Delhi, India
Posted 2 years ago

Website PETA India

Position Objectives:

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

Reports to:

Senior Legal 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 adherence 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