The Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR) seeks a staff attorney for its Children’s Defense Team, which provides holistic legal representation for children in delinquency and status offender proceedings as the juvenile public defender in New Orleans. Staff attorneys coordinate teams of investigators, social workers, and case managers to support New Orleans’ young people to achieve their legal and life goals. Strong candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to the defense of indigent youth; excellent communications, analytical, and problem-solving skills; proven ability to work collaboratively with a team of colleagues; and a strong work ethic.

The position is based in New Orleans, and requires in-person presence in New Orleans Juvenile Court.

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 primary role of the Staff Attorney is to provide high-quality, zealous, client-directed legal representation to children in all stages of delinquency and status offender proceedings in Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. The Staff Attorney is responsible for the holistic legal representation for children in delinquency and status offender proceedings as the juvenile public defender in New Orleans.

Staff attorneys coordinate teams of investigators, social workers, and case managers to support New Orleans’ young people to achieve their legal and life goals. The Staff Attorney will have a demonstrated commitment to the defense of indigent youth; excellent communications, analytical, and problem-solving skills; proven ability to work collaboratively with a team of colleagues; and a strong work ethic.

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.

Salary and Compensation

The salary range is $60,000- $90,000 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

Please provide a resume, three professional references, and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position to jobs@lakidsrights.org. In subject line of the email, please write “CDT Staff Attorney” Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

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)