Opening Date: April 1, 2009
Closing Date: Until Filled

OFFICE OVERVIEW

The Orleans Public Defenders (OPD) is an independent legal office responsible for providing representation to indigent persons charged with committing crimes in Orleans Parish. OPD is committed to excellence in the provision of legal services for indigent defendants and client-centered representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those accused of crimes.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Staff investigators work with legal defense counsel to investigate alleged crimes and possible defenses to those allegations. Staff investigators are assigned to investigate criminal cases from the time an OPD lawyer enrolls on the case to the time at which trial or sentencing is complete. Staff investigators also occasionally work on post-conviction issues. Among other duties, investigating a case may require locating and interviewing witnesses, taking statements from witnesses, performing background checks, surveying and photographing crime scenes, preparing demonstratives for trial, and testifying. Investigators are responsible for verifying and corroborating information obtained, analyzing that information, and memorializing the information obtained and the results of that analysis in regular reports to OPD lawyers. The position is full-time; no outside compensated investigative work is permitted.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Candidates for this position must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree. Candidates must also exhibit exceptional problem-solving ability, i.e., the ability to analyze problems and identify creative and unorthodox solutions to those problems; the ability to gather, organize, and evaluate data; strong social skills, i.e., the ability to easily and comfortably communicate with strangers; strong oral and written communication skills; and a demonstrated interest in serving disadvantaged populations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

While a criminal record may not automatically disqualify you from employment with the Orleans Public Defenders, any prior arrests or convictions must be disclosed and explained in a separate attachment.

Additionally, A candidate must have an insured, reliable, and available car and a valid driver’s license.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

All applicants are required to submit a separate, detailed, and concise narrative statement detailing the following, to the extent applicable:
1. Skill in conducting interviews and recognizing, exploring, and exploiting leads (skill need not come from experience as an investigator);
2. Skill in effective and articulate oral and written communication (skill need not come from experience as an investigator); and
3. Any experience in criminal defense investigations, including knowledge and training in the basic principles and techniques of investigation.

COMPENSATION

Staff investigators will be paid $30,000 per year plus health benefits.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit:
(1) a cover letter addressed to Chief Investigator William McKenna, Orleans Public Defenders, explaining your interest in the position;
(2) a résumé, including an e-mail address and daytime and evening telephone numbers;
(3) a detailed response to the Statement of Qualifications; and
(4) a list of 3 professional references (include the name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and a brief statement indicating how each reference is able to evaluate your abilities) to:

Chief Investigator William McKenna
Re: Staff Investigator Hiring
Orleans Public Defenders
2601 Tulane Ave., Ste 700
New Orleans, LA 70119

Applicants must also submit an electronic copy of the application via e-mail to investigator@opdla.org. This is a rolling application process and positions will be filled as qualified applicants are identified.

OPD is an equal opportunity employer.