Legal Associate, Cruelty Response

PETA India; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

PETA India is seeking a qualified Legal Officer for its Cruelty Response Team in Mumbai or Delhi. The role involves pursuing criminal action, handling trials and coordinating with external counsels and prosecutors.

The candidate will conduct legal research, advise on charges, draft official documents, and represent the organization in court and with government officials. Travel and tight deadlines are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a university recognised by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
• Minimum three years of relevant experience with at least two years criminal law or litigation experience preferred.
• Trial court experience and sound knowledge of criminal laws.
• Good standing to practice law
• Preferred experience in animal rights law or a related field
• Fluency in Hindi and English; knowledge of additional Indian languages is an asset
• Ability to collaborate with Policy, Legal and Investigations, as needed
• Proficiency in using computers and legal research tools
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Adherence to a vegan lifestyle

Responsibilities

• Monitor the progress of trials in relation to FIRs or PORs handled by CRT
• File, monitor and pursue or defend cases for rescue and rehabilitation of animals through courts
• Conduct legal research for ongoing and proposed litigation pertaining to FIRs and PORs
• Advise on legal provisions and applicable charges to be invoked in cases involving crimes against animals
• Recruit, assess and collaborate with external local counsels and liaise with public prosecutors
• Travel to various locations as required to manage court-related responsibilities
• Maintain comprehensive and organised records of legal documents
• Represent PETA India in court, to external counsels, police and government officials
• Meet with law-enforcement and government officials to act to the fullest extent of the law
• Draft and coordinate or review official letters, RTI requests, reports and other documents
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor

Skills

Trial court experience

Criminal law knowledge

Legal research

Fluent in Hindi and English

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Willingness to travel

Vegan lifestyle

Education

LLB degree

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

To advance the legal efforts of PETA India’s Cruelty Response Team (CRT) including to pursue criminal action in response to crimes against animals through various means.

Term of Employment:

Full-time Retainership Contract

Work Schedule:

Weekdays with evening and weekend work where required

Reports To:

Legal Advisor and Director of Cruelty Response

Location:

Mumbai or Delhi

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Monitor the progress of trials in relation to First Information Reports (FIRs) or Preliminary Offense Reports (PORs) handled by CRT
• File, monitor and pursue or defend cases/petitions/applications for rescue and rehabilitation of animals through courts, including through engagement of external legal counsel
• Conduct legal research for ongoing and proposed litigation pertaining to FIRs and PORs
• Advise on legal provisions and applicable charges to be invoked in cases involving crimes against animals
• Recruit, assess and collaborate with external local counsels and liaise with public prosecutors to ensure effective progress in cases involving crimes against animals
• Travel to various locations as required and often on short notice to manage court-related responsibilities
• Maintain comprehensive and organised records of legal documents, including petitions, court orders, and bonds
• Professionally represent PETA India in court, to external counsels, police, government officials, the public, media and all other stakeholders
• Meet with law-enforcement and government officials in order to persuade them to act to the greatest extent of the law in cases of cruelty to animals
• Draft and coordinate or review official letters, Right to Information Act requests, reports, news releases and other documents as needed to ensure sound legal arguments
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a university recognised by the Bar Council of India (BCI)
• Minimum three years of relevant experience with at least two years criminal law or litigation experience preferred
• Trial court experience and sound knowledge of criminal laws

Good standing to practice law

Preferred experience in animal rights law or a related field

Thoroughly knowledge of animal rights issues and PETA India campaigns

Ability to collaborate and work seamlessly with other departments such as Policy, Legal and Investigations, as needed

Proficiency in using computers and legal research tools

Fluency in Hindi and English; knowledge of additional Indian languages is an asset

Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectivel

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Strong commitment to supporting law enforcement efforts, advancing legal protections for animals, and actively contributing to the prevention of cruelty to animals

Compassionate, responsible, and self-driven character

Outgoing and personable manners with excellent communication skills

Adherence to a vegan lifestyle

Willingness and ability to travel independently for police and court-related responsibilities

Supportive position vis-à-vis PETA India’s philosophy and the ability to advocate for the group’s positions on issues in a professional manner

Commitment to the objectives and mission of PETA India