Limited Practitioner

Bridge the gap between graduating from law school and passing the bar.

This position allows the LOPD to extend an offer to applicants prior to graduation from law school, guaranteeing a law student employment after graduation, while ensuring an employee dedicated to indigent defense. Since the LOPD is a government agency, it cannot hire an attorney unless sworn and licensed by the state bar. Individuals offered join the LOPD team soon after taking the bar exam for training in criminal defense, local rules, practices, and the LOPD’s holistic representation approach.

Once sworn in and performing at the expected level, Limited Practitioners will move into a public defender attorney position based on performance and availability.

Limited Practitioners are paid $29.00 hourly ($60,320 annual base salary). The typical starting salary for a PD2 position is $32.70 hourly ($68,035 annual base salary).

The position is designed to hire for positions in LOPD offices throughout the state.

Under the supervision and direction of an assigned licensed attorney, a Limited Practitioner is expected to perform duties such as assisting attorneys in preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, and handling administrative tasks. Limited Practitioners may also attend court hearings, trials, and client meetings to provide support, help with case preparation—including reviewing discovery, drafting motions, and organizing case files. Limited Practitioners are typically third‑year law students or recent graduates gaining practical experience.

For a complete job description, click HERE
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• Fall graduates submit applications by September 30.
• Spring graduates submit applications by February 28.

• September and October for fall and spring graduates. Fall graduates are encouraged to submit their applications at the beginning of their 3L year and no later than September 30.
• February and March for spring graduates.
• Interviews may also be scheduled upon receipt of application.

Completion of a minimum of at least two years in an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Collective Bargaining:
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Default FLSA: prison:
Non‑exempt.

Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.

The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition.

Any students seeking a Limited Practitioner position must submit a full application.

We encourage all applicants to consider working at any of our LOPD offices. Within the supplemental questions below you will be asked to select the locations/offices in which you are considering employment and ranking them.