What's in this article?
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Bhopal has released an official notification for the recruitment of Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel. This recruitment is conducted under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel Scheme (LADCS) on a contractual basis to provide quality legal assistance in criminal matters. Eligible lawyers with relevant practice experience can apply offline by 02 January 2026.
DLSA Bhopal Legal Aid Defense Counsel Vacancy 2025 Overview
ProJobAlert.com |
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| District Legal Services Authority Bhopal LADC Recruitment 2025 Advertisement No.:- /DLSA/2025 | |
| Recruitment Authority | District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Bhopal |
| Post Name | Chief, Deputy & Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel |
| Total Vacancies | 10 Posts |
| Job Location | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Start Date to Apply | 18 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 02 January 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Qualification | Law Graduate (LL.B.) with 0-10 Years Experience |
| Age Limit | As per NALSA/MPSLSA Norms |
| Selection Process | Document Verification & Interview |
| Salary | ₹35,000 to ₹80,000 per month |
| Application Fees |
All Categories: Nil (No Fee) |
| Application Mode | Offline (By Post or Personal Submission) |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Bhopal District Court Official Website |
| 👉 Download Application Form | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 18 December 2025
- Application Start: 18 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 02 January 2026
- Last Date for Receipt of Application: 02 January 2026 (05:00 PM)
- Interview Date: To be Notified Soon
- Selection List Declaration: To be Notified Soon
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: As per Rules
- Age Relaxation:
- Age relaxation is applicable as per NALSA and Madhya Pradesh Government recruitment rules.
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- For All Categories: No Fee (Free)
- Mode of Payment: Not Applicable
Qualification
- Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: LL.B. with minimum 10 years of practice in Criminal Law.
- Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel: LL.B. with minimum 07 years of practice in Criminal Law.
- Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel: LL.B. with 0 to 03 years of practice in Criminal Law.
Full Eligibility & Experience Criteria
To be eligible for DLSA Bhopal Recruitment 2025, candidates must possess a Professional Degree in Law (LL.B.) and meet specific Criminal Court Practice requirements. Candidates must have excellent communication skills, a thorough understanding of ethical duties, and the ability to handle criminal trials effectively.
| Post Name | Minimum Qualification | Mandatory Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) | Minimum 10 years practice in Criminal Law; handled at least 30 trials in Sessions Courts. |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) | Minimum 07 years practice in Criminal Law; handled at least 20 trials in Sessions Courts. |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) | 0 to 03 years of practice at the Bar in Magistrate Courts. |
Salary Structure & Remuneration
Selected candidates for the DLSA Bhopal LADC Recruitment 2025 will receive a monthly honorarium (Retainership Fee) based on their post and the district classification. Being a Category A district (Bhopal), the Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel can receive up to ₹80,000 per month, ensuring a competitive pay scale for legal professionals.
| Post Name | Fixed Monthly Remuneration (Category A) |
|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | ₹80,000/- |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | ₹60,000/- |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | ₹35,000/- |
- The engagement is purely on a contractual basis for an initial period of two years.
- Selected counsels are strictly prohibited from private practice during the contract period.
- The salaries are subject to annual performance reviews and extensions.
- Leave entitlement includes 15 days for Chief/Deputy and 12 days for Assistant LADC per year.
Selection Process
The Selection Process for Legal Aid Defense Counsels is designed to be merit-based and transparent. It focuses on the candidate's past court experience, the quality of judgments handled, and their overall performance in a personal interview conducted by the selection committee.
- Screening of Applications: Initial shortlisting based on educational qualification and years of criminal law practice.
- Document Evaluation: Assessment of submitted Vakalatnamas, Bail Orders, and Judgments (Conviction/Acquittal).
- Merit Ranking: Calculation of points as per the LADCS Marking Criteria (Appendix A, B, or C).
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview to assess courtroom demeanor and knowledge.
- Final Approval: The merit list is approved by the Executive Chairman, MPSLSA, Jabalpur.
Marking Scheme & Pattern
There is no written exam for these posts. Selection is based on a Marking Scheme out of specific total points for each post. Points are awarded for years of experience, specific types of trial work, higher qualifications like LL.M. or Ph.D., and the final interview.
| Post Name | Experience Points | Trial Work Points | Qualification & Interview | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief LADC | Max 15 | Max 30 | Max 20 | 65 Points |
| Deputy Chief LADC | Max 13 | Max 30 | Max 20 | 63 Points |
| Assistant LADC | Max 14 | Max 30 | Max 22 (includes IT) | 66 Points |
- Trial Work Points: Includes marks for Arguments on Charge, Cross-examination, and Bail Applications.
- Higher Qualifications: 02 points for LL.M. and 03 points for Ph.D. in Law.
- Existing LADC Bonus: Candidates currently working in the same district may get 05 extra points.
Post-Wise Vacancy Distribution
The DLSA Bhopal has specified a total of 10 vacancies for the Legal Aid Defense Counsel office. These posts are distributed to ensure a structured public defender system capable of handling all stages of criminal trials in the district.
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | District Category |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 01 | Category A |
| Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 03 | Category A |
| Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel | 06 | Category A |
| Total | 10 | - |
How To Apply for DLSA Bhopal Recruitment 2025
Interested candidates must follow the Offline Application mode. The application form must be filled with complete accuracy and submitted with self-attested documents to the District Legal Services Authority, Bhopal before the deadline of 02 January 2026.
- Step 1: Visit the official website bhopal.dcourts.gov.in or mphc.gov.in.
- Step 2: Download the prescribed application format provided in the notification.
- Step 3: Fill in all personal and professional details including Enrollment Number and experience.
- Step 4: Attach self-attested copies of 5 Judgments of Conviction, 5 Charge Order Sheets, and Bail Orders.
- Step 5: Enclose the form in an envelope clearly marked with the Post Applied For.
- Step 6: Submit it personally or via Registered/Speed Post to the Office of Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, District Court, Bhopal.
Important Links
| Application Form | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website (DLSA Bhopal) | Click Here |
| Official Website (MPSLSA) | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2025 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Madhya Pradesh Jobs | Click Here |
| MP Legal & Judiciary Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for DLSA Bhopal Recruitment 2025?
The last date to submit the offline application at the DLSA Bhopal office is 02 January 2026 until 05:00 PM.
What is the salary for Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel in Bhopal?
As Bhopal is a Category A district, the Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel receives a monthly honorarium of ₹80,000.
Is there any application fee for this recruitment?
No, there is no application fee for any category in the DLSA Bhopal Legal Aid Defense Counsel recruitment.
Can I apply for multiple posts in one application?
No, you must submit separate application forms for each post. One application for multiple posts will be rejected.
What is the experience required for the Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel?
For the post of Assistant LADC, the candidate needs a practice experience of 0 to 03 years in Magistrate Courts.
Are private practices allowed after selection?
No, the selected candidates are not allowed to handle any private cases or other retainerships during their contractual period.
How will the selection be made?
Selection is based on a merit list prepared using marking criteria (experience and court work) followed by a personal interview.