Law Clerk (Summer 2026)

OPD is seeking rising 2L and 3L law students to join our 2026 Summer Law Clerkship class.   

The Orleans Public Defenders 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.

JOB DUTIES:

OPD’s Summer Law Clerkship is an intensive 10-week, hands-on program. Law Clerks play an integral part in OPD’s client-centered, community-oriented legal defense team, and receive training on relevant criminal law and life of a case. At the end of the summer, Clerks should expect to have had hands-on experience that shows what it looks like to be a public defender and practice indigent defense in New Orleans. The 2026 Summer Law Clerkship runs from June 1, 2026 through August 7, 2026.

OPD’s Law Clerks assist staff attorneys with all tasks related to representation short of appearing on the record in court. 

More specifically, a law clerk’s duties may include:

• Client Communication: At the direction of supervising attorneys, visit clients in jail, communicate with clients out of jail, and help keep in contact with clients’ loved ones. 
• Case Preparation: Review and digest discovery; help attorneys prepare for substantive motions hearings and trials; and brainstorm with case teams about case theories, investigation steps, and other case decisions.
• Investigation Support: Assist in investigation with attorneys or staff investigators, including visiting scenes, canvassing neighborhoods, and interviewing witnesses.
• Research and Writing: Gain substantive legal research and writing practice through drafting memos, motions, and writ applications to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Louisiana Supreme Court.
• Case File Management: Review and organize evidence, records, motions, and other materials necessary for thorough and meaningful representation. 
• 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: Abide by OPD’s confidentiality policy and act at all times in the best interests of OPD’s clients. Maintain professional behavior in all settings, including the office, courthouse, jail, and OPD-sponsored activities. Contribute to the welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment that OPD seeks to foster.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned by supervising attorneys.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Rising second- or third-year law student (as of the start of the program) enrolled in a J.D. program at an ABA-accredited law school.
• Desire to work with and serve 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.
• Proficiency with word processor software and legal research software are a must.

COMPENSATION:

This is an unpaid position, but we encourage applicants to obtain funding through their law 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 clerkships. If applicants wish to receive academic credit, we will work with clerks and their schools throughout the process.

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, 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.