Government of India is bound legally and is in need of law practising professionals. Since legal advisers are appointed only after they have had a few years of experience and practice,mode of selection of candidate is dependent on hiring authority. If one is hired through UPSC, they may be appointed in capacities like law officers, Asst. Legal advisers or Legal advisers.
Generally people with Masters degree are preferred for legal advisers and for Assistant to Legal advisers, Bachelors degree may suffice. Qualification criteria again, is dependent on hiring authority. After revision of pay scale in sixth pay commission, pay scale for Asst. Adviser Legal is in the range of Rs. 15,600 to Rs 39,100 with a grade pay amounting to Rs. 6600, while Legal Adviser draws a salary in the range of Rs 37,400 to Rs 67,400 along with a grade pay of Rs 10,000.
Pay scale for law officers is the range of Rs 15,600 to Rs 39,100 with a grade pay amounting to Rs. 5400. Sometimes, they are appointed for a consolidated pay of Rs. 20,000 per month. One may also get accommodation along with DA and other allowances and chances for re-employment with same department for a certain tenure.
Recruitment criteria may vary if one is applying for a specific authority like bank authority or TRAI. One may enjoy provident fund and other allowances that are offered with the post. Generally, it is mentioned when call for posts is notified. Depending on authority one applies to, allowances offered may also be different. Good accommodation is generally provided for people serving Government of India with legal matters. Sometimes, a contractual employment is sought by certain authorities.
A contract period may be three years or as decided by hiring authority. People may quote this period in their experience to get a more lucrative job offer in government organization. Deputation based employment is very common. Contracts are sometimes extended and sometimes terminated depending upon suitability and candidate’s performance. Health allowances are also very impressive when one is serving Government of India. To compete with rising prices, Pay commission has revised pay for all government employees including professionals serving legal department in various sectors.
