Client Advocate Internship Program, Spring, 2027

Orleans Indigent Defender • New Orleans, LA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Orleans Public Defenders Office (OPD) is seeking individuals interested in public defense and criminal justice advocacy to join our semester-long Client Advocate Internship program. OPD provides holistic, community-based representation in New Orleans, serving thousands of people annually through a client-centered team model. This approach addresses clients' needs both in court and beyond, recognizing them as unique individuals. The diverse staff includes attorneys, social workers, client advocates, investigators, and administrators working collaboratively for equal justice, protecting innocence, defending the Constitution, demanding justice, and holding power accountable.

Requirements

• Demonstrated interest in serving underserved and marginalized communities.
• Ability to work well with people of various socio-economic, racial, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clients, staff, and members of the community.
• Ability to be organized.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team-driven environment.
• Must be able to attend the full training program at the beginning of the term.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Client Advocate in identifying alternatives to incarceration.
• Utilize individual mitigation plans to reduce detention for clients.
• Divert clients to more appropriate social services and treatment.
• Engage in direct client contact.
• Participate in community engagement.
• Coordinate with various social service and professional entities.
• Visit clients in jail and conduct intake assessments for services.
• Reach out to client family members to provide updates and gather information.
• Assist in connecting clients with services and writing release plans.
• Ensure clients have information for services post-release.
• Contact and coordinate with various social service entities around New Orleans.

Benefits

• Academic credit may be awarded by schools.
• OPD will work with clerks to complete necessary paperwork for funding.
• OPD will work with interns and schools throughout the process of arranging academic credit.

What This Job Offers

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