Staff Attorney--CINC (Child in Need of Care)

OPD is seeking a CINC Staff Attorney to represent parents in child welfare proceedings in Juvenile Court. 

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.   

We also defend parents against allegations of child abuse and neglect in Juvenile Court from the initiation of the case through permanency, including representation in termination of parental rights proceedings.

Job Duties: 

The primary role of the Child in Need of Care (CINC) Staff Attorney is to zealously represent parents in child welfare proceedings in juvenile court. In addition, the CINC Staff Attorney (to the extent possible) is expected to maintain a continuing duty to the client. The CINC Staff Attorney counsels and renders or assists in securing appropriate legal services for the client in matters arising from the original CINC proceedings and maintains contact to ensure the protection of the client’s rights so long as the client remains under court jurisdiction. The CINC Staff Attorney will also consult with the attorney representing the client on any criminal matters and advise that attorney of the effect of any criminal disposition on the CINC case. 

More specifically, the CINC Staff Attorney's duties will include the following: 

• Court Representation: Defend parents against allegations of child abuse and neglect in Juvenile Court from the initiation of the court case through permanency, including representation in termination of parental rights proceedings. Litigate creatively and aggressively, always centering the client’s expressed interests. 

• Client Advocacy: Meet with clients to learn about client goals, explain options, develop strategy, and keep them informed. Provide clear, candid advice that empowers clients to make informed decisions.

• Case Preparation: Analyze discovery, investigate facts, evaluate each case’s relative strengths and weaknesses to support development of case strategy, trial preparation, and negotiations, and craft persuasive written and oral arguments. This includes coordinating with the CINC case team which includes a social worker, parent advocate, supervising attorney, and others to help achieve the client’s stated goals.

• Collaboration and Culture: Contribute to a welcoming, mission-driven office culture built on mutual support, learning and humility. Engage with colleagues across divisions to advance holistic, client-centered defense.

• Professional Obligations: Maintain high ethical standards and comply with all legal requirements. Contribute to the welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment that OPD seeks to foster. 

• Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including occasionally attending conferences/meetings on behalf of the Office.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA-accredited law school;
• Licensed to practice law in Louisiana;
• Member in good standing of the Louisiana State Bar Association;
• Working knowledge of and commitment to the national standards of criminal defense work, parental representation, and family defense standards;
• Demonstrated commitment to working with and serving indigent clients and people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Applicants with ties to and/or an expressed interest in working in the South are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Exceptional skills in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy;
• Proven ability to juggle a demanding caseload, set priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with word processor software and legal research software;

Compensation:

This is a full-time position with a competitive annual salary range of $63,000-$115,000. The starting salary is commensurate with relevant experience.  No outside compensated legal work is permitted.

OPD benefits include:

• Employer paid Employee Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Employer paid Life insurance
• Supplemental Life insurance for spouse and dependents offered 
• Retirement Plans (Employer 3% of salary contribution and matching contributions up to 3% of salary) 
• Generous Paid Leave (Vacation, Sick, Parental)
• Employee Discount Program
• Federal, State, and Orleans District court observed holidays

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
•    Three (3) Professional References 

Complete Application packets must be received by Sunday, August 31, 2025, 5:00 pm CST.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis.

No phone calls. 

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 Human Resources, 504-821-8101 

OPD provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status. 

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.