OPD is seeking an experienced, full-time Bond and Support Attorney for our Conflict Panel.
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.
In addition to our Trial Division, OPD’s Conflict Panel is a group of private attorneys contracted to handle cases the OPD Trial Division is unable to represent due to ethical or other conflicts of interest. Conflict Panel attorneys work independently of the main public defender's office on a part-time contract basis in conjunction with their own private practice.
OPD is seeking a full-time Conflict Bond and Support Attorney to act as a bond attorney and advocate for the clients that the Trial Division is unable to represent, prior to being assigned a Conflict Panel defense team. The Conflict Attorney will also assist with direct representation of conflict clients to support the assigned Conflict Panel defense team.
Duties: The primary role of the Conflict Bond Advocacy Attorney is to zealously represent clients in criminal proceedings in Magistrate Court. In addition, the Conflict Bond and Support Attorney (to the extent possible) is expected to maintain a continuing duty to the client in an attempt to secure pre-trial release. The Conflict Bond and Support Attorney represents appointed clients after first appearances for substantive bond hearings, bond review hearings, and any other matters in Magistrate Court. The Conflict Bond and Support Attorney will conduct client visits, begin investigation plans, request records for the benefit of clients, provide all immediate advocacy prior to being assigned long-term counsel, and create and maintain in-depth files to transfer to assigned counsel. The Conflict Bond and Support Attorney, when related to pre-trial release advocacy or ongoing support of a Conflict Panel client or defense team, will represent clients in matters such as filed arrests on capias hearings, probation status hearings, revocation hearings, sentence reviews, modifications, terminations, and competency matters. They may provide special litigation support, act as second-chair on certain trials and evidentiary matters, and or other case-related support at the direction of the of the Director of Conflict Representation.
The Conflict Bond and Support Attorney assists OPD’s Director of Conflict Representation as directed, and complies with all legal standards and requirements. These include both office and state standards and requirements.
Essential Selection Criteria include: Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Louisiana and be in good standing. Applicants must possess at least one year of criminal defense experience in trial work or other 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 and 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. The salary range begins at $60,000, with starting salary commensurate with experience and qualificaiton. Although this is a remote position, the position requires in-person presence for in-court appearances, client visits, and required meetings. OPD also offers a generous benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer 401 retirement and matching contributions, paid parental leave, and generous vacation and sick leave.
To Apply: Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position: cover letter explaining your interest in the position, resume, writing sample, and a list of three references. Please complete the online application here. Applications deadline is January 10, 2025 at 5p.m. CST. Applications will be considered 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 representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those within the criminal legal system.
