OPD is seeking a Bond Advocacy Attorney to join our Pre-Trial Advocacy team.
The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation for all indigent criminal defendants in Orleans Parish. The primary role of the Bond Advocacy Attorney is to zealously represent clients in criminal proceedings in Magistrate Court. In addition, the Bond Advocacy Attorney (to the extent possible) is expected to maintain a continuing duty to the client in conjunction with the assigned staff attorney in an attempt to secure pre-trial release.
The Bond Advocacy Attorney acts as court-appointed counsel representing indigent clients with misdemeanors and/or felony charges while in Magistrate Court of Criminal District Court. The Bond Advocacy Attorney represents appointed clients in first appearances, bond review hearings and any other matters in Magistrate Court. When related to pre-trial release advocacy, the Bond Advocacy Attorney represents clients in post-conviction matters, such as filed arrests on capias hearings, probation status hearings, revocation hearings, sentence reviews, modifications and terminations. The Bond Advocacy Attorney assists OPD management and other staff, as directed, and complies with all legal standards and requirements. These include both office and state standards and requirements.
Qualifications: Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana and be in good standing. Applicants must posses at least one year of criminal defense experience in trial related work, and demonstrated commitment to criminal and indigent defense. Applicants must be interested in working with individuals charged with criminal offenses from diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Applicants must possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff and court personnel orally and in writing. The position requires excellent legal research and writing skills, as well as knowledge of, and commitment to, the national standards of criminal defense. The ideal applicant will be committed to the goal of pre-trial release and will demonstrate comfort working in a high volume, fast-paced legal environment and multi-tasking many different responsibilities and clients.
This is a full-time, position with competitive salary and benefits. Minimum salary is $60,000, with starting salary commesurate with experience and skills. Compensation includes employer paid employee medical, dental and vision coverage, employer matching contribution to Retirement Plan, supplemental life insurance, and generous paid, sick and parental leave. No outside compensated law-related work is permitted.
To Apply: Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following in PDF form to be considered for this position: cover letter explaining your interest in the position, resume, and a list of 3 professional or academic references. Please complete the online application here. Application deadline is Friday, January 31, 2025 at 5pm CST. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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. 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 excellence in the provision of legal services for indigent defendants and client-centered representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those within the criminal justice system.
