Investigator Intern - Summer 2026

OPD is seeking individuals interested in indigent defense to join our summer Investigative Internship program. 

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.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Interns in OPD’s program assist staff investigators with case preparation and investigation on misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Municipal Court, and Juvenile Court. 

An intern investigator’s work will directly impact the outcome of a client’s pending criminal case while increasing the quality of representation and meeting our mission and vision. Intern investigators work with staff investigators to do the comprehensive and independent investigation that every client is entitled to by law. This leads to the timely progression of cases through the criminal justice system and less time innocent clients sit in jail awaiting their day in court.  

Interns are involved in all aspects of criminal defense investigation—both field and office related activities—and will frequently assist with other aspects of case and trial preparation. Daily tasks will vary based on the type of case, investigative tasks required, and the stage of the case (e.g., pre-acceptance, motions hearing, trial, or sentencing).

More specifically, an investigator intern’s duties may include:

• Canvassing for surveillance;
• Canvassing for ear/eye witnesses;
• Using various resources to locate witnesses, verify information, and conduct background checks;
• Identifying and assisting interviewing potential witnesses;
• Re-visiting and assessing crime scenes;
• Documenting crime scenes and evidence post law-enforcement investigation;
• Writing investigative memorandum;
• Obtaining various records;
• Preparing trial exhibits;
• Reviewing and organizing evidence and case files.

QUALIFICATIONS:

We do not require prior experience in criminal investigation or specific academic backgrounds for the investigative internship. All interns will participate in an extensive training program that includes the methods of proper defense investigation, strategies for talking to witnesses, and other skills needed to become a successful investigator. Qualities successful intern investigators possess are responsibility, good judgment, ability to empathize, strong organizational skills, and commitment to community service.

Hours

Candidates should evaluate their other commitments and responsibilities (both curricular and extracurricular) when deciding if they will be able to dedicate the time this internship demands. During the fall and spring terms, interns are expected to dedicate at least 10-15 hours per week. During the summer terms, interns are expected to dedicate at least 20 hours per week, although priority is given to applicants who are committed to work full-time (30-40 hours per week). The work intern investigators do is critical to the effective representation of our clients, and OPD expects interns to be diligent, responsible, and live up to these commitments. Hours for the internship are typically consistent with our office’s operating hours, Monday thru Friday 9am–5pm. 

To be eligible, candidates must be able to attend the full training program at the beginning of the term. 

WHAT INTERNS GAIN FROM THIS PROGRAM:

This internship will give you unique insight into the criminal justice system and criminal defense representation, particularly in New Orleans. This includes direct client contact, engagement with community members, and collaborating with the defense team.

You will be in a position to have a profound impact on peoples’ lives—one that many do not get an opportunity to experience. The experiences and stories you will hear can provide you with a solid foundation for a diverse number of academic disciplines and future careers—from law to the social sciences. Your experience in our internship program will also demonstrate responsibility and commitment to public service to both graduate and law schools.

This is an unpaid position, but we encourage applicants to obtain funding through their schools or other available outside sources. We are happy to work with clerks to complete any necessary paperwork. Many schools also award academic credit for internships. If applicants wish to receive academic credit, it will be your responsibility to arrange this, but we are happy to work with interns and schools throughout the process. 

UPCOMIING INTERNSHIP TERM:

Summer 2026 (10 weeks) 

Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

Interviews: Week of February 23, 2026

Acceptance Notice: March 6, 2026

Mandatory Training: Week of June 1, 2026 [Mon–Fri]

Term of Service: June 1–August 7, 2026

TO APPLY: 

Qualified and interested applicants please complete the online application here and submit all of the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter (statement of interest)
• Transcript (unofficial)
• Class schedule (if registered for classes during the term you are applying for)

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.