Orleans Public Defenders

Orleans Public Defenders is an independent legal office which provides legal representation to indigent defendants accused of committing crimes in Orleans Parish who cannot afford to hire an attorney.  The office houses a full-time staff of public defenders, investigators and administrative personnel as well as a corps of volunteers, interns and law clerks. 

Loyola service learning students can volunteer in our First Appearance Project (FAP).  Their primary function will be to conduct indigency determination interviews.  This is a basic interview with arrestees to determine whether they qualify for the services of a public defender based on their financial status.  In addition, service learning students can assist public defenders with paperwork, create case files, and make contact with arrestees' family, friends, employers, landlords, etc.  Volunteers will be thoroughly trained for these tasks and will gain a first-hand look at the inner workings of a court system by working directly with our client population.

**PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS UNDER 18 CANNOT SERVE WITH THE FIRST APPEARANCE PROJECT.  Other volunteer possibilities at OPD may be available for students under 18.***

Location:   Interviews and first appearances take place at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court at the intersection of Tulane Avenue and Broad St.  The offices for Orleans Public Defenders are across the street at  2601 Tulane Ave (7th floor of Tulane Tower).
Transportation: Provide your own or rideshare.  The intersection of Tulane & Broad is also accessible from the #94 bus (Broad) and the #39 bus (Tulane).
Days and times: First appearances take place Monday-Friday, twice a day (a morning session and an afternoon session).  Volunteers for morning first appearances need to show up at 9:30 am.  Volunteers for afternoon first appearances need to show up at 4:15-4:30 pm.  2-hour Saturday times are available, but depend on judges' schedules.  Volunteers will be notified about weekend times on the Friday of each week.
Contact: Eliza Baron, ebaron@opdla.org, 504-827-8198