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Juvenile Regional Services (JRS) is dedicated to high quality juvenile defense in Orleans Parish that incorporates a holistic approach to defend children in delinquency proceedings while also addressing specific matters in areas such as education, housing, and health care. JRS staff agrees that advocacy and representation of children is a team effort and that each individual on the team is co-equal, bringing vital skills and viewpoints to the goal of providing an effective voice of advocacy for our clients. JRS offers a work environment that values and develops a positive culture of juvenile defense.

JRS staff, a highly educated and motivated group of people, is committed to our mission and recognizes and appreciates the humanity of our clients, their families and their communities. We further recognize our responsibility to operate, organize and maintain JRS in a manner that effectively accomplishes our mission.

Candidates must be committed to the defense of indigent youth accused of crimes.

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Open Position: Staff Attorney

The primary role of the Staff Attorney is to zealously represent the youth in juvenile delinquency proceedings. In addition, the Staff attorney is expected to maintain a continuing duty to the youth, a duty broader than that applicable to criminal defense attorneys. The Staff attorney counsels and renders or assists in securing appropriate legal services for the client in matters arising from the original delinquency proceedings and maintains contact to ensure the protection of the youth’s rights so long as the client remains under juvenile court jurisdiction.

This position acts as court-appointed counsel representing children/juveniles with misdemeanors or felonies charges in juvenile courts. Represents appointed clients in all phases of juvenile court proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing. The Staff Attorney is responsible for the investigation and preparation of assigned cases. The Staff Attorney assists management and other staff, as directed, and complies with all legal standards and requirements.

• Interview youth as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Review police reports and other reports to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses to prepare for plea negotiations, development of case strategy, and trial preparation.
• Meet with clients to evaluate options and strategies. Keep clients reasonably informed of the status of their case and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. Explain to clients matters reasonably necessary to make informed decisions about their cases.
• Represent youth in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to continued custody hearings, pre-adjudication motions, guilty pleas and post-adjudication matters, such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews, modifications and terminations. Present defense recommendations for case disposition.
• Take necessary steps to ensure court orders are carried out such as those requiring youth in custody have “access to a telephone, contact numbers to the public defender or official responsible for assigning a lawyer, and any other means necessary to place youth in communication with a lawyer”.
• Ensure youth in custody have 24-hour access to a public defender, such as in cases of persons in custody need counsel before deciding whether to submit to a breath or blood test.

Relevant skills include attention to detail, good organizational and communication skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Applicants with an understanding of the law, the legal system, special education, or the field of social work are strongly encouraged to apply.

In addition, candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Be at least 21 years of age and be a high school graduate or equivalent;
• Possess a valid driver’s license;
• Possess the ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner;
• Possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Possess a law degree from an accredited college or university law school;
• Be a lawyer in good standing admitted to the practice of law in the State of Louisiana or achieve admission to the practice of law in Louisiana within one year of hire;
• Possess exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, engage in problem solving, work with upset or mentally ill people, negotiate, and manage conflict;

NOTE: JRS values diversity and is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. JRS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or sexual orientation. People with disabilities, women, and people of color are encouraged to apply.

This is for a position beginning in OCTOBER. Hiring is contingent upon currently being barred in Louisiana or passing the Louisiana State Bar Exam by October.

Please send resumes and cover letters to:

Megan Faunce
Juvenile Regional Services
Staff Attorney Application
1600 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
mfaunce@jrsla.org

PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!