Fair Trial Programme at Kolhapur Central Jail & District Jail by Indian Law Society (ILS), Pune [3 Years Project]

This opportunity is not for current law students — it requires a completed law degree and several years of trial court experience. However, it is highly relevant for recent law graduates and early-career legal professionals who are looking to build a meaningful, impact-driven career in criminal law, legal aid, or public interest law.

For those who qualify, this fellowship offers something rare: structured, full-time immersion in the criminal justice system at the ground level. Working directly inside custodial settings, engaging with undertrial prisoners, and coordinating with prison authorities and legal services institutions provides a depth of practical experience that few litigation or corporate roles can replicate at this career stage.

It is also a strong signal on any CV. Fellowship programmes backed by institutions like ILS Pune and Azim Premji Foundation carry institutional credibility and demonstrate commitment to public interest work — qualities that are increasingly valued in judicial services, NGO leadership, academic careers, and senior legal aid roles.

There are two distinct roles with different eligibility requirements. Applicants must read these carefully before applying:

• Senior Legal Fellow: Must hold a Graduate or Post Graduate degree in law. Requires 5 or more years of trial court experience, with a preference for experience in criminal law. Strong drafting, case analysis, and communication skills are essential. Candidates must be willing to work in custodial settings.
• Junior Legal Fellow: Must hold a Graduate or Post Graduate degree in law. Requires 2 to 5 years of trial court experience, with a preference for experience in criminal law. Strong drafting, case analysis, and communication skills are essential. Candidates must be willing to work in custodial settings.

Both roles are full-time, offline, and based in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Candidates must be prepared to relocate or commute to Kolhapur for the duration of the project. There is no mention of nationality restrictions in the available information, but given the institutional context, Indian nationals with Bar Council enrolment would be the expected applicant profile. Interviews will be held at the ILS Law College Campus, Chiplunkar Road (Law College Road), Pune – 411004, with dates to be communicated separately.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are considering applying, here is how to approach your application thoughtfully:

• Tailor your CV to criminal law and trial court work. Highlight specific cases, appearances, or matters where you have demonstrated drafting ability, case analysis, or client counselling in a criminal law context. Generic CVs are unlikely to stand out.
• Be honest about your comfort with custodial settings. Working inside a jail environment requires psychological readiness, professional boundaries, and cultural sensitivity. If you have prior exposure to prison legal aid, legal services authority work, or similar settings, make this explicit in your application.
• Research the Fair Trial movement in India. Familiarise yourself with the broader discourse on undertrial prisoners — NALSA guidelines, Section 436A of the CrPC (now BNSS equivalent), and the work of organisations like CHRI or Amnesty India on prison reform. This context will strengthen any interview you attend.
• Understand ILS Pune and the Azim Premji Foundation. Knowing the institutional values and priorities of both organisations will help you frame your motivation letter and interview responses appropriately.
• Apply early. Google Form applications can close or experience technical issues near the deadline. Submit with sufficient time to confirm receipt.
• Prepare for the interview logistics. Interviews are in Pune — factor in travel, accommodation, and scheduling if you are based elsewhere.