The National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam, in collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation, has issued a Call for Applications for the forthcoming cohort of the Lawyer Fellowship Programme (LFP) 2026. The fellowship is open to early-career advocates practicing in Assam with 2 to 5 years of continuous practice. A total of 6 Fellows will be selected for a one-year, field-embedded fellowship. The programme is blended – involving field placement in a designated district, periodic in-person intensive blocks at NLUJA, Assam, and weekly online sessions. Applications are accepted only by email to registrar@nluassam.ac.in and the last date to apply is 3 October 2026.
Important Note: Three things every eligible advocate must act on immediately. First, the application deadline is 3 October 2026 – that is just a few days away. Prepare your documents today and email your application before the deadline. Second, applications are accepted only through email to registrar@nluassam.ac.in. No online portal, offline form or postal application is mentioned. Third, all writing samples and case histories must have all client-identifying details anonymised before submission. Submitting non-anonymised client data is a serious professional obligation and will reflect on your application.
NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Offering Institution | National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam |
| Collaboration Partner | Azim Premji Foundation |
| Programme Name | Lawyer Fellowship Programme (LFP) |
| Fellowship Type | One-year, field-embedded fellowship |
| Target Applicants | Early-career advocates practicing in Assam |
| Total Fellows to be Selected | 6 |
| Mode | Blended – field placement + periodic in-person blocks at NLUJA + weekly online sessions |
| Award | Certificate of Fellowship from NLUJA, Assam + end-line impact brief |
| Application Mode | Email only to registrar@nluassam.ac.in |
| Applications Open | 23 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 October 2026 |
| Fellowship Commencement | November 2026 (Tentative) |
| Contact | +91-361-2738891 |
| Official Website | nluassam.ac.in |
NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date/Status |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 23 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 October 2026 |
| Online Interaction | To be notified to shortlisted candidates |
| In-person Interview | To be notified to shortlisted candidates |
| Orientation and Commencement | November 2026 (Tentative) |
About the NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship Programme
The Lawyer Fellowship is an intensive, field-embedded professional development track designed for advocates with early experience who are ready to deepen their legal competence and step into leadership roles in the legal aid and public interest law space. Over one year, Fellows handle real casework covering legal aid matters, public interest litigation and rights-based advocacy – under the close guidance of senior practitioners and NLUJA faculty. Fellows also mentor junior lawyers and lead community outreach and legal awareness initiatives.
For Assam-based Fellows, the programme places special emphasis on the region’s distinctive legal landscape: customary legal systems, special constitutional arrangements applicable to Northeast India, and access-to-justice challenges in remote and underserved districts. The programme aims to build a network of practitioners capable of addressing both local disputes and wider rights-based concerns across the region.
NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026: Eligibility
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bar Enrolment | Must be enrolled as an advocate with a State Bar Council |
| Years of Practice | 2 to 5 years of continuous practice (as on 3 October 2026, the last date) |
| Location | Currently practicing in Assam |
| Practice Area | Proven engagement in trial/lower-court litigation, legal aid or rights-based/community work |
| Case Management | Potential to independently manage legal-aid cases and contribute to systemic legal reform |
| Mentoring | Capacity and willingness to mentor junior lawyers |
| Commitment | Able to commit to the full one-year tenure including in-person intensive blocks at NLUJA and placement in a designated district |
Preference will be given to applicants practicing in trial and lower courts and those with a demonstrated commitment to public-interest law and community engagement.
NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026: What Fellows Will Do
- Handle end-to-end casework covering legal aid matters, public interest litigation and systemic advocacy under senior mentorship.
- Work embedded in a designated district or block, partnering with the State and District Legal Services Authorities, NGOs and community-based organisations.
- Mentor junior advocates and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) participants and facilitate peer-learning workshops and simulations.
- Lead legal-awareness initiatives and rights-based outreach and train local stakeholders including paralegals and community volunteers.
- Attend periodic in-person intensives at NLUJA, Assam, and participate in weekly online sessions on case strategy, advanced legal topics and project management.
NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026: What Fellows Receive
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Mentorship | Intensive, structured mentorship from a senior mentor (a High Court advocate or Senior Advocate) |
| Casework Exposure | Exposure to complex casework and a cross-jurisdictional network of practitioners across Northeast India |
| Certificate | Certificate of Fellowship from NLUJA, Assam with an end-line impact brief |
| Letter of Recommendation | Optional letter of recommendation for Fellows completing with distinction |
| Workshops and Resources | Advanced workshops and access to NLUJA’s academic resources and legal databases during in-person blocks |
| Financial Support | Stipend/financial support and accommodation for in-person blocks – as per project guidelines |
Representation and Equity Commitments
The Fellowship is committed to building a fair and inclusive cohort. The following representation targets are in place:
| Category | Minimum Representation |
|---|---|
| Women | At least 40% of Fellows |
| SC/ST and marginalised backgrounds | At least 30% of Fellows |
| Geographic balance | Selection gives attention to representation across districts |
Applications from women, persons with disabilities and candidates from marginalised communities are especially encouraged.
NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026: Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Submission | Submit by email to registrar@nluassam.ac.in with complete application dossier |
| Shortlisting | Based on prior commitment to legal aid, rights-based advocacy or community engagement |
| Stage 1 Interview | Online interview before a panel of senior advocates, academics and Legal Services Authority representatives |
| Stage 2 Interview | In-person interview before the same panel |
| Final Selection | 6 Fellows selected; a waitlist maintained in reserve |
What to Prepare Before Applying
Prepare and keep all of the following ready before emailing your application:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | 500 to 800 words explaining why you seek the Fellowship and what you hope to achieve |
| Writing Sample | A self-authored pleading, legal opinion, article or note. All client-identifying details must be anonymised |
| Case History | A short history of matters you have handled. Must be anonymised |
| Curriculum Vitae | Updated CV |
| Bar Enrolment Certificate | Certificate of enrolment with State Bar Council |
| Law Degree | Copy of LL.B or equivalent degree |
| Government Photo ID | Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport or equivalent |
| Category/Disability Certificate | If applicable (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) |
| Referee Details | Contact details of two referees who can speak to your practice and character |
How to Apply for NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026
- Prepare all documents listed in the What to Prepare section above.
- Anonymise all client-identifying details in your writing sample and case history.
- Compile all documents into a single email or organised attachments.
- Email your complete application to registrar@nluassam.ac.in before 3 October 2026.
- Confirm receipt with the Registrar’s Office if needed: +91-361-2738891.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the online interaction date separately.
NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026: Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| NLUJA Official Website | Click Here |
NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026: FAQs
Q1. What is the NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship Programme?
It is a one-year, field-embedded fellowship for early-career advocates practicing in Assam, offered by the National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam, in collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation. Fellows handle real legal aid casework, public interest litigation and rights-based advocacy under senior mentorship.
Q2. Who is eligible for the NLUJA Lawyer Fellowship 2026?
Advocates enrolled with a State Bar Council with 2 to 5 years of continuous practice as on 3 October 2026, currently practicing in Assam, with engagement in trial/lower-court litigation, legal aid or community-based rights work.
Q3. How many Fellows will be selected?
6 Fellows will be selected for this cohort, with a waitlist maintained in reserve.
Q4. What is the last date to apply?
3 October 2026. Applications are accepted only by email to registrar@nluassam.ac.in.
Q5. What documents are required for the application?
Statement of purpose (500-800 words), self-authored writing sample (anonymised), case history (anonymised), CV, Bar enrolment certificate, law degree, government photo ID, category/disability certificate if applicable, and referee contact details.
Q6. Is there a financial stipend for Fellows?
Yes. Stipend and financial support along with accommodation for in-person blocks will be provided as per project guidelines. The exact amount is not specified in the official notification.
Q7. What is the Fellowship mode?
Blended – field placement in a designated district, periodic in-person intensive blocks at NLUJA Assam, and weekly online sessions.
Q8. Is this fellowship only for advocates from Assam?
Yes. Applicants must be currently practicing in Assam. The fellowship specifically covers the legal landscape of Assam and Northeast India.
Q9. What award do Fellows receive?
A Certificate of Fellowship from NLUJA, Assam along with an end-line impact brief. An optional letter of recommendation is available for Fellows who complete with distinction.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on the official Call for Applications for the Lawyer Fellowship Programme 2026 issued by the National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam, in collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation, published at nluassam.ac.in. Candidates must verify all details and apply directly to registrar@nluassam.ac.in. JobShouter is not associated with NLUJA Assam or the Azim Premji Foundation. This article is for informational purposes only.
