Experienced Felony Staff Attorney

OPD is seeking experienced Staff Attorneys to represent felonies in the Trial Division.

We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered, community-oriented defense 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 is committed to providing zealous client-centered, community-oriented defense. Each client’s needs are supported by a dedicated legal team: attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers and court support administrators.

Our attorneys zealously defend clients against criminal charges in Criminal, Municipal and Traffic and Juvenile Court immediately following arrest all the way through sentencing and post-conviction. Our client-centered approach focuses on serving the client’s interest and meeting their individual needs to achieve the best outcome for each client.

Duties: The primary role of the Staff Attorney is to zealously represent the client in criminal proceedings. In addition, the Staff Attorney (to the extent possible) is expected to maintain a continuing duty to the client. The Staff Attorney counsels and renders or assists in securing appropriate legal services for the client in matters arising from the original criminal proceedings and maintains contact to ensure the protection of the client’s rights so long as the client remains under court jurisdiction. All attorneys benefit from a thorough in-house training.

The Staff Attorney acts as court-appointed counsel representing clients with misdemeanors and/or felony charges. The Staff Attorney represents appointed clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing. The Staff Attorney is responsible for the investigation and preparation of assigned cases. The Staff Attorney assists OPD leadership and other staff, as directed, and complies with all legal standards and requirements.

Essential Selection Criteria include: A degree from an ABA accredited law school; demonstrated commitment to working with clients in poverty and from diverse cultural backgrounds; demonstrated skill in legal research and writing; a commitment to the national standards of criminal defense performance; and proficiency with word processor software and legal research software. Membership of Louisiana bar is a requirement.

Attorneys with two or more years of criminal defense experience will be given priority. This is a full-time, position with competitive salary and benefits. Salary range is $57,000 - $107,000, with starting salary commesurate with experience and skills. Compensation includes employer paid employee medical, dental and vision coverage, employer matching contribution to Retirement Plan, and generous paid, sick and parental leave.

To Apply: Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position: cover letter explaining your interest in the position, resume, writing sample, and a list of three references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

OPD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

The Orleans Public Defenders provide representation to indigent criminal defendants in Orleans Parish. OPD’s mission is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation, reforming the system and partnering with the community. OPD is committed to representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those within the criminal legal system.