Entry Level Staff Attorney -- Fall, 2027

Orleans Indigent Defender • New Orleans, LA

24d

About The Position

The Orleans Public Defenders Office (OPD) is seeking Entry Level Staff Attorneys for its Fall 2027 class. OPD provides holistic, community-based representation in New Orleans, serving thousands of people annually through a client-centered team model. This approach prioritizes client needs both in and out of court, addressing them with a 360-degree advocacy strategy. The diverse staff includes attorneys, social workers, advocates, investigators, and administrators working collaboratively for equal justice, aiming to 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 clients in criminal proceedings, acting as court-appointed counsel for misdemeanor and/or felony charges.
• Handle 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 individually and co-counseled on cases, directing teams that include investigators, interns, and law clerks.
• Assist OPD leadership and other staff as directed.
• Comply with all legal standards and requirements.
• Handle arraignments, bail hearings, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing.
• Litigate creatively and aggressively, centering the client’s expressed interests.
• Meet with clients to understand their goals, explain options, develop strategy, and keep them informed.
• Provide clear, candid advice to empower clients to make informed decisions.
• Analyze discovery, investigate facts, and evaluate case strengths and weaknesses to support strategy development, trial preparation, and plea negotiations.
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level