Orleans Public Defenders
The Orleans Public Defenders Office (OPD) exists to provide the citizens of Orleans Parish with the highest quality client-centered legal representation in Louisiana’s criminal and juvenile justice system. Our vision is to create a community-oriented defender office built upon the zealous defense of the poor and indigent while acknowledging the strengths of clients, families and communities. OPD acts to 1) protect the guarantees of the Louisiana and United States Constitutions and maintain adherence to the rule of law, 2) foster a more open and inclusive society by increasing access to and protection within the courts for the poor and indigent, and 3) assist in the development and expansion of rehabilitation and alternative programs for clients and their families.
Students serving at OPD will learn about the initial phases of a person's criminal case, including what happens at bond hearings, probable cause determinations, and preliminary hearings. They will become especially familiar with the differences in the court process between how people with money are treated and how our indigent clients are treated.
Loyola Service Learners can expect to:
- Collect relevant police reports in preparation for court hearings
- Attend court sessions for First Appearances
- Detail results of individual bond hearings
- Interview recently-appointed clients
- Call friends/family of clients to explain bond process
All students serving at Orleans Public Defenders will be required to commit to a minimum of 40 hours of service for a semester, even if this exceeds class requirements.
Location
Preservice requirements
Students interested in serving at OPD are asked to attend one of two on-campus sessions. Please bring your resume.
The two sessions are:
- Tuesday, January 22, 6:00-8:00pm, Seminar Room 2, Monroe Library
- Wednesday, January 23, 6:00-8:00pm, Seminar Room 4, Monroe Library
Contact
Virginia Ryan, Client Services Coordinator
vryan@opdla.org, 504.827.8206
Transportation
| Walk | Not recommended | - |
| Bike or Cycloserve | Recommended (experienced cyclists) |
30 min. |
| Public Transit | Recommended | 40 - 50 min.* |
| Drive | Recommended | 11 min. (On & off-street parking) |
| *Take the St. Charles streetcar to Claiborne. Transfer to #39 bus. Exit at Broad St. | ||
Days & times
| Monday | 8:30am - 1:30pm; 1:30pm - 6:30pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 1:30pm; 1:30pm - 6:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 1:30pm; 1:30pm - 6:30pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 1:30pm; 1:30pm - 6:30pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 1:30pm; 1:30pm - 6:30pm |
| Saturday | no |
| Sunday | no |