A Law Officer (Scale-I) in a PSB handles all legal compliance matters at the branch and regional level. Key responsibilities include review of loan documentation and mortgage deeds, vetting of contracts and agreements, handling of court cases (civil and recovery suits), debt recovery tribunal (DRT) matters, SARFAESI Act enforcement proceedings, drafting of legal notices, and advisory on banking regulatory compliance. Law Officers also liaise with external lawyers, courts, and recovery agents on NPA resolution matters.

The Professional Knowledge paper tests banking-specific legal knowledge: Banking Regulation Act 1949, RBI Act 1934, Negotiable Instruments Act 1881 (cheques, demand drafts, promissory notes), Transfer of Property Act, Indian Contract Act, SARFAESI Act 2002, Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act 1993, Limitation Act, Companies Act 2013 (basic provisions), IBC 2016, FEMA, Right to Information Act, Consumer Protection Act, and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Recent banking legal amendments and DRT judgements are also tested.

IBPS SO Law Officer has two stages. Prelims is an online test with Reasoning (50Q/45 min) and English Language (50Q/30 min). Mains is a Professional Knowledge test with 60 questions in 45 minutes exclusively on legal topics relevant to banking. Both stages have negative marking (0.25 per wrong answer). Candidates clearing both stages are called for a Common Interview conducted by participating banks. Final allocation to specific PSBs is based on merit and preference.

The basic requirement is an LLB degree with 60%+ marks — Bar Council enrollment is preferred but not universally mandated in all IBPS SO notifications. However, being enrolled as an Advocate strengthens your application and is practically necessary for representing the bank in courts. Some PSBs prefer enrolled advocates for law officer roles. Candidates without enrollment can still apply and appear for the exam, then enroll subsequently before joining.

An IBPS SO Law Officer Scale-I earns a basic pay of ₹36,000 per month (as per 11th Bipartite Settlement) with total emoluments including DA, HRA, and allowances of approximately ₹60,000–₹70,000 per month. Career progression follows the officer scale structure: Scale-I → Scale-II → Scale-III → Assistant General Manager → General Manager. Law Officers may also be appointed as Chief Law Officers at higher grades, providing strategic legal advisory to bank management and board-level committees.