Law Student/Paralegal

Law Clerk Externship ProgramOPD is accepting applications for our Law Clerk Externship program. OPD's Law Clerk Externship is a hands-on program offered year-round, including fall and spring semesters and spring break. Law clerks assist attorneys in all aspects of criminal litigation including performing legal research, conducting factual investigation, drafting memoranda and motions, analyzing discovery materials and preparing briefs.

Law clerks are required to abide by OPD's confidentiality policy, and to act at all times in the best interest of OPD's clients. Law clerks may be asked to do everything a staff attorney does for a client on a case short of speaking on the record in court.

Legal research on a wide range of issues arising from the 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th Amendments;Writing memos, motions and writ application to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Louisiana Supreme Court;Visiting clients in jail, meeting with clients' families and/or defense witnesses both in and outside of the office;Investigating with the attorney, i.e. going to the crime scene, canvassing neighborhoods, interviewing complainants;Many schools also award academic credit for clerkships. If you are approved for academic credit, we will work with you and your school throughout the process.

Interested law students should submit all of the following to be considered for the position:1. Writing sample5. Class schedule (for the period you want to serve)6. Any other critical informationThe Orleans Public Defenders is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls. 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.

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.