Sheradil Foundation
Website:
sheradil.org
Job details:
Job Description: Lead Counsel – Litigation (Mumbai)
Our Mission: Restoring hope for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
At Sheradil Foundation (www.sheradil.org), we believe every child deserves a future defined by hope, not by the trauma of their past. We are a Mumbai-based, Section 8 non-profit (80G, 12A, and CSR1 registered) dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and providing comprehensive rehabilitation services for survivors.
Since our inception three years ago, we have provided vital psychosocial and legal support to over 65 child survivors, fiercely protecting their rights and dignity. As we enter our next phase of growth, we aim to scale our on-ground operations to reach over 200 children within the next three years.
Role Overview
We are seeking a passionate and empathetic advocate to join Sheradil Foundation as Lead Counsel – Litigation (POCSO). In this role, you will help protect the rights and dignity of child survivors, ensuring their voices are heard at every step of the legal process. You will also play a key role in the safety and rehabilitation of child survivors by ensuring the on-ground implementation of key provisions of POCSO Act.
You will provide comprehensive legal representation in court, execute strategic legal interventions, and collaborate with key stakeholders, including police authorities, courts, government bodies, and partner organizations. Reporting directly to the Founder-Director and Programme Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in building systems and practices for our growing Legal Programme.
Key Details
- Job Title: Lead Counsel – Litigation (Full-time)
- Location: Mumbai (Requires regular local travel with occasional travel outside Mumbai)
- Working Days: Monday to Saturday
- Language Requirements: Full professional proficiency in English, Marathi, and Hindi (written and oral) is essential.
- Compensation: ₹42,000 – ₹48,000 per month (commensurate with experience and qualifications) + travel reimbursement + annual performance bonus
Required Qualifications and Skills
Academics & Credentials
- LL.B. or Integrated Law Degree (3-year or 5-year program) from a recognized university
- Active registration with the Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa
- Valid Permanent Certificate of Practice (COP) via the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE)
Experience
- 3+ years of active criminal litigation experience, with a strong preference for case experience involving human rights, sexual violence, or child protection
- 2+ years of prior experience as legal counsel in POCSO cases is highly preferred
- Prior experience in High Court litigation is highly desirable
- Previous legal experience working with NGOs, legal aid clinics or human rights organizations is preferred.
Core Competencies
- Legal Expertise: Deep familiarity with the POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, IT Act, and other relevant criminal laws
- Advocacy & Documentation: Exceptional legal research, drafting, and analytical skills; ability to distill complex case files into concise, compelling narratives
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build trust and rapport with children and vulnerable beneficiaries
- Tech-Savviness: Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and standard legal databases
Key Responsibilities
Litigation and Systemic Reform
- Assist the Public Prosecutor in POCSO proceedings before Special Courts, Juvenile Justice Boards, and the High Court of Bombay
- Review case evidence and documentation, collaborating with POCSO Support Persons to identify and address critical procedural gaps
- Identify structural challenges in the implementation of the POCSO Act and associated state welfare schemes to help formulate strategic public interest litigation (PILs) or writ petitions
Legal Research and Drafting
- Prepare high-quality petitions, affidavits, legal notices, replies, written submissions, applications and legal representations, etc. as required for legal interventions
- Conduct rigorous research on relevant aspects of POCSO cases, child protection laws, constitutional rights and related frameworks
Child Advocacy and Field Operations
- Ensure that the child-friendly protocols described in the POCSO Act and JJ Act are truly implemented on the ground
- Coordinate with POCSO Support Persons to shield child survivors from secondary traumatization during legal proceedings
- Work in close coordination with our social workers on a regular basis as part of our Integrated POCSO Support Team
Stakeholder Liaison and Case Management
- Coordinate with statutory bodies and authorities, including Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), police authorities, Women and Child Departments, Legal Service Authorities (DLSA/ SLSA), and MSCPCR/NCPCR
- Liaise with external advocates and partner organizations
- Maintain litigation databases, case records, comprehensive documentation and progress reports
We’re looking for someone who is
- Deeply committed to child protection, child rights and creating social impact
- Sensitive and compassionate towards children who have faced sexual abuse
- Articulate, meticulous and detail-oriented, with a strong work ethic
- Able to set and maintain healthy emotional boundaries with beneficiaries and their families
- Emotionally resilient while handling highly sensitive causes involving deep trauma to children
- Mindful of personal well-being and active in practicing self-care
- Committed to equity, inclusion and respectful engagement across diverse groups
How to Apply
Please submit your CV with two professional references to sheradil.foundation@gmail.com, including a brief statement of purpose (100–200 words) outlining your motivation for joining Sheradil Foundation in this specific role.
Subject Line: Application – Lead Counsel (Litigation)
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