2027 Summer Law Clerk Program

Orleans Indigent Defender • New Orleans, LA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

OPD is seeking rising 2L and 3L law students to join our 2027 Summer Law Clerkship class. The Orleans Public Defenders 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. OPD’s Summer Law Clerkship is an intensive 10-week, hands-on program. Law Clerks play an integral part in OPD’s client-centered, community-oriented legal defense team, and receive training on relevant criminal law and life of a case. At the end of the summer, Clerks should expect to have had hands-on experience that shows what it looks like to be a public defender and practice indigent defense in New Orleans.

Requirements

• Rising second- or third-year law student (as of the start of the program) enrolled in a J.D. program at an ABA-accredited law school.
• Desire to work with and serve indigent clients and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Proficiency with word processor software and legal research software are a must.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff attorneys with all tasks related to representation short of appearing on the record in court.
• Client Communication: At the direction of supervising attorneys, visit clients in jail, communicate with clients out of jail, and help keep in contact with clients’ loved ones.
• Case Preparation: Review and digest discovery; help attorneys prepare for substantive motions hearings and trials; and brainstorm with case teams about case theories, investigation steps, and other case decisions.
• Investigation Support: Assist in investigation with attorneys or staff investigators, including visiting scenes, canvassing neighborhoods, and interviewing witnesses.
• Research and Writing: Gain substantive legal research and writing practice through drafting memos, motions, and writ applications to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Louisiana Supreme Court.
• Case File Management: Review and organize evidence, records, motions, and other materials necessary for thorough and meaningful representation.
• 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: Abide by OPD’s confidentiality policy and act at all times in the best interests of OPD’s clients. Maintain professional behavior in all settings, including the office, courthouse, jail, and OPD-sponsored activities. Contribute to the welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment that OPD seeks to foster.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned by supervising attorneys.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree