Client Advocate Internship - Summer 2026

OPD is seeking individuals interested in public defense and criminal justice advocacy to join our semester-long Client Advocate 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:

Client Advocate Interns will join our Client Services Division and be partnered with a Client Advocate during the internship. This internship will give you unique insight into the criminal legal system and criminal defense representation in New Orleans. Interns will work to support and improve advocacy for clients through the case process, increasing success upon release. In this role, interns will assist the Client Advocate in identifying alternatives to incarceration and utilize individual mitigation plans to reduce detention for our clients and divert clients to more appropriate social services and treatment. This includes direct client contact, engagement with community members, and coordination with various social service and professional entities.

More specifically, a client advocate intern’s duties may include:

• Visiting clients in jail and conducting intake assessments for services
• Reaching out to client family members to provide updates and gather information
• Assisting in connecting clients with services, writing release plans, and ensuring clients have information for services post-release
• Contacting and coordinating with various social service entities around New Orleans

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants will have demonstrated interest in serving underserved and marginalized communities. The ability to work well with people of various socio-economic, racial, cultural and educational background is a must. Applicants will have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clients, staff, and members of the community. Other qualifications include the ability to be organized, work independently as well as in a team-driven environment.

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 legal system and criminal defense representation, particularly in New Orleans. This includes direct client contact, engagement with community members, and coordinating with various social service and professional entities.

You will be in a position to have a profound impact on our clients’ lives—one that many do not get an opportunity to experience. These experiences 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 TERMS:

We are currently accepting applications for the following terms. Please indicate in your cover letter which term you are applying for.

Summer 2026 (10 weeks)

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026

Interviews: Week of March 9, 2026

Acceptance Notice: March 20, 2026

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

Term of Service: June 1–August 7, 2026

Fall 2026 (13 weeks)

Application Deadline: June 26, 2026

Interviews: Week of July 13, 2026

Acceptance Notice: July 24, 2026

Mandatory Training: September 12–13, 2026 [Sat & Sun]

Term of Service: September 12–December 11, 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)

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.