Indian Legal Service

Overview

The Indian Legal Service was founded by the Government of India’s Ministry of Law and Justice under the Indian Legal Service Rules, 1957, which took effect on October 1, 1957. This comes under State Service Group A. Since its formation, personnel of the Indian Legal Service have provided dedicated service to the nation by providing legal advice to various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India on significant subjects.The Department of Legal Affairs has a two tier set up, namely, the Main Secretariat at New Delhi and the Branch Secretariats at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru. The nature of duties discharged can be broadly classified into two areas –
advisory duties and litigation.
The digital revolution has altered the mechanics of information sharing, and the economy has given rise to new sources of income. This involves ILS officers updating their legal knowledge and skills in order to meet growing legal needs. They, as the Government’s Principal Legal Advisers, have responded efficiently and quickly to the demands imposed on them by the various government organs.

Professional Opportunities

Indian Legal Service cadre of Legal Advisors in the Main Secretariat and Branch Secretariats at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore

⦿ The Department advice the Ministries on legal matters including interpretation of the Constitution and the laws, conveyancing and engagement of counsel to appear on behalf of the Union of India in the High Courts and subordinate courts where the Union of India is a party. Conduct of cases in the Supreme Court and the High Courts on behalf of the Central Government and on behalf of the Governments of States participating in the Central Agency Scheme. The Department is also administratively in-charge of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and the Law Commission of India. The Department is also administratively concerned with all the matters relating to the Indian Legal Service. It is further connected with the appointment of Law Officers namely the Attorney General of India, the Solicitor General of India and the Additional Solicitor Generals of India.

Indian Legal Service cadre of Law Officers in the Law Commission of India

⦿ Law Commission of India it is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India. Its major function is to work for legal reforms. The Commission is established for a fixed tenure and works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice. It is required to undertake extensive research and study deeply the various matters related to the law given to it either by Central Government or suo-motu. Review the existing laws in the country for their improvement and suggest Government reforms on those matters for their productive results. Study and research various matters related to the country and problems faced by it and put forward the results before the Government for enacting new legislation. To continuously make reform for reducing the high cost of litigation incurred by people and state, eliminating long time taken delivering justice and to make procedures easier to shorten the time taken.

Indian Legal Service cadre of Government Advocates in the Central Agency Section and the Branch Secretariats at Mumbai and Kolkata

⦿ A government attorney is an attorney that works in the different branches of the government. Depending on where they work, government attorneys handle a range of legal issues that affect the city, the state, or the federal government. The work of government advocate include: Representing the government in court; Providing legal services that are in the interest of the public; Enforcing local and city ordinances; Providing assistance to other governmental agencies; Preparing legal opinions for matters pending before the court.

Career Path

Stream

⦿ Path 1

⦿ Path 2

⦿ Path 3

⦿ Path 4

Graduation

⦿ Class XII with any stream and with any subjects

After Graduation

⦿ Pursue Bachelors degree in Law

⦿ Pursue Bachelors degree in law

After Post Graduation

⦿ Member of the Indian Civil Service permanently allotted to the judiciary or of a State Judicial Service(not less than sixteen years) /Superior post in the legal department of a State(not less than sixteen years)/ Central Government servant, experience in legal affairs (not less than sixteen years).

⦿ Member of a State Judicial Service(not less than thirteen years)/ Superior post in the legal department of a State (not less than thirteen years)/Central Government servant who has had experience in legal affairs for not less than thirteen years or is a qualified legal practitioner.

⦿ Pursue Masters degree in law

Important Facts

⦿ Degree in Law of a recognized University or equivalent.
⦿ Either has served in the Indian Civil Service or a State Judicial Service for a period, or has held a superior post in a State’s legal department, or is a Central Government servant with experience in legal affairs. Or can possess a Master’s Degree in Law and has had teaching or research experience in Law or is a qualified legal practitioner.
⦿ Grade I : Preferably below 50 years.
⦿ Grade II : Preferably below 50 years.
⦿ Grade III : 50 years.
⦿ Grade IV : 40 years..

Work Description

⦿ Law Commission.
⦿ Administratively in-charge of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and the Law Commission of India.
⦿ Conducting cases in the Supreme Court and the High Courts on behalf of the Central Government and on behalf of the Governments of States participating in the Central Agency Scheme.
⦿ Giving advice to Ministries on legal matters including interpretation of the Constitution and the laws, conveyancing and engagement of counsel to appear on behalf of the Union of India in the High Courts and subordinate courts where the Union of India is a party.

Pros & Cons

Pros
⦿ Comes with perks like pension and other government facilities.
⦿ Highly respectable job with more opportunities ahead.
⦿ Opportunity for practicing law for the State.
Cons
⦿ Requires lot of patience, hard work and practice (experience).
⦿ The pathway to join the Indian Legal Service is an arduous one.