Client Advocate Internship Program, Spring, 2027

Orleans Indigent Defender • New Orleans, LA

9d

About The Position

OPD is seeking individuals interested in public defense and criminal justice advocacy to join our semester-long Client Advocate Internship program. 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.

Requirements

• Demonstrated interest in serving underserved and marginalized communities.
• Ability to work well with people of various socio-economic, racial, cultural and educational background.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clients, staff, and members of the community.
• Ability to be organized, 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.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants should indicate in their cover letter which term they are applying for.
• If applicants wish to receive academic credit, it will be your responsibility to arrange this, but we are happy to work with interns and schools throughout the process.

Responsibilities

• Client Advocate Interns will join our Client Services Division and be partnered with a Client Advocate during the internship.
• Interns will work to support and improve advocacy for clients through the case process, increasing success upon release.
• Assist the Client Advocate in identifying alternatives to incarceration and utilize individual mitigation plans to reduce detention for our clients and divert clients to more appropriate social services and treatment.
• Direct client contact, engagement with community members, and coordination with various social service and professional entities.
• Visiting clients in jail and conducting intake assessments for services.
• Reaching out to client family members to provide updates and gather information.
• Assisting in connecting clients with services, writing release plans, and ensuring clients have information for services post-release.
• Contacting and coordinating with various social service entities around New Orleans.

Benefits

• This is an unpaid position, but we encourage applicants to obtain funding through their schools or other available outside sources.
• We are happy to work with clerks to complete any necessary paperwork.
• Many schools also award academic credit for internships.

What This Job Offers

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