OPD is seeking a Bilingual Staff Investigator fluent in Spanish to join our Trial Division.
The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation in Orleans Parish. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered 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. Highly-skilled Staff Investigators work with OPD Staff Attorneys to put together the best possible defense for each client by investigating alleged crimes.
A Staff Investigator’s duties can involve in-office tasks such as searching and requesting records, reviewing discovery, completing background research, writing case memoranda that accurately documents all investigative work completed on a case, preparing demonstratives for trial, and testifying in court. It also involves being in the field locating and interviewing witnesses, taking written statements, surveying and photographing crime scenes, and serving subpoenas. It will require regular in-person contact—including regular trips to the courthouse, local jails and correctional facilities, and time spent locating and speaking with people who have direct or peripheral relation to a client’s matter. The Staff Investigator will be involved in all aspects of case preparation including providing strategic recommendations.
Qualifications: The candidate must be fluent in Spanish and able to conduct interviews and take written statements in Spanish. The bilingual investigator will carry a caseload consisting of cases involing either Spanish speaking clients and/or witnesses, as well as a partial caseload involing non-Spanish speaking clients and/or witnesses. Cultural competency in Spanish speaking communities is critical.
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 candidates 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 - both in English and Spanish. Candidates must have access to a reliable and insured vehicle and have a valid driver’s license.
This is a full-time, position with competitive salary and benefits. Minimum salary is $42,000, with starting salary commesurate with experience and skills. Compensation includes employer paid employee medical, dental and vision coverage, employer matching contribution to Retirement Plan, and generous paid, sick and parental leave.
To Apply: Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position: cover letter explaining your interest in the position, resume, references and writing sample in English and Spanish. Please complete the online application here. Applications must be received by 5pm CST, Sunday, June 30, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. This position will start in September 3, 2024.
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.
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.
