Legal Trainer (Kannada Medium Pro Se Courtroom Advocacy)

Position Title: Legal Trainer (Kannada Medium Courtroom Self-Advocacy) Department: Access to Justice & Legal Literacy Division Reports To: Program Director / Legal Aid Lead Status: Full-Time / Part-Time / Consultant Position Overview The Legal Trainer (Kannada Medium) designs and delivers practical legal training conducted in Kannada for individuals representing themselves in court (pro se / in propria persona) without the assistance of a lawyer. The primary goal of this role is to demystify trial procedures and empower self-represented litigantsespecially non-English speakers navigating local trial courtsto present their facts, examine witnesses, and argue their cases effectively before a judge in accordance with Indian procedural law. Key Responsibilities 1. Training Delivery in Kannada Conduct Interactive Workshops: Deliver practical, step-by-step training sessions in clear, everyday Kannada on courtroom procedures, trial mechanics, and oral advocacy. Simulated Courtrooms (Mock Courts): Facilitate Kannada-language mock court exercises, direct and cross-examination drills, and judicial questioning simulations to build participant confidence. Translate Legal Terminology: Translate complex legal jargon, procedural codes, and statutory requirements into accessible, plain-language Kannada without diluting technical accuracy. 2. Litigant Coaching & Preparation Argument Structuring: Guide participants in organizing facts, timelines, and legal points into structured oral argument outlines (Bench Briefs) in Kannada. Procedural & Evidentiary Guidance: Instruct litigants on marking exhibits, introducing evidence, filing affidavits, and presenting procedural applications (e.g., interim applications, objections) under relevant procedural codes (CPC, CrPC/BNSS). Courtroom Decorum: Train litigants on judicial etiquette, addressing the bench respectfully, managing cross-examination pressures, and responding to opposing counsel's objections. 3. Resource Development Kannada Toolkits & Templates: Draft accessible self-help guides, objection cheat sheets, procedural flowcharts, and petition templates in Kannada for litigants to reference during court proceedings. 4. Ethical Compliance & Boundaries UPL Prevention: Strictly maintain the distinction between procedural education/coaching and legal representation, ensuring participants understand the trainer is an educator, not their attorney of record. Qualifications & Requirements Education & Professional Experience Legal Qualification: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) from a recognized university. Bar Experience: Active or prior practice as an advocate in local Trial Courts, District Courts, or Magistrate Courts (minimum 25 years of active litigation experience strongly preferred). Language & Communication Mastery Fluency in Kannada: Full professional fluency in spoken and written Kannada, including deep familiarity with Kannada legal terminology used in Karnataka trial courts. English Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of English (reading/writing) to translate court orders, statutes, and legal precedents into Kannada. Key Skills & Competencies Adult Education & Coaching: Ability to break down complex procedures (e.g., Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita / CrPC, Code of Civil Procedure, Indian Evidence Act / Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) into intuitive steps for non-lawyers. Empathy & Trauma-Informed Approach: Skill in working with stressed, vulnerable, or socio-economically disadvantaged litigants navigating high-stakes legal matters. Preferred Qualifications Prior association with District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA), State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA), legal aid clinics, or human rights NGOs in Karnataka. Experience handling Family Court, Consumer Forum, Rent Control, or Small Claims litigation in Karnataka trial courts. PI286249454 .