Assistant District Attorney

Orleans Parish District Attorney • New Orleans, LA

1d • $62,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) seeks an Assistant District Attorney to represent the State of Louisiana in criminal matters before courts with jurisdiction in Orleans Parish. The office’s mission is to increase public safety through ethical, consistent, and zealous enforcement of the law.

Assistant District Attorneys are generally assigned to one of five primary legal divisions: Juvenile, Screening, Trials, Appeals, or Civil Rights. Attorneys in the Juvenile and Trials Divisions are generally assigned to specific court sections. They may also be assigned to specialized units, including Domestic Violence, Narcotics, Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), and Violent Crimes.

The role involves reviewing felony and misdemeanor cases for prosecution; working with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses; drafting pleadings; preparing discovery; conducting legal research; appearing and arguing in court; developing trial strategies; negotiating pleas; and conducting jury selection and trials. The position is full-time and exempt. Salary is commensurate with experience, with starting ranges of $62,000–$70,000 for entry-level ADAs, $71,000–$82,000 for intermediate ADAs, and $82,000–$105,000 for experienced ADAs.

Requirements

• Be a member of the Louisiana Bar in good standing, or be a third-year law 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 the 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 local, state, and 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

• Eligible 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.
• Enrollment in the Louisiana District Attorneys' Retirement System.
• 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