NLSIU invites applications for its Litigation Fellowships 2026 for early-career litigators.
About NLSIU
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is one of India’s premier law universities and a leading institution in constitutional scholarship, public law research, and legal education reform. The university has consistently contributed to strengthening legal institutions through academic programmes, policy engagement initiatives, and capacity-building interventions for the legal profession.
In addition to its academic excellence, NLSIU has developed several professional fellowship programmes aimed at supporting early-career lawyers working in public interest law, constitutional litigation, and access-to-justice initiatives. These programmes are designed to address systemic barriers faced by young litigators, particularly those without institutional support networks during the early years of practice.
The Litigation Fellowships Programme reflects NLSIU’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law by supporting emerging advocates across India’s major litigation centres.
About the Opportunity
The NLSIU Litigation Fellowships 2026 is a structured two-year fellowship programme designed to support early-career litigators committed to advancing constitutional values and access to justice. The programme directly addresses financial instability, lack of mentorship, and professional uncertainty commonly experienced by young lawyers entering litigation practice.
Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹30,000 along with structured mentorship support and access to learning opportunities designed to strengthen litigation skills and professional development. The fellowship will support a cohort of 30 fellows across key litigation centres including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Through mentorship, peer engagement, and institutional support, the programme aims to create a collaborative ecosystem for young litigators working across diverse courts and tribunals in India.
Nature of Work Responsibilities and Exposure
Selected fellows will continue working with practising advocates or litigation offices while receiving structured institutional support through the fellowship programme. The fellowship is designed to complement ongoing litigation practice rather than replace chamber work.
Participants will engage in mentorship sessions with experienced practitioners and scholars working in constitutional law and public interest litigation. Fellows will also participate in periodic learning modules designed to strengthen drafting ability, litigation strategy, and courtroom preparedness.
The programme includes opportunities for peer learning through interaction with other fellows working across major legal hubs in India. This collaborative structure helps participants develop professional networks and share experiences relevant to early-stage litigation practice.
Fellows will also be encouraged to reflect on their role in strengthening constitutional governance and improving access to justice through their litigation careers. These engagements support long-term professional identity development aligned with rule-of-law values.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
Law graduates from a 3-year or 5-year LL.B. programme with minimum 55 percent marks or equivalent CGPA
Enrollment with a State Bar Council and qualification in the All India Bar Examination
Final-year law students graduating in 2026 are eligible subject to meeting requirements before the fellowship begins
Applicants must be 30 years or younger
Candidates must be within five years of graduation
Applicants must have secured a position with a practising lawyer or law office
Submission of a Statement of Purpose explaining commitment to constitutional values and litigation practice
Preference will be given to first-generation lawyers and candidates from marginalised backgrounds.
Women litigators are strongly encouraged to apply.
Skills Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Selected fellows will receive structured mentorship support designed to strengthen litigation strategy, drafting precision, and professional confidence during the early years of practice. The fellowship provides financial stability that allows young advocates to focus on building sustainable litigation careers without immediate economic pressure.
Participants will benefit from interaction with peers across major litigation centres, enabling collaborative learning and professional networking opportunities. Exposure to institutional training modules will help fellows deepen their understanding of constitutional values and rule-of-law frameworks guiding litigation practice.
The programme is particularly valuable for advocates seeking long-term careers in constitutional litigation, public law practice, and rights-based advocacy.
Duration Mode Location and Stipend
Duration: Two years
Number of Fellows: 30
Monthly Stipend: ₹30,000
Location: Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
Mode: Fellowship support alongside chamber-based litigation practice.
Important Dates
The official application deadline should be checked through the application portal.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the limited number of fellowship positions available.
Who Should Apply
This fellowship is particularly suitable for:
Early-career litigators building courtroom practice
First-generation lawyers seeking mentorship support
Women advocates entering litigation careers
Lawyers working in constitutional and public law practice
Candidates interested in strengthening access to justice frameworks
Young advocates seeking structured professional networks across litigation centres 🚀
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose along with required eligibility details through the application form.
