Legal Aid Society (LAS) is implementing a programme focused on strengthening the state’s response to sexual violence, child marriage, and domestic violence across Pakistan. A key evidence-generation intervention in Punjab is a gap analysis on the investigation and prosecution of rape cases – examining case outcomes, systemic barriers, and patterns of dismissal, conviction, and acquittal in Punjab’s criminal justice system.

This consultancy supports the initial phase of that gap analysis by acquiring and reviewing a representative sample of rape case files from Punjab – identifying trends in case outcomes and generating the evidentiary foundation for the broader gap analysis report.

The objective of this consultancy is to obtain and review a representative sample of rape case files from Punjab.

The Legal Consultant will undertake the following:

• Identify and obtain a representative sample of rape case files from relevant Punjab courts, police records, or prosecution departments – in coordination with LAS and with appropriate institutional permissions.
• Ensure all case file data is handled in strict compliance with confidentiality requirements – all individuals must be fully anonymised in the report.

Payment will be made upon submission and written approval by LAS.

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience in criminal law practice or legal research related to sexual violence, GBV, or criminal justice in Pakistan.
• Demonstrated experience accessing and reviewing case files from Punjab courts, prosecution departments, or police records.
• Strong knowledge of rape case law, investigation standards, prosecution procedures, and judicial processes in Pakistan.
• Prior experience conducting legal research, case analysis, or gap analysis in the criminal justice sector.
• Familiarity with the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021 and its implications for investigation and prosecution is strongly preferred.
• Track record of handling sensitive legal materials with strict confidentiality and producing high-quality analytical reports on time.

The Legal Consultant will report directly to the Program Manager, Legal Aid Society. The deliverable must be submitted to the Program Manager for review. Written approval from LAS is required before any payment is processed.

LAS reserves the right to request revisions. The consultant must incorporate all feedback and resubmit within 5 working days of receiving comments.

All case files, data, records, and outputs produced under this consultancy are the sole property of Legal Aid Society. All individuals referenced in case files must be fully anonymised in the review report. The consultant may not share, publish, retain, or use any case file data or project materials without prior written consent from LAS. Strict data protection protocols must be observed throughout the consultancy.

LAS is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. All applications will receive consideration regardless of sex, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LAS is committed to the prevention and protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. The selected consultant will be required to sign and adhere to LAS’s PSEA policy throughout the engagement.