Bond Attorney

Orleans Indigent Defender • New Orleans, LA

1d • $63,000 - $80,000

About The Position

OPD is seeking a client-centered, Louisiana-licensed attorney to join our team as a Bond Attorney.

The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation in New Orleans. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered team model that puts the client first and takes a 360-degree approach to our advocacy and representation. We recognize our clients are unique individuals and work to address their needs both in the court and out. Our diverse staff includes adult and juvenile attorneys; social workers; client, youth and parent advocates; investigators, and administrators—all working together for equal justice for our clients, their families, our community, and a better New Orleans. In short, we protect innocence, defend the Constitution, demand justice, and hold power accountable.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The primary role of the Bond Attorney is to zealously represent clients during their first court appearances in criminal, delinquency, Child-In-Need-of-Care, and/or Municipal proceedings. A client’s first interaction with the court system during the life of their case happens in Magistrate Court at First Appearances and in Orleans Parish Juvenile Court at continued custody hearings. Often, the Bond Attorney is the first person clients interact with outside of the jail system. During First Appearances in Criminal Court and Municipal Court, clients have bonds set in addition to any other pretrial requirements imposed by the court. During continued custody hearings, clients have probable case determinations, bonds set, and/or other pretrial requirements imposed by the court. Bond Attorneys play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the first moments of their criminal, delinquency, Child-In-Need-of-Care, and/or Municipal cases. The Bond Attorney (to the extent possible) is expected to maintain a continuing duty to the client in conjunction with the assigned staff attorney in an attempt to secure pre-trial release.

Requirements

• 2 or more years of criminal defense experience is strongly preferred but not required
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and a member in good standing of the Louisiana State Bar Association is a must.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with and serving indigent clients and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Exceptional skills in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Proven ability to juggle a demanding caseload, set priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to have a non-traditional work schedule is a must; this position requires evening and weekend First Appearance coverage.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of system actors and, most importantly, with clients and their loved ones in a prompt and efficient way.
• Working knowledge of and commitment to national standards for criminal defense work and a willingness to learn and be coached.
• The ideal applicant will be committed to the goal of pre-trial release and will demonstrate comfort working in a high volume, fast paced legal environment and multi-tasking many different responsibilities and clients.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants with ties to and/or an expressed interest in working in the South are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Court Representation: Represent clients appearing in Magistrate Court, Municipal Court, and/or Juvenile Court for first appearances, bond review hearings, continued custody hearings, and any other necessary matters.
• Client Advocacy: Interview clients prior to court, working efficiently and compassionately to collect details necessary for representation and providing clients with information about next steps. Make zealous arguments on behalf of clients in order to secure pretrial release.
• Communication: Provide clients’ families and loved ones with information after First Appearances. Act as intermediary between clients and assigned attorneys in order to provide continuity of representation and best address client needs and goals.
• Collaboration and Culture: Contribute to a welcoming, mission-driven office culture built on mutual support, learning, and humility. Engage with colleagues across divisions to advance holistic, client-centered defense.
• Professional Obligations: Maintain high ethical standards and comply with all legal requirements. Contribute to the welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment that OPD seeks to foster.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including occasionally attending conferences/meetings on behalf of the Office.

Benefits

• OPD offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave (vacation, sick, and parental leave, as well as local, state and federal paid holidays), employer-paid health insurance, retirement contributions, available life insurance, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree