Job ID: 289561

Legal Associate

Rati Foundation For Social Change

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Apply by: 25 Apr 2026

Relevant Sectors

Social, Gender, Education, Youth, Child

Base Location: Mumbai
Education: Graduate or Postgraduate degree in Law
Language requirement: English, Hindi required & Marathi optional

Background:
RATI (Rights. Action. Technology. Inclusion.) Foundation, is a Mumbai-based organisation, that works to address gender based violence against women and children in both online and offline spaces by supporting survivors and families until they thrive again.

We address the issue of gender-based violence through three interconnected pillars: immediate response, long-term survivor recovery and systemic reform. Our helpline, Meri Trustline, is India’s trusted support service for online abuse. Beyond this, through our Socio Legal Interventions we provide on-ground legal representation, counseling and social support to children and women survivors of gender violence.

What sets RATI apart is our multidisciplinary team that has the ability to work across multiple vulnerabilities with a comprehensive, holistic approach ensuring survivors not only regain safety, but also have the chance to thrive again.

Our work has been recognized with the Presidential National Award (2017) for launching India’s first hotline to report Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and the Social Innovation Award (2024) from Pune International Centre for our pioneering efforts in addressing online gender-based violence through Meri Trustline.

Job Description:
As a Legal Associate, you will directly support rehabilitation focused casework interventions for child victims of sexual offences, children at risk, and their families. You will work in a multidisciplinary team of lawyers, social workers and counsellors, in supporting in highly complex and sensitive cases of Child Sexual Abuse. You will report to the Senior Legal Associate, and will be expected to bring the highest standards of legal representation and support to the most marginalised children and families.

Key Responsibilities

- Working as a part of a multidisciplinary team of social workers, lawyers, and counsellors to
support child victims of sexual offences, their families, and other children at risk.
- Provide legal representation and support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence under
the guidance of the Senior Legal Associate, Program Manager and Director.
- Conduct legal research and draft legal notices, petitions, written statements, applications,
replies, written submissions, etc.
- Visit community-based organisations to provide legal support and advice to survivors under
the guidance of the Senior Legal Associate and Director.
- Initiate and draft reports, written representations, and other communication with relevant
stakeholders, under the guidance of the Senior Legal Associate, Program Manager and
Director.
- Work in close coordination with the social workers and counsellors in the team to ensure
holistic support to survivors.
- Liaison with multiple stakeholders including Public Prosecutors, District Legal Services
Authority, Police, Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units and other non-
government and community based organisations.
- Documentation of all visits and sessions conducted during the course of the case. Please note
that a specific case management software is used for this purpose. (Training on using the
software will be provided).
- Handling difficult and emotional situations and/or complaints in a professional, polite, calm and
empathetic manner.
- Uphold strict confidentiality, ethical practices, and child protection protocols.
- Manage risks and respond effectively in crisis situations.
- Other duties as assigned, consistent with the above duties as the project develops.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Graduate or postgraduate degree in Law
- Minimum of 2 years’ work experience. Experience in litigation is preferred.
- Familiarity with laws relating to children and women.
- Excellent drafting and research skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PPT) and law/research portals is mandatory.
- Fluency in speaking English& Hindi. Fluency in writing and speaking Marathi will be an
advantage. Good drafting skills in English.
- A deep commitment to child rights and protection including a non-judgemental attitude,
sensitivity and empathy.
- Self-driven & willing to work as part of a larger team

Remuneration: Approximately ? 4.2 lakhs per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Terms of Engagement:
- This is a full-time position based in Mumbai.and the candidate may be required to undertake
field work.
- RATI works 05 days a week (Monday to Friday) but depending on cases and emergencies,
holiday and weekend work may be required. This will be duly compensated.
- RATI is a new and evolving workspace. We seek colleagues who are adaptable and committed
to the cause. As we work with vulnerable women and children, our policies are designed and
implemented to ensure the rights and well-being of the women & children we work with are
upheld. All employees, without exception, are expected to adhere to these policies.
- RATI values its team and fosters a supportive and wellbeing-focused work environment. Efforts
to support team development and wellbeing include mid-year and annual retreats, monthly
team lunches, and learning circles, along with a year-end break.
- Recognising the demands of frontline work, RATI also provides mental health support, including
mandatory counselling for all frontline responders.
- We are trying to build an inclusive culture to make our office a space where individuals feel
valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. Individuals of all ethnic backgrounds,
women, LGBTQIA+ persons and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:
Candidates must submit the following documents to jobs@ratifoundation.org with the subject line : Legal Associate : Socio-Legal Interventions

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Names and contact details of two references.

Job Email ID:

jobs(at)ratifoundation.org