Entry Level Staff Attorney -- Fall, 2027
About The Position
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
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Member in good standing of the Louisiana State Bar Association, or willingness to take the Louisiana bar exam by July 2027.
- Successfully passing the bar exam and becoming barred to practice law in Louisiana are requirements of the position.
- Demonstrated commitment to working with/serving indigent clients and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Exceptional skills in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
- Proven ability to juggle a demanding caseload, set priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Working knowledge of national standards for criminal defense work.
- Proficiency with word processor software and legal research software.
Responsibilities
- Zealously represent the client in criminal proceedings.
- Act as court-appointed counsel representing clients with misdemeanor and/or felony charges in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing.
- Communicate regularly with clients, both in the community and at the Jail.
- Work on cases individually and co-counseled, and direct teams that include investigators, interns, and law clerks.
- Handle arraignments, bail hearings, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing.
- Litigate creatively and aggressively, always centering the client’s expressed interests.
- Meet with clients to learn about client goals, explain options, develop strategy, and keep them informed.
- Provide clear, candid advice that empowers clients to make informed decisions.
- Analyze discovery, investigate facts, evaluate each case’s relative strengths and weaknesses to support development of case strategy, trial preparation, and plea negotiations, and craft persuasive written and oral arguments.
- 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.
- Maintain high ethical standards and comply with all legal requirements.
- Represent OPD at trainings, conferences, and community meetings as assigned.
- Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including occasionally attending conferences/meetings on behalf of the Office.
Benefits
- 100% Employer paid MEDICAL, DENTAL, and VISION coverages for employee.
- 100% Employer paid Life and AD&D coverage.
- Supplemental Life and AD&D coverage (Employee/Spouse/Dependents)
- Employer Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (3% of salary)
- Employer Matching Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (up to an additional 3% of salary)
- Employee Discount Program (at no cost)
- Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks)
- Paid Vacation / Sick /Bereavement Leave
- Federal/State/Orleans Criminal District Court Holiday schedules observed
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
