The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), is inviting applications for the selection of Advocates as Panel Counsels. The roles involves handling cases related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Successful applicants will be required to appear before the Ld. Appellate Tribunal, Ld. Adjudicating Authority, and the Ld. Special Director (Appeals) in Delhi and other functional locations where the office of the Special Director (Appeals) is situated.
Table of Contents
Eligibility
- Essential Qualification: You must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from a National School or a recognized University or its equivalent. Candidates are also required to submit or attach an experience certificate issued by the Bar Association in support of their claim.
- Additional Weightage: Candidates holding an LLM degree will be given additional weightage.
- Preference: Further preference may be given to applicants who are currently or were previously empaneled with other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
- Experience: A crucial requirement is having practiced as an advocate for not less than four years as of July 31, 2025, demonstrating special knowledge of law.
- Desirable Experience: Preference will be given to advocates with experience in handling matters related to criminal law and fiscal laws. This preference also extends to those advocates already, or previously, on the panel of other LEAs.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Court Appearances: You will appear before the Ld. Appellate Tribunal, Ld. Adjudicating Authority, and Ld. Special Director (Appeal) for PMLA/FEMA matters, following allocation by the Directorate.
- Legal Opinion: Provide comprehensive legal opinions regarding the feasibility of filing an appeal in respect of cases dealt with by the Directorate.
- Case Updates: Keep the Directorate informed about the progress of the cases entrusted, ensuring the hearing is ascertained as effective or non-effective, and providing timely supply of judgments/orders.
- Assistance: Render necessary assistance to Law Officers and Senior Advocates, as required, particularly in specific cases.
- Document Drafting: Perform other legal duties, including drafting of legal documents such as Replies, Rejoinders, and Written Synopsis, as assigned by the Directorate.
- Strategic Consultation: Consult with the concerned Investigating Officer (IO) and the Head of the concerned Unit before hearings to ensure factual consistency, legal preparedness, and strategic alignment.
- Jurisdictional Deployment: Empaneled counsel may be deployed at one zone/sub-zone for matters arising in another jurisdiction, especially in high-stake or multi-jurisdictional cases.
- Professional Conduct: While the empaneled counsel retains the right of private practice, it must not interfere with the efficient discharge of duties. Counsels are explicitly prohibited from holding briefs or appearing against the Directorate or other authorities when investigations against common accused or emerging from FIRs/reports relate to the same/similar scam, especially in matters pertaining to the Directorate of Enforcement.
Remuneration and Engagement Terms for Advocates
The terms of engagement for these panel counsel positions are governed by the Ministry of Law and Justice’s OM dated 01.10.2015. Here’s a breakdown of the remuneration:
- Effective Hearing: ₹9000 per case per day.
- Non-Effective Hearing: ₹1500 per case per day, subject to a maximum of 5 hearings.
- Settling Pleadings: ₹3000 per case.
- Miscellaneous Applications: ₹3000 per case.
- Conference: ₹900 per conference, subject to a maximum of 3 conferences and 1 for settling pleadings.
- Miscellaneous and Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursed as per factual satisfaction of the administrative Ministry/Department.
The initial engagement of Advocates as Empaneled Counsel will normally be for a period of 36 months, subject to their performance being assessed by a committee based on the recommendation of Regional Special Directors. Acceptance of engagement requires entering into a contract with a confidentiality, integrity, conflict of interest, and non-compete clause. Breach of this contract serves as sufficient ground for termination. The Directorate may terminate the engagement at any time by providing not less than one month’s prior notice. Upon expiry of terms or resignation, the counsel must promptly hand over all briefs and related papers to the HO Legal Section.
How to Apply?
- Application Deadline: The last date to submit your application is August 31, 2025.
- Application Method: Interested candidates must submit their application using the enclosed Proforma-A. The complete application, along with supporting documents, must be submitted in a sealed cover.
- Super-scription: The sealed cover must be super-scribed with “Application for empanelment as Panel Counsel for Hon’ble Appellate Tribunal/Ld. Adjudicating Authority/Ld. Special Director (Appeals), FEMA“.
- Submission Address: Send your application to the following address: Deputy Director (Legal) Enforcement Directorate Headquarters Office, Block A, Pravartan Bhawan, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi – 110011.
- Email Copy (Recommended): A copy of your application, should also be sent via email to [email protected].
- Important Note: Applications that are not in the specified Proforma-A format or are incomplete will be summarily rejected.
- Selection Process: Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, which will be intimated individually via their registered email ID. No physical or telephonic correspondence will be entertained regarding the selection process. Selection information will only be sent to selected candidates.
Important Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2025 |
| Remuneration | |
| – Effective Hearing | ₹9000 |
| – Non-Effective Hearing | ₹1500 (subject to max 5 hearings) |
| – Settling Pleadings | ₹3000 |
| – Miscellaneous Applications | ₹3000 |
| – Conference | ₹900 (subject to max 3, and 1 for settling pleading) |
Official Notification
Click Here for the Official Notification.
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