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About Studio Nilima:
Studio Nilima: Collaborative Network for Research and Capacity Building (Studio Nilima), is an action research collective based in Guwahati, Assam, working at the intersections of law, policy and governance. Established in 2016, Studio Nilima has been at the forefront of encouraging inclusive dialogues focussing on critical public policy concerns of Northeast India.
About Pratidhwani (the Echo):
Pratidhwani (the Echo) is a core initiative of Studio Nilima , which engages with the correctional homes of Assam through routine visits, working to facilitate access to justice for marginalised and vulnerable inmates across nine correctional homes in the State. Since 2017, at Pratidhwani our attempt has been to identify and address systemic deficiencies concerning correctional homes in the State through effective evidence-based research, strategic litigation and regular dialogues with the various stakeholders including the Government of Assam and its constituents at the State and local levels. In this process, we have generated close working relationships with the office of the Inspector General of Prisons, the Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA), the Gauhati High Court Legal Services Committee and the concerned District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA), as well as the inmates and correctional officers of the different correctional homes.
About the Programme:
In the next three years, (2023-2025) through Pratidhwani they will focus our intervention in the District Jails of Abhayapuri, Barpeta, Morigaon and Udalguri, located in the lower Brahmaputra valley of Assam.
They invite applications for the position of two Legal Strategy Associates to join the team at Pratidhwani, who will be working primarily in these four correctional homes, involved in making regular visits, sensitizing inmates of their constitutional and legal rights, co-ordinating with the ASLSA and concerned DLSAs in filing appeals in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and Gauhati High Court. The Associates will also be responsible for designing legal strategy interventions in the form of public interest litigations on issues that require judicial intervention either directly or through senior lawyers.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
This is a full time paid position based in Guwahati. Selected candidates will be expected to base themselves within the municipal limits of Guwahati, Assam for a period of 3 year(s), and travel to the concerned districts as required.
Further responsibilities also include:
- Accompanying the team in conducting regular visit to the four correctional homes, in collaboration with ASLSA and DLSA.
- Coordinate with DLSA and Prison Authorities to ensure allocation of Panel Lawyers for those inmates who do not have legal representation.
- Draft criminal appeals, review petitions, writ petitions, applications, affidavits and other legal documents.
- Provide assistance to senior counsels and DLSA Panel Lawyers assigned to a case in drafting, preparing case briefs, and legal research.
- Following up on ongoing cases, providing regular updates to the concerned inmates and their families, along with the correctional officers of respective correctional homes.
- Formulate and strategize legal intervention in systemic issues identified during visits.
- Contribute to the research and knowledge output of Studio Nilima, along with organising consultations with Legal Aid Counsels and DLSA.
- Any other work that maybe assigned to them related to the mandate of Studio Nilima.
Qualification:
- An LL.B./B.A.LL.B. degree from an university recognised by the Bar Council
of India. - Enrolment with any State Bar Council.
- Criminal litigation experience of at least 3 year(s).
- Professional fluency in spoken and written English. Candidates with intermediate fluency in spoken and written Assamese and/or Bengali will be given preference.
Terms of Employment and Remuneration:
- The Associates will be employed from December 2022 to December 2025.
- Remuneration for the position shall be 25000 INR per month.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates may write to Ms. Abantee Dutta, Director, Studio Nilima at abantee@studionilima.com with a Statement of Purpose (within 1000 words), and their CVs by November 15, 2022
