Bond Advocacy Attorney

OPD is seeking a full-time Bond Advocacy Attorney.

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. Each client’s needs are supported by a dedicated legal team: attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers, and court support administrators.

Job Summary:

The primary role of the Bond Advocacy Attorney is to zealously represent the client 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 leadership 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 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.   

Compensation:

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits.  Minimum salary is $60,000, with starting salary commensurate with experience and knowledge.  

OPD also offers a generous benefit package that BEGINS ON YOUR FIRST DAY.  It includes:

• 100% Employer paid MEDICAL, DENTAL, and VISION coverages for employee.
• 100% Employer paid Life and AD&D coverage.
• Supplemental Life and AD&D coverage (Employee/Spouse/Dependents)
• Employer Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (3% of salary) AND
• Employer Matching Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (up to an additional 3% of salary)
• Employee Discount Program (at no cost)
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks)
• Paid Vacation / Sick /Bereavement Leave
• Federal/State/Orleans Criminal District Court Holiday schedules observed

To Apply:

Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position:  

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position, 
2. Resume,  
3. Three (3) professional or academic references. 

Deadline to apply is Friday, January 31, 2025.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

All materials should be uploaded to ADP.  We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis.

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.

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 our hiring process.  If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Sharee Garnett, Director, Human Resources, 504-821-8101, SGarnett@opdla.org.

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.