DAKSH
Website:
dakshindia.org
Job details:
About DAKSHDAKSH is a Bengaluru-based civil society organisation that is working on judicial reforms. DAKSH works at the intersection of data science, public policy, and operations research. Our primary focus is the study of the problem of pendency of cases in the Indian legal system, with the aim of suggesting sustainable solutions based on quantitative research and empirical legal methods. We are actively involved in creating sustainable solutions to improve judicial efficiency, process, administration, and management.
About the RoleAs a Senior Research Associate, you will work across legal research, empirical analysis, and project management. You will analyse court data, engage with stakeholders in the field, and translate research findings into rigorous, publication-ready outputs.
The role also involves leading and mentoring research teams, providing direction and supporting team members in delivering high-quality outputs. Strong people management, collaboration, and the ability to build and manage effective teams are therefore essential.
This is a research- and field-engagement-intensive role. The ideal candidate will be able to seamlessly navigate data-driven analysis, team leadership, and high-quality legal and research writing. The role requires strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to confidently engage with external stakeholders such as judges, lawyers, court staff, and other stakeholders, establish rapport, and build trusted relationships in the field.
Key ResponsibilitiesResearch & Data Analysis
- Research and writing on access to justice, the working of the justice system, technology, data and the impact of procedural and substantive law on the administration of courts.
- Interpret quantitative findings and connect them to procedural, administrative, and institutional realities on the ground
Field Work & Stakeholder Engagement
- Conduct field visits to courts across jurisdictions to observe proceedings, collect data, and understand on-the-ground court processes
- Build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, court staff, and justice officials, to gather qualitative insight and validate findings
- Represent DAKSH professionally and credibly in interactions with the judiciary and the Bar
Writing & Outputs
- Produce high-quality, well-argued written outputs, research reports, policy briefs, working papers, and submissions to external stakeholders
- Translate complex data analysis into clear, accessible narratives for legal, policy, and lay audiences
- Review and edit work produced by junior team members to maintain DAKSH's standard of written output
Project Management & Team Support
- Contribute to project planning, timelines, and reporting for the engagement
- Developing and implementing advocacy strategies
- Mentor and guide research associates and interns working on the project
- Liaise with DAKSH's leadership on project direction and external representation
Must-Have Qualifications/Skills - A minimum of 6 years of experience in legal research, public policy, including demonstrated experience leading research projects
- LL.B. (or equivalent) from a recognised law school; an LL.M. or additional qualification in public policy, data, or a related field is a plus
- Demonstrated experience with, or strong aptitude for, data analysis, comfort working with datasets, spreadsheets, and basic statistical tools (Excel/Google Sheets) is essential
- Willingness and ability to undertake field work, including travel to courts across India
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage credibly and diplomatically with judges, lawyers, and government officials
- Outstanding written communication skills to be able to produce precise, well-structured, and persuasive writing under deadline
- Strong understanding of the Indian judicial system, civil/criminal procedure, and court administration
- Self-starter who can work independently in a small, fast-moving team, while also mentoring junior colleagues
Good to Have Skills- Prior experience with legal research, court data, or judicial reforms
- Exposure to litigation practice (at a law firm, chambers, or before courts/tribunals) is a plus
What DAKSH Offers- Work alongside accomplished leaders: Be part of an organisation bringing together accomplished voices across law, policy, research, and public institutions to advance accountability and better governance in India.
- High visibility & ownership: Take ownership of meaningful projects with direct exposure to senior stakeholders, policymakers, legal practitioners, and other influential voices. Your work will have a clear line of sight to organisational priorities and sector-level outcomes.
- Shape change that matters: Contribute to research and institutional action that moves beyond ideas into the public domain, shaping conversations, informing policy, and driving meaningful change on critical issues
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