Job Post: Research Fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, Mumbai [0–3 PQE; 2 Positions; Offline]
Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy is inviting applications for the position of Research Fellow for its Maharashtra office in Mumbai. This is an excellent opportunity for young legal professionals interested in public policy, constitutional law, legal research, legislative drafting, and governance reforms. The position offers direct engagement with state-level legal reforms and meaningful policy work beyond conventional litigation practice.
For law graduates who want to work at the intersection of law, governance, and public policy, Vidhi remains one of the most respected legal think tanks in India. This role is particularly valuable for those interested in constitutional law, public administration, legal reform, and research-driven impact.
About Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
Vidhi is an independent legal think tank that conducts high-quality legal research and assists governments in drafting better laws. It works closely with Ministries of the Government of India, State Governments, and public institutions to improve governance through evidence-based legal reform.
Its work focuses on producing strong legal scholarship that informs public debate and contributes to better law-making and governance outcomes.
About the Opportunity
Vidhi Maharashtra is hiring two Research Fellows who will primarily work on matters within the legislative and executive competence of the State Legislature and Government under the Constitution.
This is a full-time offline role based in Mumbai and is ideal for candidates who enjoy serious legal research, policy analysis, drafting, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Selected candidates will be expected to:
- Undertake high-quality legal research, analysis, and drafting in areas falling within the scope of the State Legislature and Government
- Prepare reports, research notes, and presentations
- Coordinate and attend meetings, consultations, and presentations with government officials, academics, researchers, and stakeholders
- Maintain strong organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to work within deadlines
- Write articles, blogs, and participate in podcasts to help disseminate research work
This is not merely a desk research role—it involves active policy participation and real interaction with institutional stakeholders.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have:
- Undergraduate degree in Law and/or postgraduate degree in Law
- 0–3 years of demonstrable work experience in legal research and/or litigation at the Bombay High Court or Supreme Court
- Excellent legal research and writing/drafting skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to candidates with:
- Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, or Public Policy
- Experience interacting with government officials, civil society groups, and stakeholders
- Prior experience in data gathering and empirical research methods
- Prior publications in legal journals and newspapers
- Fluency in Marathi (spoken and written), which will be strongly preferred
This makes the role especially suitable for candidates with a strong academic writing background and policy-oriented legal interests.
Documents Required
Candidates must upload:
- Latest CV (maximum two A4 pages)
- Original writing sample (maximum 1000 words) analysing any recent legal issue and demonstrating legal analysis and writing skills
- Statement of motivation (maximum 500 words) explaining interest in the role
- Names and contact details of two academic or professional referees
The file must be uploaded as a single PDF titled:
FirstName LastName_Application for Position Name
Application Deadline
Last Date to Apply: 12 May 2026
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Location
📍 Mumbai
🏛 Full-time, Offline Position
Important Note
Applicants are advised not to email resumes or cover letters directly. Only queries may be sent to:
with the subject line:
Query – Vidhi Maharashtra – Application for Research Fellow