In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity in the legal profession, the Indian Litigation Fellowship is set to launch in June 2024. Aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by first-generation women litigators in India, this initiative seeks to provide not only financial support but also valuable mentorship to empower young women entering the legal field.
Bridging Transition Challenges
Recognising the increasing enrolment of women in law schools across India, the fellowship acknowledges the hurdles encountered during their transition into the legal profession, particularly within courtrooms. The program strives to create a supportive environment and offers early career training for first-generation women litigators.
Each fellow will receive a yearly sum of ₹3,60,000 disbursed monthly, with the fellowship lasting for a year. Beyond financial aid, the selected fellows will benefit from mentorship provided by an experienced network of women litigators.
Varied Opportunities for Aspiring Litigators
For the 2024-25 cycle, the Indian Litigation Fellowship will award a total of four fellowships. Two distinct categories cater to different aspirations:
1) Litigation Fellowship
Supported by Mr. Smaran Shetty, this fellowship will be granted to three first-generation women litigators. The recipients can choose their preferred litigation chambers, emphasising the importance of aligning mentorship, professional exposure, and training with their career goals.
2) Lawyer in Residence Fellowship
In collaboration with Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access (IDIA), Tanmay Amar, and Anusha Reddy, this fellowship, awarded to one first-generation woman litigator, comes with a unique condition. The recipient will be attached to Pravah Law Offices India, New Delhi, for a year. This requirement ensures that the fellow can fully benefit from the promised support, guidance, professional development opportunities, and monetary aid.
Joint Application and Selection Criteria
Applicants can submit a joint application for both fellowships, subject to meeting the condition of working at Pravah Law Offices India for the Lawyer in Residence Fellowship. The fellowship is open to women, including final-year students and litigators with 0-2 years of experience. Preference is given to those without immediate or extended family members in the legal profession.
The application deadline for the 2024-2025 cycle is February 11, 2024, and successful candidates will be announced by May 5, 2024. For inquiries, interested individuals can reach out to indianlitigationfellowship@gmail.com.