OPD is seeking people interested in public defense and criminal justice advocacy for our Client Advocate Internship program.
The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation in Orleans Parish. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered 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. 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 some postconviction events. Our client-centered approach focuses on serving the client’s interest and meeting their individual needs to achieve the best outcome for each client.
Client Advocate Interns will join our Client Services Division and be partnered with a Client Advocate during the internship. This internship will give you unique insight into the criminal legal system and criminal defense representation in New Orleans. Interns will work to support and improve advocacy for clients through the case process, thus increasing success upon release. In this role, interns will assist the Client Advocate in identifying alternatives to incarceration and utilize individual mitigation plans to reduce detention for our clients and divert clients to more appropriate social services and treatment. This includes direct client contact, engagement with community members, and coordination with various social service and professional entities.
WHAT INTERNS GAIN FROM THIS PROGRAM
This internship will give you unique insight into the criminal justice system and criminal defense representation, particularly in New Orleans. This includes direct client contact, engagement with community members, and coordinating with various social service and professional entities.
You will be in a position to have a profound impact on our clients’ lives—one that many do not get an opportunity to experience. These experiences can provide you with a solid foundation for a diverse number of academic disciplines and future careers—from law to the social sciences. Your experience in our internship program will also demonstrate responsibility and commitment to public service to both graduate and law schools.
Although the program is unpaid, you may be eligible to receive academic credit for your participation in the program depending on your school’s requirements. It will be your responsibility to arrange to receive academic credit for your internship, though we are happy to assist you as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will have demonstrated interest in serving underserved and marginalized communities. The ability to work well with people of various socio-economic, racial, cultural and educational background is a must. Applicants will have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clients, staff, and members of the community. Other qualifications include the ability to be organized, work independently as well as in a team-driven environment.
UPCOMING TERMS**
Summer 2026 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: May 8, 2026
Mandatory Training: Week of June 1, 2026 [Mon - Fri]
Term of Service: June 1 – August 7, 2026
Fall 2026 (13 weeks)
Application Deadline: June 26, 2026
Interviews: Week of July 13, 2026
Acceptance Notice: by July 24, 2026
Mandatory Training: September 12 – 13, 2026 [Sat & Sun]
Term of Service: September 12 - December 11, 2026
Spring 2027 (13 weeks)
Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
Interviews: Week of November 16, 2026
Acceptance Notice: by November 27, 2026
Mandatory Training: January 23 – 24, 2027 [Sat & Sun]
Term of Service: January 25 – April 23, 2027
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified and interested applicants please complete the online application here and submit all of the following in PDF form:
• Resume
• Cover letter (statement of interest)
• Transcript (unofficial)
• Class schedule (if registered for classes during the term you are applying)
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the volume of applicantions, only those selected for an interview will be contacted for further information. For questions about the hiring or application process, please email .
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 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.
