Entry Level Staff Attorney - Fall 2026 New Class

OPD is seeking entry level staff attorneys to join our Fall 2026 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. Staff attorneys work on cases - individually and co-counseled - and direct teams that include investigators, interns, and law clerks. Staff 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.

COMPENSATION:
This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits. Starting salary is $63,000 once licensed to practice; no outside compensated legal work is permitted. OPD also offers a generous benefit package including full employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance, available life insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, as well as local, state and federal paid holidays, vacation, sick, and parental leave.

TO APPLY: Qualified and interested applicants please complete the online application here and submit all of the following: a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, resume, three professional references (including preferred contact information and a short statement of your relationship to the reference), a writing sample, and an unofficial law school transcript. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions about the hiring or application process, please contact Hannah Basalone at hbasalone@opdla.org.

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 sgarnett@opdla.org or 504-827-8179.

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.