Research Associates (3 Vacancies) at NLSIU, Bengaluru (WILL Initiative)

National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru invites applications for three (3) positions of Research Associate to work for the Women's Inclusion and Leadership in Law (WILL) Initiative. This is a full-time role on a contractual basis at the NLSIU campus in Bengaluru, initially for a period of one year, further extendable for the project duration subject to satisfactory performance.

NLSIU describes this as a unique opportunity for fresh graduates and emerging researchers to gain insights into the legal system, its institutional framework and functioning, the role and impact of gender dynamics, and the transformative reforms required to build a more gender-equitable and gender-responsive legal practice.

The WILL Initiative is housed within the newly constituted Centre for the Study of the Legal Profession at NLS, supported by a dedicated team of full-time staff members. The initiative focuses on empowering women (understood inclusively) to enter, sustain, and progress to leadership in litigation through:

• Evidence-based research on the status of, and challenges faced by, women litigators at all levels;
• Initiatives aimed at advancing inclusive work environments, especially at early career stages;
• Professional development programmes for strengthening legal knowledge and professional skills;
• Convenings at national and regional levels to facilitate information exchange, networking and solidarity among women lawyers.

The Research Associates will work closely with the Project Director and the Centre's Faculty Director to implement the WILL Initiative. They will be responsible for:

• Conducting literature review, undertaking legal and policy analysis, and data collection in compliance with ethical research practices;
• Preparing background notes, concept notes and other frameworks for quantitative and qualitative studies, and contributing to research studies, reports, policy briefs and academic papers;
• Developing resource and training material for workshops;
• Organising meetings, workshops, convenings and events;
• Fostering and expanding professional networks among lawyers;
• Maintaining systematic records of all project activities and ensuring timely submission of accounts;
• Publishing at least 2 short-form pieces each year (blog articles, policy briefs, case briefs, commentaries) for the NLS Scholarship Repository and/or opinion pieces in popular media.

• Graduate degree in law;
• A demonstrable educational or professional interest in legal practice, legal system reform, and gender equity in legal systems.

• Master's degree in law, social sciences and/or allied disciplines;
• Two years of relevant post-qualification work experience in legal research, policy engagement and/or action-based research projects;
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the structure and functioning of the legal profession in India;
• Proven research activity, including at least one publication or equivalent academic/policy output;
• Excellent writing and editing skills across academic, policy and public-facing formats;
• Strong analytical, synthesis, communication, technical and time-management skills;
• Self-driven and collaborative, with the ability to work independently.

Apply through the official Google Form (sign-in required) and include the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV;
• A solo-authored writing sample (published or unpublished);
• A statement of purpose (500-800 words) explaining your interest in the WILL Initiative;
• Contact details and designation of two professional references.

For any queries, write to recruitment@nls.ac.in.

The last date for submission of applications is 15 July 2026 at 5 PM IST.