Migration & Asylum Project (MAP) invites applications to join its Legal Aid Partner programme

Migration & Asylum Project (MAP) is looking for interested legal professionals to join its Legal Aid Partner programme.

Eligibility

• Active Bar Council membership.

• Minimum 2-3 years of litigation experience in trial and labour courts in Delhi with demonstrated ability of representing cases independently.

• Demonstrated commitment to human rights, with the ability to work empathetically and effectively with vulnerable populations.

• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, proactively and take initiative in cases.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English and any local languages pertinent to our beneficiaries.

• Prior experience of working with migrant communities and women is an added advantage.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assume full responsibility for managing litigation cases referred by MAP from initiation through to resolution.

• Prepare legal drafts for cases referred by MAP and act as the primary legal representative for clients in court.

• Maintain direct and effective communication with clients, providing them with regular updates, guidance, and support throughout the legal process.

• Share periodic updates on referred cases with MAP.

• Willingness to attend meetings and other MAP trainings/ workshops

Please note: A deep commitment to see-through the life-cycle of the case and being accountable to the client by ensuring that you are present for her at all stages is paramount.

How to Apply

• If you are interested in applying to be a part of this network, please send your CV to recruitments@aratrust.in.

• Shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interview.

• Candidates may be asked to furnish samples of orders that they have secured in the past.

• MAP will be accepting applications on a rolling-basis.

Certification: MAP has also, in the past, facilitated recommendations and certification for past Legal Aid Partners, wherever required.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position and the assistance provided will be pro-bono in nature.

However, the Legal Aid Partner will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during litigation proceedings subject to the availability of funds.

About the Legal Aid Partner programme

Launched in 2022, MAP’s Legal Aid Partner Programme presents a unique opportunity for early-career litigation lawyers to engage in impactful pro bono work, advocating for vulnerable migrant populations at the grassroots level. With the objective of ensuring that the law reaches those most vulnerable within the migrant communities, MAP’s service delivery model focuses on ensuring access to both formal and informal justice systems.

MAP’s Legal Aid Partners play a vital role, by providing meaningful and effective mediation and litigation support in cases referred by MAP.

Collectively, they have represented over 60 SGBV (Sexual and Gender-based violence) cases in courts, and secured over 25 orders including protection orders, maintenance orders, residence order, orders for registration of FIR, stay on and transfer of counter blast proceedings, etc.

As a Legal Aid Partner, you will have the rare chance to utilise core human rights and legal principles to directly impact the lives of clients, while contributing to a broader movement aimed at building an inclusive legal protection landscape through a rule of law-focused approach.

This collaboration also offers:

• A platform for professional growth, networking opportunities, and recognition within the legal community.

• An opportunity to develop legal skills, including arguing and representing cases independently, and participating in briefings for senior counsels.

• The ability to be part of a small, passion-driven legal team specializing in SGBV cases/ labour rights and working towards the shared goal of gender and social justice.

• Sustained interaction with migrant and displaced communities to develop and strengthen soft skills such as enforcing ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, undertaking trauma-informed engagements, etc.

• Access to MAP’s vast community of pro bono lawyers, paralegal volunteers, community leaders, and civil society partners involved in championing social justice. 

• Provision not only of legal support but also of life-changing hope and empowerment to vulnerable individuals navigating complex and overwhelming legal systems.

• Involvement in larger activities, which includes participating in community awareness drives, training paralegal volunteers, and supporting community legal desks.