Overview
Recruitment and Engagement Specialist Jobs in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA at Orleans Public Defenders
Entry Level Staff Attorney – Fall 2025 New Class
OPD is seeking entry level Staff Attorneys for the Fall 2025 new attorney class.
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.
Job Duties:
The primary role of the Staff Attorney is to zealously represent the client in criminal proceedings. All Staff Attorneys (to the extent possible) are expected to maintain a continuing duty to the client. Staff Attorneys counsel and render or assist in securing appropriate legal services for the client in matters arising from the original criminal proceedings and maintain 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 program.
The Staff Attorney acts as court-appointed counsel representing clients with misdemeanors and/or felony charges 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, and must comply with all legal standards and requirements.
Minimum Requirements:
Degree from an ABA accredited law school;
Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income clients from diverse cultural backgrounds;
Demonstrated skill in legal research and writing;
Knowledge of and commitment to the national standards of criminal defense performance;
Proficiency with word processor software and legal research software;
Membership of Louisiana bar or willingness to take July 2025 Louisiana bar. The individual must successfully pass the bar exam and become licensed.
This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits. Non-barred employees begin as paralegals while they await the results of the Louisiana bar.
Compensation includes employer-paid employee medical, dental and vision coverage, employer matching contribution to Retirement Plan, and generous paid, sick and parental leave.
How to Apply:
Link to apply here:
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.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Human Resources
Industries: Legal Services
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Title: Recruitment and Engagement Specialist
Company: Orleans Public Defenders
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Category: Law/Legal (Lawyer, Legal Counsel, Litigation)
