2008 SUMMER LAW CLERK PROGRAM

The Orleans Public Defenders seeks law clerks to assist attorneys in all aspects of criminal defense work in New Orleans, LA for the Summer of 2008.

OVERVIEW:
The Orleans Public Defender (OPD) has been completely rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, and we are looking for law students to join us for the 2008 Summer!  OPD represents indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

Before the storm, the system was comprised of part-time public defenders, which was not ideal. Post Katrina, national experts turned their attention to the issue. In a study of the indigent defense system in New Orleans, the Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA) highlighted many of the system’s problems. A subsequent report by the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) echoed the type of systemic reform needed in Orleans Parish. This national attention provided some impetus to reform the system.

The “new” New Orleans Public Defender now has an office of committed, full-time public defenders, investigators, administrative personnel, and part-time law clerks and investigative interns. The office works every day to ensure that indigent clients in New Orleans receive zealous advocacy.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist attorneys in all aspects of criminal litigation including legal research, factual investigation, and drafting of memoranda, complaints, discovery materials and briefs. Students are required to work at least 10 weeks.  Participants will have the option of clerking 05/26/2008 through 08/01/2008 or 06/09/2008 through 08/15/2008.

PAY AND ACADEMIC CREDIT

The law clerk positions are unpaid placements. If you would like to obtain funding through your school or an outside source, we are happy to work with you to complete any paperwork that may be needed. Many schools also award academic credit for clerkships. If you are approved for academic credit, we will work with you and your school throughout the process.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, but applicants are encouraged to apply by March 15, 2008. Applicants should email a cover letter (indicating your start date preference), resume, and writing sample to:

Karen Hayes Green

Recruiting Administrator and Special Projects Coordinator