Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in New Orleans, LA

Public Interest

New Orleans, LA

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in New Orleans, LA

Attorney

3-3 yrs required

No

Job Title: Children’s Defense Team Staff Attorney

Job Responsibilities:
The primary responsibility of the Children’s Defense Team Staff Attorney at the **Members Only** (LCCR) is to provide high-quality, zealous, client-directed legal representation to children involved in delinquency and status offender proceedings in Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. The staff attorney is tasked with the following duties:

- Zealous, Client-Centered Representation:
- Advocate passionately for the clients' expressed interests and allow these interests to guide advocacy efforts.
- Represent clients in alignment with professional responsibility rules, ensuring ethical standards such as confidentiality, diligence, and communication are upheld.
- Build trustful relationships with clients, maintaining regular communication, keeping them informed of case developments, consulting on strategy questions, and counseling clients to make informed decisions.
- Engage respectfully and collaboratively with client families to achieve desired goals.
- Support the organization’s mission to provide community-based support for children.

- Litigation:
- Represent children throughout all stages of juvenile delinquency and Families in Need of Services proceedings, advocating for client interests in various court appearances.
- Develop comprehensive case strategies from the onset of representation, planning and preparing thoroughly for every proceeding.
- Coordinate thorough fact investigations for each case.
- Skillfully litigate legal and factual issues, maintaining a robust motions practice, seeking appellate court relief, and utilizing expert assistance where appropriate.
- Pursue creative and innovative litigation strategies to advance practice at the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court.
- Participate in office and other training sessions to enhance litigation skills.
- Negotiate with state representatives and advocate with judges for favorable outcomes.

- Holistic Advocacy:
- Lead a team of advocates, including an investigator, a social worker, and a youth advocate, to implement comprehensive advocacy plans that help clients achieve their legal and life goals.
- Foster a collaborative spirit, holding regular meetings with the client advocacy team.
- Communicate effectively with team members, providing direction while acknowledging the vital role each member plays in effective advocacy.
- Advocate and litigate on behalf of clients in forums outside the courtroom, such as expulsion hearings and special education litigation, when appropriate.

- Administration and Projects:
- Complete necessary administrative tasks to ensure efficient management and operation of the organization.

Education and Experience Information:
- A commitment to advancing racial justice and mitigating the harm the justice system inflicts on Black children.
- At least three years of prior criminal defense experience, preferably focused on youth defense, or at least three years working as an attorney representing indigent and underserved populations.
- Demonstrated commitment to defending indigent youth as a specialized practice; zealous, holistic, team-based, and client-centered defense; and commitment to LCCR’s mission, vision, goals, and values.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to write persuasively and clearly, and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
- Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues and work independently when necessary.
- Creativity and flexibility in problem-solving and meeting challenges.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to travel and work late hours and/or weekends as needed.
- A .

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience as a practicing public defender.
- Knowledge of substantive and procedural juvenile and criminal law and trial practice skills.
- Expertise in special education law, adolescent psychology, and other relevant areas for effective advocacy on behalf of youth in juvenile court.
- Familiarity with the geography, history, and people of New Orleans and Louisiana.

Salary Information:
The position offers a salary range of $60,000-$90,000, depending on years of experience and based on an established salary scale. LCCR provides employee benefits, including unlimited paid time off, six weeks paid parental leave, 100% covered health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their spouses or children, a mental health stipend, access to an employee-assistance program, and an employer-matched retirement plan. The position is full-time and in-person, though remote work is flexible depending on court appearances and required case-load expectations. No other compensated work is permitted.

Note: The organization values diversity and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. People of color, women, LGBTIA+ persons, people with disabilities, and those directly impacted by the legal system are encouraged to apply for all positions.