Staff Investigator--Conflicts Division

OPD is seeking a full-time Conflict Staff Investigator to investigator and collaborate with a Conflict Panel defense team for indigent clients in Orleans Parish.

We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered, community-oriented defense 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 is committed to providing zealous client-centered, community-oriented defense. Each client’s needs are supported by a dedicated legal team: attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers and court support administrators.

Our attorneys zealously defend clients against criminal charges in Criminal, Municipal and Traffic and Juvenile Court immediately following arrest all the way through sentencing and post-conviction. Our client-centered approach focuses on serving the client’s interest and meeting their individual needs to achieve the best outcome for each client.

In addition to our Trial Division, OPD’s Conflict Panel is a group of private attorneys contracted to handle cases the OPD Trial Division is unable to represent due to ethical or other conflicts of interest. Conflict Panel attorneys work independently of the main public defender's office on a part-time contract basis in conjunction with their own private practice.

Each client’s needs are supported by a dedicated legal team: attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers and court support administrators. Highly skilled Staff Investigators work with Conflict Panel attorneys to put together the best possible defense for each client by investigating cases.

Duties: The Conflict Staff Investigator will be required to locate and interview witnesses, take statements from witnesses, perform background checks, locate and secure records, survey and photograph crime scenes, prepare demonstratives for trial, and testify. The Conflict Staff Investigator will be involved in all aspects of case preparation including providing strategic recommendations.

Essential Selection Criteria include: Applicants must have experience in investigation, must self-motivated, and must be comfortable working independently. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated interest in serving underserved communities. The ability to work well with people of various socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and the willingness to do field work are a must. Candidates must also be proficient at multitasking. The ideal candidate will possess good non-legal research skills and have the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff and court personnel orally and in writing. Candidates must have access to a reliable and insured vehicle and have a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Spanish or Vietnamese preferred.

Although this is a remote position, the position requires in-person presence for in-court appearances, client visits, and required meetings.

Compensation: This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits. Minimum salary is $45,000, with starting salary commensurate with experience and skills. OPD's benefits package includes:

• 100% employer paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Employee Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Supplemental Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment available
• Employer 401-A Retirement plan contributions and Matching Contributions
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation, Sick, and Bereavement Leave

To Apply: Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position
2. Resume
3. Writing sample
4. List of three (3) references.

Applications deadline is December 31, 2024 at 5p.m. CST. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

OPD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

Orleans Public Defenders is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of our hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Sharee Garnett, Director, Human Resources, 504-821-8101, SGarnett@opdla.org.

The Orleans Public Defenders provide representation to indigent criminal defendants in Orleans Parish. 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.