Investigator Internship Program, Spring, 2027

OPD is seeking individuals interested in Criminal justice and Public defense for our Spring, 2027 Investigator Internship program.

OPD hosts a semester-long Investigator Internship program year-round. Interns in the program assist staff investigators with case preparation and investigation on criminal cases in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Municipal Court, and Juvenile Court.

An Orleans Public Defender Intern Investigator’s work will directly impact the outcome of a client’s pending criminal case, while increasing the quality of representation and meeting the organization's mission and vision. Intern investigators work with attorneys and staff investigators for the comprehensive and independent investigation that every client is entitled to by the law. This leads to the timely progression of a case through the criminal justice system and less time innocent clients sit in jail awaiting their day in court.

WHAT INTERN INVESTIGATORS DO? Intern investigators assist OPD staff investigators with investigation on criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, throughout the streets of New Orleans. As an Intern Investigator, you will have a significant impact on your clients’ cases and it may be your work that could prove your client’s innocence and save them from an unjust conviction.

Interns are involved with all aspects of criminal defense investigation—both field and office related activities—and will frequently assist with other aspects of case and trial preparation. Daily tasks will vary based on the type of case, investigative tasks required, as well as the stage of the case (e.g., pre-acceptance, motions hearing, trial, or sentencing).

Typical duties can include but are not limited to:

• Canvassing for surveillance;
• Canvassing for ear/eye witnesses;
• Using various resources to locate witnesses, verify information, and conduct background checks;
• Identifying and interviewing potential witnesses;
• Re-visiting and assessing crime scenes;