Legal Counsel

• To assist with formulating legal strategies and coordinating PETA India litigation at various forums, including in cooperation with external counsel
• To ensure that PETA India staff members are operating with sound knowledge of the law and using the strongest legal arguments to advance and meet our objectives
• To prepare casework against individuals or organisations responsible for cruelty to animals

Term of Employment:

Full-time Retainership Contract

Reports to:

Associate General Counsel

Location:

Delhi

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Draft in-house legal documents and pleadings
• Conduct legal research for ongoing and proposed litigation
• Manage in-house litigations and coordinate with external counsel, as assigned
• Ensure regular, timely reporting on the progress of litigation to the supervisor
• Assist with and, when required, lead PETA India’s litigation to advance animal protection under the law, including by coordinating with external counsel and appearing in court
• Under supervision, identify and manage relations with external legal counsel on various matters
• Prepare and send legal notices to individuals and organisations breaking animal-protection laws
• Assist in exercising due diligence, including by maintaining clear records of correspondence and court-related documents
• Ensure that the organisation’s work conforms with legal requirements
• Meet with external counsel and others, as required by individual cases and as requested
• Write letters to and meet with law-enforcement officials in order to persuade them to act in cases of cruelty to animals
• Draft and coordinate official letters, Right to Information Act requests, reports, and other documents as needed
• Ensure PETA India staff members are operating with sound knowledge of the law and using the strongest legal arguments to advance and meet our objectives
• Conduct media interviews, including on camera, and carry out other public speaking engagements about specific cases as well as PETA India’s policy advocacy work and campaigns
• Provide campaigners, researchers, investigators, and caseworkers with legal support
• Research, interpret, and apply pertinent central government and state statutes, regulations, and case law
• Report on weekly developments in all significant matters as well as future courses of action and related deadlines
• Monitor issues and cases for potential legal action
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a university recognised by the Bar Council of India
• Two to three years of litigation experience preferred
• Trial court experience and sound knowledge of criminal law a plus
• Good standing to practise law
• Preferred experience in animal rights law or a related field
• Awareness of animal rights issues and PETA campaigns
• Proven excellent legal research and writing skills
• Proven excellent strategic thinking and analytical skills
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks within strict time constraints
• Willingness to travel for PETA litigation
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• Knowledge of at least one Indian language
• Knowledge of regional languages (apart from Hindi) a plus
Professional appearance and ad
• nce to a healthy vegan lifestyle
• Support for PETA’s philosophy and the ability to advocate for our positions on issues in a professional manner
• Commitment to the objectives of the organisation

How to Apply:

To apply for a position with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India,