Innocence & Justice Louisiana is proud to announce the launch of the Frank Neuner Legal Fellowship to honor attorney Frank X. Neuner, Jr. and his steadfast commitment to justice and fairness.
Frank is a founder and partner of NeunerPate. Frank is known not only for his legal acumen and dedication to his law practice and clients, but also for his commitment to justice and fair administration of the law. He firmly believes that the law must protect and further the rights and interests of all of us—regardless of wealth, race, gender, sexual orientation, and age—and has embodied that belief in his everyday practice.
Frank served as president of the Louisiana State Bar Association in 2005 and 2006 during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and addressed the impact of those devastating storms on our legal system. He served as the inaugural Chair of the Louisiana Public Defender Board to improve the quality of public defense in Louisiana. He worked tirelessly to improve and stabilize the public defender system, giving poor Louisianans a real chance to fight for and seek just outcomes.
Frank’s deep commitment to improving legal systems goes beyond criminal courts to the civil legal arena. He has been involved with the United Way of Acadiana for over two decades as a past President and Campaign Chair. Through his involvement, he has shed light on the problems of homelessness, lack of affordable housing for families, hunger and food scarcity. As a Member of the Board of Directors for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), Frank has ensured that civil legal assistance and representation are available to poor Americans all across this country.
Frank is the past Chair of the Board of Directors of Innocence & Justice Louisiana and firmly believes that no innocent person should die in prison and that people serving unjust sentences must be afforded an opportunity to be free. Frank believes in the dignity and humanity of all people and that our legal systems must uphold its promise of rule of law, equal justice, fairness, and protection of fundamental rights for all people.
About the Fellowship
The Frank Neuner Legal Fellowship provides an opportunity to recent law graduates to pursue the practice of public interest law, particularly postconviction law, on a full-time basis. The fellow will litigate complex legal issues in postconviction and federal habeas, gain courtroom experience, and gain a deep understanding of the criminal legal landscape in Louisiana.
This 2-year fellowship is an entry-level attorney position. We are accepting applications from currently-licensed attorneys with one or two years of practice and from J.D. candidates who anticipate graduating in Spring 2026. This is an in-person position.
The core role of the Neuner Legal Fellow is to manage and litigate cases from the point at which the potential client is identified until the moment the client is freed or exonerated. This requires the Fellow to:
- Plan and direct post-conviction factual investigations working with IJLA’s staff investigators. Gather and review voluminous case records in a methodical, efficient manner. Most IJLA cases involve dozens of witnesses and thousands of pages of documents.
- Craft and plan clear case and litigation strategy to win.
- Possess thorough legal research skills. Write extensive pleadings, legal memos, briefs and motions.
- Conduct evidentiary hearings and oral arguments.
- Work with a wide-range of forensic and other experts, and manage DNA and other forensic testing.
- Negotiate with prosecutors.
- Work with IJLA’s Client Services Division and assist with post-release planning for clients.
- Communicate effectively with potential clients, clients and their family members.
Required Qualifications:
- J.D. or equivalent, along with license to practice law in Louisiana, or willingness to take the Louisiana bar exam. If applicant is a candidate for a J.D. in the Spring of 2026, applicant should be willing to take Louisiana bar exam in July 2026.
- Client-centered approach and understanding of legal representation.
- Excellent analytic and writing skills. Ability to construct cogent legal arguments.
- Computer literacy, including experience using common office software.
- Good oral advocacy skills and experience litigating in court.
- The ability to communicate and work cooperatively with a wide range of people, including government personnel and officials, law enforcement, attorneys, records custodians, students, imprisoned individuals and their families, and members of the community.
- Honed organizational skills and time management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team and receive constructive feedback.
- Ability to effectively delegate to and supervise investigators, law clerks and volunteers.
- Ability to travel extensively throughout Louisiana.
- Willingness to work irregular hours when necessary.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferences for the role:
- Existing ties to Louisiana.
- Training or work experience in the criminal legal system and criminal litigation.
Salary and benefits:
The salary range for this position is $60,000-$70,000, to be determined commensurate with experience, with a very competitive benefits package including medical/dental coverage, 30 days of paid vacation, and 401k match. We observe federal holidays, and the office is closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
Application
The position will be open until filled. Please e-mail a cover letter, C.V., 3 references, and a writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) to openings@justicelouisiana.org. Please include the job title in the e-mail subject line. Do not call.
IJLA is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce reflective of the diverse communities we serve and support, with regard to race, culture, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, and caregiver status. IJLA works to advance racial justice and equity. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and legal system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.