The Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR) seeks an experienced and highly motivated staff attorney as a critical team member of LCCR’s Miller defense team. The Juvenile Life Without Parole (JLWOP) Staff Attorney will directly represent children and adults convicted as children who face life without parole sentences in pretrial, sentencing and re-sentencing litigation. This is an opportunity for a highly motivated individual to play an integral role in the development of best practices for defense teams representing children who face life without parole sentences across Louisiana. Strong candidates will have significant litigation and in-court experience; some familiarity with capital and/or Miller litigation and mitigation investigation; knowledge of adolescent brain development and the jurisprudence surrounding children in the adult justice system, including those who face life without parole sentences; strong oral and written advocacy skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people.

Organizational Overview

The Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR) is a non-profit law office that fights to keep children out of the justice system so they can thrive in their homes and communities. We both represent individual children in their court cases and address the systemic issues that trap mainly poor, Black youth in the justice system.

Juvenile Defense: As the juvenile public defender in New Orleans, our Children’s Defense Team represents over 90% of children in the city who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. We provide each child with a holistic team – a lawyer, social worker, investigator, and youth advocate – to address both the causes and consequences of an arrest.

Juvenile Life Without Parole: We represent the majority of Louisianans who are facing or serving life without parole sentences for crimes they committed as children, which the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional in all but the rarest cases. We know that children can and do change for the better, so we fight for their second chance.

State and Local Advocacy: We advocate for policies that reduce the number of children in the justice system and provide better alternatives to arrest and incarceration. For the kids who do enter the system, we support policies that keep them safe, protect their rights, and get them home as soon as possible.

Position Responsibilities

The JLWOP Staff Attorney will directly represent children and adults convicted as children who face life without parole sentences in pretrial, sentencing and re-sentencing litigation. This is an opportunity for a highly motivated individual to play an integral role in the development of best practices for defense teams representing children who face life without parole sentences in Louisiana. Strong candidates will have significant litigation and in-court experience; some familiarity with capital and/or Miller litigation and mitigation investigation; substantive

knowledge of adolescent brain development and the jurisprudence surrounding children in the adult justice system, including those who face life without parole sentences; strong oral and written advocacy skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people.

Selection Criteria

A J.D. with current good standing to practice law in Louisiana. Deep and demonstrated commitment to the unique defense of indigent youth of New Orleans commitment to advancing systemic injustices; demonstrated communication and writing skills; and proficiency in legal research and software. Experienced in criminal defense practice is preferred.

Salary and Compensation

The salary range is $50,000- $80,000 LCCR offers employee benefits that include generous paid time off, parental leave, 100% covered health insurance, dental and vision insurance for employee and spouse or children and retirement plan. Some remote work is allowed with caseload. The position is full-time, and no other compensated work is permitted.

To Apply

Applicants must submit: (1) a resume or C.V., including an e-mail address and daytime and evening telephone numbers; (2) a sample redacted legal brief, pleading or motion (3-5 pages); and (3) a list of three professional references to krome@lakidsrights.org. The position will remain open until filled.

LCCR values diversity and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. People of color, women, LGBT persons, people with disabilities, and those directly impacted by the justice system are encouraged to apply for all positions.

Please visit Join Our Team – Louisiana Center for Children's Rights (lakidsrights.org)