The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, invites applications for the position of Female Legal Fellow under Prayas, a field action project of the Centre for Criminology and Justice, School of Social Work, on a contractual basis for one year. Interested and eligible candidates may apply by November 25, 2026.
About Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is a multi-campus public university based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Established in 1936 as the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work, it was granted deemed university status in 1964 under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. The Institute offers academic programmes and undertakes research and field action in social work, law, public policy, development studies and other social sciences.
About Prayas
Prayas is a field action project of the Centre for Criminology and Justice, School of Social Work, initiated in 1990. It addresses the needs of disadvantaged groups within the criminal justice system and works towards the socio-legal and economic rehabilitation of persons at risk of criminalisation, commercial sexual exploitation and destitution.
Name of the Post
Female Legal Fellow.
Vacancies
1.
The post is unreserved. Candidates belonging to reserved categories may also apply.
Nature of Appointment
Contractual appointment for a period of one year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must possess an LL.B. degree.
- Candidates must possess a Sanad for practising in Maharashtra.
- Ability to read, write and speak in Marathi, English and Hindi.
- Familiarity with the use of MS Office, Excel, emails and the internet.
- Ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently.
Work Experience
- Field experience in legal aid and criminal justice is desirable.
- Preference may be given to lawyers with 2-3 years of legal practice.
Selection Process
- Shortlisting of applications based on the prescribed qualifications and experience.
- Shortlisted candidates will be informed through email and/or phone to appear for a Written Test/Interview (offline/online).
- Merely possessing the prescribed qualifications and requisite experience does not entitle a candidate to be called for an interview.
- No TA/DA will be payable for appearing for the interview.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Facilitate access to legal aid in District Courts and the High Court for bail matters.
- Assess and support appeal matters of convict prisoners.
- Coordinate with the High Court Legal Services Committee, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Legal Aid Panel lawyers and Prison Authorities.
- Support post-release reintegration through referrals.
Salary
Rs. 30,000 per month (including field work allowance).
Place of Posting
Thane Central Prison, Thane District, Maharashtra.
Other Conditions
- During the contract period, the Fellow shall not take up any other employment without the prior permission of the employer.
- The Institute reserves the right to relax qualifications and working conditions based on the candidate’s work experience and to relax age in the case of persons already holding comparable positions in a University/Research Institution of repute.
- The Institute reserves the right to invite persons for an interview who may not have applied through the prescribed procedure and to not fill the advertised vacancy.
- Canvassing in any form is strictly prohibited and will lead to disqualification.
- The selected candidate must join within 15 days of intimation of selection.
How to Apply?
- Interested and eligible candidates are required to send their updated resume and certificates of educational qualifications and experience to [email protected].
- Candidates must also fill out the prescribed Google Form.
- Application Link: [Click Here to Apply]
- Candidates who do not fill out the Google Form may not be considered.
Important Dates
- Date of Advertisement: November 11, 2026.
- Last Date to Apply: November 25, 2026.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Official Notification
Candidates are advised to read the official detailed advertisement carefully before applying.