Summer, 2027 Client Advocate Internship Program

Orleans Indigent Defender • New Orleans, LA

2d

About The Position

The Orleans Public Defenders Office (OPD) is seeking individuals interested in public defense and criminal justice advocacy for its Summer 2027 Client Advocate Internship Program. OPD provides holistic, community-based representation in New Orleans using a client-centered team model. The office’s staff includes attorneys, social workers, advocates, investigators, and administrators who work together to support clients and their families and community.

Client Advocate Interns join the Client Services Division and are partnered with a Client Advocate for the 10-week internship. Interns support advocacy throughout the case process and help improve clients’ chances of success upon release. They assist in identifying alternatives to incarceration, developing individual mitigation plans to reduce detention, and connecting clients with appropriate social services and treatment. The role includes direct client contact, engagement with community members, and coordination with social service and professional entities.

The internship is unpaid. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from their schools or other outside sources. Academic credit may be available, but arranging it is the applicant’s responsibility; OPD is willing to work with interns and schools on the process. The term of service is June 1 through August 6, 2027. Candidates must be able to attend the full training program at the beginning of the term.

Requirements

• Demonstrated interest in serving underserved and marginalized communities.
• Ability to work well with people from varied socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for interacting with clients, staff, and community members.
• Ability to stay organized and work independently as well as in a team-driven environment.
• Ability to attend the full training program at the beginning of the term.
• Submit a resume, cover letter or statement of interest, and unofficial transcript; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Responsibilities

• Visit clients in jail and conduct intake assessments for services.
• Contact clients’ family members to provide updates and gather information.
• Help connect clients with services, prepare release plans, and ensure clients have information about services available after release.
• Contact and coordinate with social service entities in New Orleans.
• Assist in identifying alternatives to incarceration and use individual mitigation plans to help reduce detention and divert clients to appropriate social services and treatment.
• Support client advocacy through the case process and help improve outcomes upon release.

Benefits

• Opportunity to gain direct experience with the criminal legal system and criminal defense representation, particularly in New Orleans.
• Direct client contact and engagement with community members and social service and professional entities.
• Experience that can provide a foundation for academic disciplines and future careers, and demonstrate responsibility and commitment to public service to graduate and law schools.
• Academic credit may be available through the intern’s school; the intern is responsible for arranging it, with OPD willing to assist.
• OPD will work with interns to complete paperwork needed for outside funding.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed