Legal Fellowship Program

Legal Fellowship Program 2026

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ADF India's Legal Fellowship Program is a 9.5-month paid apprenticeship for a select cohort of recent law graduates who are enrolled advocates.

Designed for those who see the practice of law as a calling, the Fellowship equips aspiring litigators to advance constitutional values, protect religious freedom, and serve vulnerable communities through public interest litigation, constitutional advocacy, and human rights law.

We are looking for exceptional young lawyers who combine intellectual rigour with a genuine commitment to grassroots advocacy, a deep respect for India's pluralistic society, and a conviction to serve with integrity and compassion.

Duration: 17 August 2026 – 31 May 2027 (9.5 months)

A full-time apprenticeship with mentorship from experienced legal practitioners and experts from the field of human rights

Hands-on experience in litigation, legal advocacy, legal research, and client engagement

Placement at an ADF India Legal Aid Centre, serving vulnerable communities through meaningful legal work

A monthly stipend throughout the Fellowship

Accommodation and meals for the duration of the program

Phase 1 | Orientation

New Delhi • 2 Weeks

Fellows begin the program with an intensive residential orientation designed to introduce the Fellowship, build a strong foundation in constitutional values, human rights law, and legal advocacy, and prepare for their apprenticeship at ADF India Legal Aid Centres.

Phase 2 | Apprenticeship

ADF India Legal Aid Centres • 8.5 Months

A full-time apprenticeship where Fellows work alongside experienced practitioners, gaining hands-on experience in litigation, legal research, client engagement, and grassroots advocacy.

Phase 3 | Commissioning

New Delhi • 1 Week

A period of reflection, evaluation, and commissioning as Fellows prepare for the next stage of their legal careers.

To be eligible for the Fellowship program, applicants must:

Demonstrate a strong commitment to public interest litigation, constitutional advocacy, or human rights law.

Be between 23 and 35 years of age.

Have completed a bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B.) before the commencement of the Fellowship and be enrolled with a State Bar Council.

Be available to participate full-time from 17 August 2026 to 31 May 2027.

Be willing to accept placement at an ADF India Legal Aid Centre for the duration of the Fellowship.

Applications are now open.

Application Deadline: 21 July 2026

For any queries, please contact us at legalfellowship@adfindia.org

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