Experienced Felony Staff Attorney

OPD is seekingExperienced Staff Attorneysto handle felonies in the Trial Division.

We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a clientcentered communityoriented defense model that puts the client first and takes a 360degree 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 clientcentered communityoriented defense. Each clients 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 postconviction. Our clientcentered approach focuses on serving the clients 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 clients rights so long as the client remains under court jurisdiction. All attorneys benefit from a thorough inhouse training.

The Staff Attorney acts as courtappointed 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 INCLUDES:

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 years or more of criminal defense experience will be given priority.

COMPENSATION:

• $60000 $110000 (Based on experience and qualifications)
• Retirement Plan Contributions(Employer contribution up to 6 of employeesalary)
• Employee Medical Dental and Vision Coverages(Employer Paid)
• Employee Life & AD&D policy(Employer Paid) with options to buyup
• Generous PaidVacation Sick and Parental Leave
• Holidays Paid Federal State and Orleans Courts observed)
• Discount Plan(no cost)
• Flexible Work Schedule

TO APPLY:

Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position

2. Resume

3. Writing sample

4. List of three 3 references.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.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. OPDs mission is to fight for our clients by providing excellent clientcentered representation reforming the system and partnering with the community. OPD is committed to excellence in the provision of legal services for indigent defendants and clientcentered representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those within the criminal justice system.