Entry Level Staff Attorney - Fall 2027 New Class

Orleans Public Defenders; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 56,700 - 69,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life and AD&D coverage

Supplemental Life and AD&D (Employee/​

401-A retirement plan contributions

Employer matching contributions to 401

Employee discount program

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation/sick/bereavement

Holiday schedules observed

Job summary

Orleans Public Defenders in New Orleans seeks an entry-level Staff Attorney for its Fall 2027 class. You will zealously represent clients in criminal proceedings from arraignment through sentencing, including plea negotiations, with frequent interaction with clients in jail and community settings.

Join a mission-driven team that emphasizes client-centered defense, professional growth, and a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• 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 2026.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving indigent clients and diverse communities.
• Exceptional skills in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Working knowledge of national standards for criminal defense work and willingness to be coached.
• Proficiency with word processing and legal research software.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal proceedings from arraignment to sentencing.
• Communicate regularly with clients in the community and in jail.
• Work on cases individually and in teams with investigators, interns, and law clerks.
• Lead and participate in plea negotiations, trial preparation, and strategy development.
• Maintain high ethical standards and comply with legal requirements.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Entry Level Staff Attorney - Fall 2027 New Class

OPD isseeking entry level staff attorneys to join our Fall 2027 new class.

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.

JOB DUTIES

The role of the Staff Attorney is to zealously represent the client in criminal proceedings. The Staff Attorney acts 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. A key component of the work is for attorneys to communicate regularly with clients, both in the community and at the Jail. Trial attorneys work on cases - individually and co-counseled - and direct teams that include investigators, interns, and law clerks. Trial attorneys often work nights, weekends, and other nontraditional schedules. The Staff Attorney assists OPD leadership and other staff, as directed, and complies with all legal standards and requirements.

More specifically, the Staff Attorney’s duties include:

• Court Representation: Handle arraignments, bail hearings, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing. Litigate creatively and aggressively, always centering the client’s expressed interests.
• Client Advocacy: 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.
• Case Preparation: 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.
• Collaboration and Culture: 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.
• Professional Obligations: Maintain high ethical standards and comply with all legal requirements. Represent OPD at trainings, conferences, and community meetings as assigned. Contribute to the welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment that OPD seeks to foster.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including occasionally attending conferences/meetings on behalf of the Office.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 2026. Successfully passing the bar exam and becoming barred to practice law in Louisiana are requirements of the position.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with and serving indigent clients and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Applicants with ties to and/or an expressed interest in working in the South are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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 and commitment to national standards for criminal defense work and a willingness to learn and be coached
• Proficiency with word processor software and legal research software.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits. Starting salary is $63,000 once licensed to practice; no outside similar compensated work is permitted.

OPD also offers a generous benefit package that BEGINS ON YOUR FIRST DAY. It includes:

• 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) AND
• 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

OPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is needed at any time during the hiring process, please contact Sharee Garnett, Director of Human Resources, at [e-mail] or 504-827-8179.

OPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is needed at any time during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

OPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information.

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.

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