Principal Legal Counsel

About the role

PETA India is seeking a Principal Legal Counsel to lead its litigation strategy across multiple forums. The role involves shaping legal arguments, guiding external counsel, and ensuring the organization’s actions comply with Indian law while advancing animal‑rights objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Formulate and execute legal strategies for litigation, including briefing and assisting external counsel.
• Draft and file police complaints, legal notices, court pleadings, and agreements.
• Attend hearings before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and trial courts, supporting arguing counsel.
• Maintain regular communication with external counsel, providing factual updates, research notes, and briefing materials.
• Conduct thorough legal research, monitor legal developments, and advise internal teams on applicable statutes and case law.
• Review and update internal SOPs, agreements, and other legal documents to ensure compliance.
• Provide legal support to campaigners, investigators, and caseworkers, including participation in strategy sessions.

Required profile

• Law degree (LL.B. or equivalent) with a strong academic record.
• Extensive experience in litigation, preferably in animal‑rights or related public interest law.
• Proven ability to manage relationships with external counsel and coordinate multi‑jurisdictional cases.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Required skills

• Legal research and statutory interpretation.
• Drafting of pleadings, legal notices, and agreements.
• Court appearance and hearing management.
• Case management and documentation organization.