Investigator Internship Program, Spring, 2027

Orleans Indigent Defender • New Orleans, LA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

OPD is seeking individuals interested in Criminal justice and Public defense for our Spring, 2027 Investigator Internship program. OPD hosts a semester-long Investigator Internship program year-round. Interns in the program assist staff investigators with case preparation and investigation on criminal cases in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Municipal Court, and Juvenile Court. An Orleans Public Defender Intern Investigator’s work will directly impact the outcome of a client’s pending criminal case, while increasing the quality of representation and meeting the organization's mission and vision. Intern investigators work with attorneys and staff investigators for the comprehensive and independent investigation that every client is entitled to by the law. This leads to the timely progression of a case through the criminal justice system and less time innocent clients sit in jail awaiting their day in court.

Requirements

• Candidates should carefully evaluate their other commitments and responsibilities (both curricular and extracurricular) in deciding if they will be able to dedicate the time this internship demands.
• Candidates must be able to attend the full training program at the beginning of the term.
• At least one intern in every intern partnership must have a vehicle.
• Online application
• Cover Letter (Statement of Interest)
• Resume/CV
• Transcript (unofficial)
• Class Schedule (if registered for classes during the term you are applying for)

Nice To Haves

• We do not require prior experience in criminal investigation or specific academic backgrounds for the investigative internship.
• The qualities of a successful intern investigators are responsibility, good judgment, ability to empathize, strong organizational skills, and commitment to community service.
• Priority is given to applicants who are committed to work full-time (30 – 40 hours per week) during the summer terms.
• Encourage anyone who may be able to secure access to a vehicle for the duration of the internship to do so.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff investigators with investigation on criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, throughout the streets of New Orleans.
• Involved with all aspects of criminal defense investigation—both field and office related activities—and will frequently assist with other aspects of case and trial preparation.
• Canvassing for surveillance.
• Canvassing for ear/eye witnesses.
• Using various resources to locate witnesses, verify information, and conduct background checks.
• Identifying and interviewing potential witnesses.
• Re-visiting and assessing crime scenes.
• Documenting crime scenes and evidence post law-enforcement investigation.
• Writing investigative memorandum.
• Obtaining various records.
• Preparing trial exhibits.
• Potentially testifying regarding the work they have done.

Benefits

• May be eligible to receive academic credit for your participation in the program depending on your school’s requirements.
• Intern investigators can be reimbursed for their work-related mileage at the State of Louisiana rate.

What This Job Offers

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