2027 Summer Law Clerk Program

Orleans Indigent Defender • New Orleans, LA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Orleans Public Defenders (OPD) is seeking rising 2L and 3L law students for its 2027 Summer Law Clerkship class. OPD provides holistic, community-based representation in New Orleans, serving thousands of people annually with a client-centered team model. This approach addresses clients' needs both in and out of court, involving attorneys, social workers, advocates, investigators, and administrators working together for equal justice. The program aims to protect innocence, defend the constitution, demand justice, and hold power accountable. The Summer Law Clerkship is an intensive 10-week, hands-on program designed to provide law clerks with training on criminal law and the lifecycle of a case. Clerks will gain practical experience in indigent defense in New Orleans, assisting staff attorneys with all tasks short of appearing on the record in court.

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

• Visit clients in jail, communicate with clients out of jail, and help keep in contact with clients’ loved ones at the direction of supervising attorneys.
• 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.
• Assist in investigation with attorneys or staff investigators, including visiting scenes, canvassing neighborhoods, and interviewing witnesses.
• 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.
• Review and organize evidence, records, motions, and other materials necessary for thorough and meaningful representation.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Many schools also award academic credit for clerkships. If applicants wish to receive academic credit, we will work with clerks and their schools throughout the process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree