ADA- Deputy Chief of Trials

ABOUT THE ORLEANS PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (OPDA):

Jason Rogers Williams took office as the Orleans Parish District Attorney on January 11, 2021, and is building a 21st century prosecutors' office with a team of the best and brightest from around the country and a mission of being as smart on crime as the office has historically been tough on crime. New Orleans has led the world in convictions and incarceration for decades, without any corresponding decrease in crime. OPDA is simultaneously increasing safety and delivering justice with a laser focus on serious offenses and a belief that every New Orleanian deserves the presumption of innocence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

The OPDA Trials division represents the State of Louisiana in criminal proceedings in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. The Chief of the Trials Division is an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) who supervises the prosecution, including the trials, of these cases, ensuring that dockets are managed accurately and advising team members on strategic approaches to their cases and proposals for case resolutions. The Chief also acts as a liaison between OPDA staff, the Court, New Orleans Police Department, and other law enforcement and governmental entities.

The Deputy Chief's primary responsibilities include:

Review all non-homicide and sex offense RRM for approval/denial. They must make sure to upload the approval email and reduction request memorandum to the network folder.

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Ensure all ADAs in unit are pre-tried on all cases set for trial within 10 days in advance unless a motion to continue by either side has been granted or a plea offer acceptance has been agreed to in writing and approved by the Court.

• Ensure all ADAs in unit are complying with all office policies related to open file discovery, witness notification, and file storage protocols.

The Deputy Chief is responsible for all administrative functions within the Division, including: maintaining data and reports; enacting, updating, and enforcing OPDA and Division-specific policies; engaging OPDA leadership on personnel assignments and conducting staff evaluations; and training employees and ensuring professional development on an ongoing basis. The Chief may also be tasked with representing OPDA at meetings and events.

The Deputy Chief supervises, by themselves, or jointly with other OPDA Division Chiefs, a team, including: attorneys, trial assistants, victim/witness coordinators, investigators, diversion coordinators, and administrative staff.

The Deputy Chief is expected to exercise significant independent discretion and judgment on matters related to work procedures and methods.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Member of the Louisiana Bar in good standing
• 10+ years of experience in criminal litigation and trial practice preferred
• Knowledge of criminal law and legal procedure
• Experience in and knowledge of criminal practice and Orleans Parish criminal justice system preferred
• Ability to conduct legal research and apply legal analysis to factual scenarios
• High level of professional organization
• Ability to forge sustainable professional relationships with outside agencies and organizations
• Public speaking ability and effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to think analytically, apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity
• Professional and ethical conduct
• Ability to facilitate meetings efficiently
• Comfort with technology, including ability to learn case management software
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Dependability in both attendance and work product

SALARY:

Commensurate with experience

BENEFITS:

New ADA hires may be eligible for:

• Enrollment in the City of New Orleans health insurance plan
• 6.44 hours of sick leave and no fewer than 6.44 hours of vacation leave per month (6.44 hours per month = approximately 10 days per year)
• Enrollment in the Louisiana District Attorneys' Retirement System
• Enrollment in the Louisiana Public Employees Deferred Compensation Plan
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• A generous paid holiday schedule
• Frequent, free opportunities for Continuing Legal Education and other relevant training

EEO STATEMENT:

OPDA is an equal opportunity employer. The office values a diverse workforce and management reflective of the communities that it serves. Accordingly, OPDA adheres to a policy of making employment, promotion, and other personnel decisions without regard to race, culture, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, caregiver status, age, disability, or other legally protected status.