Call For Applications: Consultant (Research) At The Square Circle Clinic, NALSAR [Apply By January 11, 2026]

The NALSAR University of Law ('University') through The Square Circle Clinic is seeking to engage, on a contractual basis, One (1) Consultant (Research) at its New Delhi office. This is a full-time position based in New Delhi and the contract will be for one year initially extendable on a yearly basis at the discretion of the University. The Associate will be responsible for contributing to the development and implementation of The Square Circle Clinic's research agenda.

About The Square Circle Clinic:

The Square Circle Clinic is a criminal justice initiative at NALSAR University of Law, with its offices in New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur and Hyderabad. The Square Circle Clinic provides pro bono criminal defense of prisoners sentenced to death and undertrial prisoners in Pune and Nagpur, and undertakes research and public outreach efforts on issues relating to forensics, death penalty, criminalisation and punishment, science, technology and criminal justice, prevention of torture, legal aid, and mental health and criminal justice,. The staff, including the leadership, at The Square Circle Clinic earlier carried on the above mentioned criminal justice work as Project 39A and moved to NALSAR in April 2025. Members of The Square Circle Clinic have led ground breaking research on various aspects of the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities:

1. Contribute to the implementation of The Square Circle Clinic's research agenda.
2. Undertake data collection and fieldwork for research projects as required.
3. Contribute to analysis and synthesis of research findings, and their dissemination through high-impact academic and policy publications.
4. Publish articles in reputed peer reviewed journals on issues relevant to the work of The Square Circle Clinic.
5. Contribute to the research and publication of research briefs, reports, and white papers.
6. Produce shorter written pieces for publication in mainstream media and on other relevant platforms.
7. Build and sustain collaborations with central and state agencies engaged in the Indian criminal justice system.
8. Represent The Square Circle Clinic at national and international fora.
9. Contribute to the broader institutional strategy of The Square Circle Clinic and its overall development.
10. Undertake administrative and strategic responsibilities necessary to advance the Clinic's objectives.

Qualifications and Requirements:

1. An undergraduate degree in law is mandatory.
2. Familiarity in criminal law and the Indian criminal justice system is preferable.
3. Work experience of two years is preferable.
4. Apart from English, proficiency in at least one Indian language is preferred.

Compensation: The compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience and will range between Rs. 65,000 - Rs. 80,000 per month.

Application Process: Applications are accepted only through the online application form available at the link provided below. Through the online application form, applicants will be required to upload:

1. A resumé of not more than two pages
2. A statement of purpose of not more than 1000 words describing your reasons for being interested in working with The Square Circle Clinic and how it aligns with your career goals.
3. Writing sample of not more than 3000 words which must be an academic essay. Please cite relevant sources where applicable. The essay need not necessarily be on an issue concerning criminal law/ criminal justice.

Applications and documents must be submitted only through this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZVLuAA0iSfc4NXJxek0HuIVahH4tKmWVvvuKngGGbj IRKGg/viewform

Based on the online applications, applicants will be shortlisted for the interview process. The University reserves the right to add further rounds of selection or modify the above mentioned rounds.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted no later than January 11, 2026 (11:59 PM). Further rounds of selection will be held thereafter and will be tentatively scheduled between January 24 - 25, 2026. Confirmed dates will be notified separately to shortlisted applicants.

Note:

1. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email. If you do not hear within three weeks after the deadline, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful. The University cannot reply to individual queries on the status of applications.
2. NALSAR University of Law is an equal opportunity employer.
3. NALSAR University of Law reserves the right to conduct additional rounds of interviews or written tests or simulation exercises.
4. NALSAR University of Law reserves the right to conduct interviews/ written tests/ simulation exercises etc and not fill these positions.
5. The position shall be paid under the grants received by The Square Circle Clinic, NALSAR University of Law.
6. For any queries, please write to squarecirclerecruitment@nalsar.ac.in.