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 drafting legal documents, managing external counsel, and ensuring that staff operate with strong legal knowledge to advance animal welfare objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and engage reliable external counsel for various cases, negotiate terms of engagement, and maintain ongoing relationships.
• Brief external counsel on PETA India’s positions, provide factual updates, and assist with court and campaign strategy.
• Draft police complaints, legal notices, court pleadings, agreements, and internal SOPs based on thorough research.
• Attend hearings before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and trial courts, supporting arguing counsel.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research, stay current with statutes, case law, and regulatory updates, and contribute to internal and external strategy discussions.
• Review internal documents, SOPs, and communications to ensure legal compliance and strong argumentation.
• Provide legal support to campaigners, investigators, and caseworkers, including participation in strategy brainstorming sessions.

Required profile

• Law degree (LL.B. or equivalent) with extensive experience in litigation and legal advisory roles.
• Proven ability to manage external counsel and coordinate multi‑jurisdictional cases.
• Strong research, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities and meticulous record‑keeping.

Required skills