Assistant District Attorney

Orleans Parish District Attorney • New Orleans, LA

3d

About The Position

The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) represents the State of Louisiana in criminal matters before courts with jurisdiction in Orleans Parish. Assistant District Attorneys are generally assigned to one of the office’s five primary legal divisions: Juvenile, Screening, Trials, Appeals, or Civil Rights. Within the Juvenile and Trials Divisions, attorneys are generally assigned to specific court sections. They may also serve in specialized units, including Domestic Violence, Narcotics, Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), and Violent Crimes.

The office’s mission is to increase public safety through ethical, consistent, and zealous enforcement of the law. OPDA describes itself as building a 21st-century prosecutors’ office and seeks a diverse workforce reflective of the communities it serves.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience, with stated starting ranges for entry-level, intermediate, and experienced attorneys. New hires may be eligible for health insurance, leave, retirement and deferred compensation plans, loan-forgiveness eligibility, paid holidays, and continuing legal education and training opportunities.

Requirements

• Be a member of the Louisiana Bar in good standing, or be a 3L student or recent law school graduate planning to take the Louisiana bar exam.
• Ability to conduct legal research and apply legal analysis to factual scenarios.
• Public speaking ability and effective communication skills.
• Comfort with technology, including ability to learn case management software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some weeks exceeding 40 hours.
• Dependability in attendance and work product.

Responsibilities

• Represent the State of Louisiana in criminal matters before courts with jurisdiction in Orleans Parish, including municipal and traffic, juvenile, criminal district, state appellate and supreme courts, and specified federal courts.
• Review felony and misdemeanor cases for prosecution.
• Interact with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses.
• Draft bills of information, motions, and other pleadings.
• Prepare discovery.
• Conduct legal research.
• Appear and argue in court regularly.
• Develop trial strategies and conduct plea negotiations.
• Conduct jury selection and trials.

Benefits

• Potential enrollment in the City of New Orleans health insurance plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 6.44 hours of sick leave and no fewer than 6.44 hours of vacation leave per month (approximately 10 vacation days per year).
• Potential enrollment in the Louisiana District Attorneys’ Retirement System.
• Potential enrollment in the Louisiana Public Employees Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Generous paid holiday schedule.
• Frequent free opportunities for Continuing Legal Education and other relevant training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed