Diamonique Whaley Attorney Fellowship

OPD is seeking a recent Southern University Law graduate to join our entry level staff attorney training group in the Fall of 2026.  

The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation in New Orleans. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered team 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, in partnership with Southern University Law Center (SULC) and the Black Public Defender Association (BPDA) have launched a yearlong fellowship for recent Southern Law graduates committed to public defense and community advocacy in New Orleans. Named in memory of OPD Staff Attorney and SULC alumna Diamonique Whaley, the fellowship honors her legacy of fierce advocacy and zealous representation for marginalized communities. The fellowship aims to equip rising public defenders with the tools and experienced needed to advance justice and fight against the injustices of the criminal legal system and harms of system interaction.

The fellowship launches in the Fall of 2026 where the inaugural fellow will join our training class of new attorneys. The fellow will gain immersive legal experience within OPD and benefit from structured mentorship and receive targeted and robust professional development through BPDA. Job duties of the fellow will align with the Staff Attorney.

JOB DUTIES:
The role of the Staff Attorney is to zealously represent the client in criminal proceedings. The Staff Attorney acts as court-appointed counsel representing clients with misdemeanor and/or felony charges in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. A key component of the work is for attorneys to communicate regularly with clients, both in the community and at the Jail. Staff attorneys work on cases - individually and co-counseled - and direct teams that include investigators, interns, and law clerks. Staff attorneys often work nights, weekends, and other nontraditional schedules. The Staff Attorney assists OPD Leadership and other staff, as directed, and complies with all legal standards and requirements.

More specifically, the Staff Attorney’s duties include:

• Court Representation: Handle arraignments, bail hearings, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing. 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 plea negotiations, and craft persuasive written and oral arguments.
• 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:
• J.D. from Southern University Law Center.
• Member in good standing of the Louisiana State Bar Association, or willingness to take the Louisiana bar exam by July 2026. Successfully passing the bar exam and becoming barred to practice law in Louisiana are requirements of the position.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of and commitment to national standards for criminal defense work and a willingness to learn and be coached.
• Proficiency with word processor software and legal research software.

COMPENSATION:
This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits. Starting salary is $63,000 once licensed to practice; no outside compensated legal work is permitted. OPD also offers a generous benefit package including full employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance, available life insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, as well as local, state and federal paid holidays, vacation, sick, and parental leave.

TO APPLY: Qualified and interested applicants please complete the online application here and submit all of the following: a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, resume, three professional references (including preferred contact information and a short statement of your relationship to the reference), a writing sample, and an unofficial law school transcript. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions about the hiring or application process, please contact Hannah Basalone at hbasalone@opdla.org.

OPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is needed at any time during the hiring process, please contact Sharee Garnett, Director of Human Resources, at sgarnett@opdla.org or 504-827-8179.

OPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information.

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.