National Law School of India University invites applications for three (3) positions of Research Associates to work for the Women’s Inclusion and Leadership in Law (WILL) initiative. This is a full-time role on contractual basis at the NLSIU campus in Bengaluru. It is initially for a period of one year further extendable for the project duration subject to satisfactory performance.

This is a unique opportunity for fresh graduates and emerging researchers to gain insights into the legal system, its institutional framework and functioning, the role and impact of gender dynamics, and the transformative reforms required to build a more gender-equitable and gender-responsive legal practice.

A. About the Initiative

The WILL Initiative is housed within the newly constituted Centre for the Study of the Legal Profession at NLS supported by a dedicated team of full-time staff members. The initiative focuses on empowering women (understood inclusively) to enter, sustain, and progress to leadership in litigation through a) evidence-based research on the status of, and challenges faced by, women litigators at all levels; b) initiatives aimed at advancing inclusive work environments especially at early career stages; c) professional development programs for strengthening legal knowledge and professional skills; and d) convening at national and regional levels to facilitate information exchange, networking and solidarity among women lawyers.

B. About the Role

The Research Associates will work closely with the Project Director and the Centre’s faculty director to implement the WILL initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Specifically, the Research Associates will be responsible for:

• Conducting literature review, undertaking legal and policy analysis, and data collection in compliance with ethical research practices;
• Preparing background notes, concept notes, and/or other relevant frameworks for quantitative and qualitative studies as well as contributing to writing research studies, reports, policy briefs and academic papers under the guidance of the Project and Centre Directors;
• Developing resource and training material for workshops as required;
• Organising meetings, workshops, convenings, and events as required;
• Fostering and expanding professional networks among lawyers as required;
• Maintaining systematic records of all project activities and ensuring timely submission of accounts;
• Publishing at least 2 short-form pieces, such as blog articles, policy briefs, case briefs, and/or commentaries for the NLS Scholarship Repository and/or opinion pieces or commentaries in popular media each year.

Reporting

The Senior Research Associate will report to the Project Director and the Centre’s Faculty Director.

C. Qualifications

Essential

• Graduate degree in law;
• A demonstrable education or professional interest in legal practice, legal system reform, and gender equity in legal systems.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in law, social sciences and/or allied disciplines;
• Two years of relevant post-qualification work experience in legal research, policy engagement and/or action-based research projects;
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the structure and functioning of the legal profession in India;
• 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;
• Strong analytical, collation/synthesis, communication (written and oral), technical, and time-management skills;
• Self-driven and collaborative, with the ability to work independently.

D. How to apply

Please use the Google form provided and include the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV
• Solo authored writing sample – published/unpublished
• A statement of purpose (500-800 words) explaining your interest in the WILL Initiative
• Contact details and designation of two professional references

For any queries, please write to

Deadline

The last date for submission of applications is 15 July 2026 at 5 PM IST.