Call for Applications | Research Associate – Centre for the Study of the Legal Profession | 1 Vacancy
September 16, 2026
National Law School of India University invites applications for one (1) position of Research Associate to work for the Centre for the Study of the Legal Profession (Centre). This is a full-time role on a contractual basis at the NLSIU campus in Bengaluru. It is initially for a period of one year, further extendable subject to satisfactory performance and the Centre’s requirements.
This is a unique opportunity for a fresh graduate or emerging researcher to build foundational skills in legal and policy research while contributing directly to the work of a newly established Centre focused on equity, inclusion, and justice within the legal profession in India.
About the Centre
The Centre for the Study of the Legal Profession was established in 2026 to advance equity, inclusion, and justice within the legal profession in India. The Centre anchors rigorous empirical research into the profession’s structure, regulation, norms, and practices, and supports sustained policy engagement and interdisciplinary scholarship, working through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions to inform debates and reforms that strengthen the legal profession and its role in advancing justice and social development. The Centre began its research activities in the 2026–27 academic year with the launch of the Women’s Inclusion and Leadership in Law (WILL) Initiative, a five-year effort to advance a more gender-inclusive litigation practice in India, and will expand its programmes and areas of intervention as it develops. The Centre is currently guided by a Faculty Director and Faculty Assistant Director.
About the Role
The Research Associate will work closely with the Centre’s Executive Director and Faculty Director and Assistant Director to support the Centre’s research and institutional activities.
The Research Associate will report to the Executive Director and the Centre’s Faculty Director.
Key Responsibilities
Specifically, the Research Associate will be responsible for:
- Assisting in literature reviews, legal and policy research and analysis, and data collection across the Centre’s areas of research;
- Assisting with the organisation of meetings, workshops, convenings, and events as required;
- Maintaining systematic records of the Centre’s research activities and ensuring timely documentation;
- Supporting the Centre’s dissemination efforts, including preparing resource, reading, and outreach material;
- Assisting the Senior Research Associate and Executive Director with day-to-day Centre operations, as needed.
Qualifications
Essential
- Graduate degree in law;
- A demonstrable interest in the legal profession and legal system reform and/or interdisciplinary legal research.
Desirable
- Two years of relevant post-qualification work experience in legal research, policy engagement and/or action-based research projects;
- Proven research activity, including at least one publication or equivalent academic/policy output;
- Excellent writing and editing skills across academic, policy, and public-facing formats and strong organizational skills
- Self-driven and collaborative, with the ability to work independently.
How to Apply
Please use the Google form provided and include the following documents:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Solo-authored writing sample – published/unpublished;
- A statement of purpose (500–800 words) explaining your interest in the Centre for the Study of the Legal Profession;
- Contact details of two professional referees.
Application Deadline
The last date for submission of applications is 30 September 2026, 5 PM (IST).