The Delhi International Arbitration Centre, based at the S-Block of the High Court of Delhi, has invited online applications for nine anticipated vacancies for the post of Deputy Counsel for the year 2026. The engagement is purely contractual but comes with a consolidated pay of one lakh rupees per month — making it one of the more competitive short-term legal roles available in the capital right now.
Who is this for?
To be eligible, you must be an Indian national enrolled as an advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961 with any State Bar Council, and you must have at least three years of post-qualification experience as of May 1, 2026. You also cannot be above 35 years of age on that date.
On the desirable side, DIAC is looking for candidates who have done a diploma or postgraduate degree in arbitration law, commercial law, or ADR. Strong research and analytical writing skills matter here, as does familiarity with legal databases like Manupatra, SCC Online, and Westlaw. These are not dealbreakers, but they will clearly help your candidature during the interview stage.
This is a full-time role. DIAC is explicit that you cannot practise as an advocate in any court or tribunal while engaged as Deputy Counsel.
The nature of the engagement
The contract begins at six months and can be extended up to three years. It is entirely contractual — there is no pathway to permanent employment through this role. DIAC can terminate the engagement without notice at any point. If you decide to leave early, you are required to give at least one month’s written notice to the Coordinator.
Beyond the standard hours, you should be prepared to work on weekends and holidays when the work demands it. Confidentiality is taken seriously — you are expected to maintain secrecy about all matters you come across during your tenure, and that obligation does not end when the contract does.
What disqualifies you?
You cannot apply if you are currently employed at DIAC or have previously held the same Deputy Counsel position there. Anyone involved in a criminal case involving moral turpitude — whether pending or already convicted — is also barred. The same applies to candidates facing any disciplinary proceedings before the Bar Council of India or any State Bar Council.
How to apply and what happens next
Applications are accepted only online through the prescribed form linked in the official notice. The window opens on May 1, 2026 and closes on May 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Incomplete or unsigned applications, and those received after the deadline, will be summarily rejected.
Shortlisting is based on your CV. If selected, you will be called for an interview, the schedule for which will be published on the DIAC website at dhcdiac.nic.in. No travel or daily allowance is paid for attending the interview.
Before joining, selected candidates will need to sign a contract with DIAC and submit a declaration confirming eligibility, impartiality, and willingness to disclose any conflicts of interest that may arise during the engagement.
Key dates
Applications open May 1, 2026. Last date to apply is May 30, 2026 by 5:00 PM. Interview schedule to be notified separately on dhcdiac.nic.in.
Click HERE for OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION
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