one online and one in-person interview before a panel.
4. Final Selection: Based on performance in the interviews. A waitlist will be maintained.

Documents Required for Application

Candidates should prepare the following documents for their application:

• Statement of Purpose (500–800 words)
• Self-authored writing sample (e.g., pleading, legal opinion, article) - anonymised.
• Short case history of matters handled - anonymised.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Bar enrolment certificate.
• Law degree certificate.
• A government-issued photo ID.
• Category/disability certificates (if applicable).
• Contact details for two referees.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted only through email. Candidates need to send all the required documents to the specified email ID before the deadline.

Email ID: Not specified in the official notification.

Last Date to Apply: 03 October 2026

Important Instructions

• All information and documents submitted must be true and correct. Misrepresentation will lead to disqualification.
• Client confidentiality must be maintained by anonymising all client data in writing samples and case histories.
• The Fellowship is an equal-opportunity programme. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from marginalised communities are especially encouraged.
• At least 40% of Fellows will be women, and at least 30% will be drawn from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised backgrounds.

FAQs

What is the NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship Programme?

It is a one-year, field-embedded fellowship for early-career advocates in Assam, offered by NLUJA in collaboration with Azim Premji Foundation.

What is the eligibility for the fellowship?

You must be enrolled as an advocate, have 2-5 years of practice in Assam, and have experience in litigation, legal aid, or rights-based work.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date to apply is 03 October 2026.

How can I apply for the fellowship?

Applications are accepted only via email. You need to send all required documents to the specified email ID.

What is the selection process?

It involves application submission, shortlisting, and a two-stage interview (online and in-person).

Is there any stipend or financial support provided?

Yes, stipend/financial support and accommodation for in-person blocks will be provided as per project guidelines.

Important Links

Official Website → Click Here

Notification PDF → Click Here