First Generation Women Litigators to be Empowered by ILF program

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 2 January 2024

The Indian Litigation Fellowship program is set to commence in June 2024 and aims to empower first-generation women litigators in India, fostering a more inclusive and diverse legal profession. The program is designed to support first-generation women in India's law schools by offering early career training and establishing a supportive environment for their transition into the profession.

The program will provide four fellowships for the 2024-25 cycle, with two types available. They are:

1. Litigation Fellowship

Mr. Smaran Shetty will be supporting the Litigation Fellowship, which will be given to three first-generation female litigators.

It is up to the Litigation Fellows to be employed in the litigation chambers of their choice. 

The candidates should get to their litigation chambers where they will obtain the necessary professional exposure, training, and mentoring that will support their career objectives.

Applicants who have already secured employment will be required to reveal the specifics of the chambers.

2. Lawyer in Residence Fellowship

First-generation woman litigator will be awarded a Lawyer in Residence Fellowship at Pravah Law Offices India, New Delhi, with support from IDIA, Tanmay Amar, and Anusha Reddy.

Pravah Law Offices India, led by Shrutanjaya Bhardwaj, is a litigation chamber in India, focusing on constitutional, criminal, sports, service, arbitration, and intellectual property law. It offers pro bono advisory and litigation work as a condition for fellowships.

The selected candidate will be provided support, guidance, and professional development opportunities in litigation, in addition to monetary support.

Candidates can apply for both fellowships, with each fellow receiving a yearly sum of ₹3,60,000, disbursed monthly, starting in June 2024. The fellowship also offers mentorship from a network of experienced women litigators.

The selection criteria are:

The fellowship is open to only women who are final-year students, and first-generation litigators with 0-2 years of experience. Applications are due by February 11, 2024, and selection will be made by May 5, 2024. Preference will be given to applicants without immediate family members in the legal profession.