What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Clerk Externship position at Orleans Public Defenders?
OPD is accepting applications for our Law Clerk Externship program.
OPD's Law Clerk Externship is a hands-on program offered year round, including fall and spring semesters and spring break. Law clerks assist attorneys in all aspects of criminal litigation including performing legal research, conducting factual investigation, drafting memoranda and motions, analyzing discovery materials and preparing briefs.
Law clerks are required to abide by OPD's confidentiality policy, and to act at all times in the best interest of OPD's clients. Law clerks may be asked to do everything a staff attorney does for a client on a case short of speaking on the record in court. This may include, but not limited too:
- Legal research on a wide range of issues arising from the 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th Amendments;
- Writing memos, motions and writ application to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Louisiana Supreme Court;
- Visiting clients in jail, meeting with clients' families and/or defense witnesses both in and outside of the office;
- Investigating with the attorney, i.e. going to the crime scene, canvassing neighborhoods, interviewing complainants;
- Assisting attorneys at trial and substantive motions hearings;
- Digesting discovery and pretrial hearing transcripts;
- Observing during client counseling and plea negotiations.
As this is an unpaid position, we encourage you to obtain funding through your school or an outside source. We are happy to work with you to complete any necessary paperwork. Many schools also award academic credit for clerkships. If you are approved for academic credit, we will work with you and your school throughout the process.
How to Apply: Interested law students should apply by completing the online application. Applications must include the application, a cover letter/statement of interest, resume and transcript, writing sample, and class schedule. Please also indicate the date range available and any other critical information. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted for further information. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls.
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.
