A rare opportunity to engage with the frontline of criminal justice reform, death row defense, and pro bono legal aid in India.
About Square Circle Clinic
Square Circle Clinic is a premier criminal justice initiative functioning under the aegis of the NALSAR University of Law. The Clinic stands as one of India’s most significant institutional efforts toward protecting the rights of the most marginalized individuals within the penal system. Operating from offices in New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, and Hyderabad, the Clinic provides dedicated pro bono legal defense for death row inmates and undertrial prisoners.
Beyond the courtroom, the Clinic is a hub for high-level interdisciplinary research. It explores the intersection of law with forensic science, mental health, and human rights, specifically investigating issues like torture and the systemic failures of legal aid. By blending rigorous academic research with grassroots legal intervention, Square Circle Clinic aims to reshape the landscape of the Indian criminal justice system.
About the Internship
The internship program at Square Circle Clinic is designed to offer a “meaningful exposure” to the realities of criminal law and social justice. This is not a standard corporate internship; it is a structured, interdisciplinary program where students assist in real-world defense strategies and socio-legal research.
Interns are integrated into the Clinic’s ongoing projects, which may involve:
- Legal Defense: Assisting in the preparation of appeals for death row inmates.
- Forensic & Mental Health Research: Analyzing the role of psychiatric evaluations in sentencing.
- Prison Advocacy: Documenting the conditions of undertrials and cases of custodial torture.
- Media & Communication: Crafting narratives that bring public attention to systemic legal issues.
Timeline & Financials
| Parameter | Details |
| Mode | In-person (Preferred) |
| Full-time Stipend | ₹10,000 (per 4 weeks) |
| Part-time Stipend | ₹5,000 |
| Full-time Duration | 4 to 12 Weeks |
| Part-time Duration | Minimum 12 Weeks |
| Application Window | At least two months in advance |
Eligibility & Locations
The Clinic values an interdisciplinary approach and welcomes students from diverse backgrounds:
- Disciplines: Law, Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Psychiatry, Media, and Communication.
- Level: Currently enrolled in Undergraduate (UG) or Postgraduate (PG) programs.
- Locations: New Delhi, Pune, and Nagpur.
Also Read: Paid Legal Internship Opportunity at IPR Chair, NLU Delhi
Application Deadlines (Example)
The Clinic operates on a strict rolling basis with a two-month lead time requirement:
- Internship Start: March 1, 2026.
- Last Date to Apply: January 31, 2026.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the designated Google Forms based on the preferred location. Ensure you have your CV and a statement of purpose ready before applying.
Apply for New Delhi Office
Apply for Pune & Nagpur Offices
Additional Highlights
- Pro Bono Focus: Gain experience in “impact litigation” that affects constitutional rights.
- Multi-Disciplinary Learning: Collaborate with experts in forensics and mental health.
- Mentorship: Work under the guidance of NALSAR faculty and experienced criminal defense lawyers.
- Research Skills: Master the art of socio-legal research and empirical data collection.
