Legal Counsel

Position Objectives:

• To assist with strategising and coordinating PETA India litigation at various forums, including in cooperation with outside 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

Reports to:

Associate General Counsel, Legal Affairs

Location:

Delhi

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Draft in-house legal documents and court pleadings
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis for ongoing and proposed litigation and to provide legal support to other teams such as Advocacy, Investigations and Cruelty Response in their projects
• 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 outside counsel and attending hearings and briefing meetings with counsel
• Prepare detailed research and briefing notes for internal use as well as external counsel
• Under supervision, identify and manage relations with outside legal counsel on various matters
• Prepare and send legal notices to individuals and organisations breaking animal-protection laws
• Exercise due diligence, including by maintaining clear records of correspondence and court-related documents
• Write and review letters to government bodies and officials in order to persuade them to act in cases of cruelty to animals
• Draft and review criminal complaints regarding animal law violations, assist with and attend trial court proceedings
• Draft and review Right to Information Act requests, reports, and other documents as needed
• Research, interpret, and apply pertinent central government and state statutes, regulations, and case law
• Report critically 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
• At least two years of litigation experience preferred
• Good standing to practise law
• Ability to travel for PETA litigation
• Availability to work out of the Delhi office as per the organisation’s policies
• Preferred experience in animal rights law or a related field
• Thorough knowledge 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
• Professional appearance and adherence to a healthy vegan lifestyle
• Support for PETA's philosophy and the ability to advocate PETA's positions on issues in a professional manner
• Commitment to the objectives of the organisation
• Pro-activeness and strong sense of responsibility
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• Knowledge of Hindi and other local Indian languages a plus