Name
Maria Jophi
Name of the College
Bharata Mata School of Legal Studies
Name of the Organisation
Kerala State Legal Service Authority, Niyama Sahaya Bhavan, High Court Compound, Kochi – 682031
Duration of Internship
August 2, 2022 – August 30, 2022
How did you apply?
The application process is quite simple, and in order to apply for an internship with KELSA, the applicant just has to send an email including a cover letter and an updated CV to kelsakerala@gmail.com. We can also contact the faculty directly.
First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression
We attended an introduction session on the first day, where we learned all there was to know about KELSA, including its history, mission, and range of services.
We were also given instructions on the tasks and responsibilities we would be performing throughout our internship, as well as the proper courtesies to observe.
The impressive infrastructure made for a comfortable working and learning environment. We have to dress formally every day.
Main Tasks
For the first four days, we were provided with different classes and sessions regarding different topics connected to the Act such as the Victim Compensation Act, Senior Citizens Act, Domestic Violence Act, etc., and the classes were handled by Sir Nizar Ahmed, Member Secretary, KELSA, and various other advocates of the panel.
Along with this, a quiz session was also conducted regarding the basic information about KELSA. We also had a discussion on complaint petitions and drafted notes on them.
On the fifth day of our internship, we visited the High Court Legal Services Committee. From the very next day onwards, we were assigned to different departments and offices related to KELSA.
The following week, we were directed to be a part of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Renjith, Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel Office, which exclusively dealt with legal aid matters in criminal cases of the district or headquarters where it is established.
It provides legal services from the early stages of criminal justice till the appellate stage, and the same includes visits to jails to cater to the legal needs of unrepresented inmates.
We were divided into groups and allotted to different offices to acquire practical experience and knowledge. It was an unforgettable experience to be able to watch the trials of numerous well-known cases, visit jail, and take part in Lok Adalat, mediation, and bargaining.
We were required to submit an internship report at the end of the internship that included every experience we had since the first day. We would get the internship certificate only after submission of the report.
Work Environment
Service-oriented: The emphasis lies more on rendering legal assistance and service to the underprivileged and weaker sections of society.
This creates a mission-driven atmosphere. Dynamic: One has to be dynamic about the job, for there are different types of cases and issues that turn up every day, requiring adaptability and problem-solving.
There are good facilities and a very supportive infrastructure for individual and group work. Punctuality and formality in behaviour are demanded from the intern, and the feel is thus very professional.
The experience is designed to be immersive, offering a blend of academic assignments and practical fieldwork that ensures comprehensive exposure to the legal aid system in India.
Good Things about the Internship
Interning at the Kerala Legal Service Authority (KELSA) offers a wide variety of enriching experiences that contribute to both professional and personal growth.
Bad Things about the Internship
Nothing
Monthly Stipend
Nothing
Details about the accommodation and commuting to the Office
No accommodation is provided. Regular bus services are available.
Anything else you’d like to share?
No
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