Full Time Staff Attorney

LOCATION: Lake Charles, Lafayette, Monroe

PAY: From $60,000.00 per year

JOB DESCRIPTION

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC), Child in Need of Care Unit (CINC), seeks a licensed, CINC-certified, full-time staff attorney to represent children in abuse and neglect cases. ALSC has CINC openings in our Monroe, Lafayette, and Lake Charles offices. Excellent fringe benefits.

NATURE OF WORK

This position provides high-quality legal services to low-income clients under the mentorship and consultation of a Senior Attorney. This position is expected to use professional judgement and skill in carrying work to completion.

Note: According to Legal Services Corporation regulations, 45 CFR Part 1604: Outside practice of law, prohibits an outside practice of law while employed full-time at ALSC.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide high-quality legal representation to individuals in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility. This includes interviewing clients, conducting research, factual investigation, preparing pleadings, negotiating case resolutions, discovery and motion practice, and representing clients in court and administrative hearings

Provide counseling, advice, and other brief services such as pro se forms and referrals, as appropriate

Represent clients and client groups in litigation, administrative advocacy, as well as other advocacy.

Co-counsel with Senior and/or Supervising Attorneys

Develop and implement litigation and/or advocacy strategies to address systemic legal problems

Analyze and comment on pending legislation and regulations consistent with the requirements of all funding sources

Participate in task forces, work groups, and bar activities, and establish effective working relationships with the bar and community partners

Comply with LSC and other funding agencies’ rules and regulations

Participate in training activities as a trainee or trainer for professional growth as well as required CLE credits

Keep abreast of legal trends, pending litigation, and regulations consistent with the requirements of all funding sources

Shall work closely with the clerical staff in their substantive unit under the guidance established by the Unit Managing Attorney

Other duties as assigned

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge of judicial and civil procedures, substantive law, appellate practice, and rules of evidence within their substantive Unit’s practice field

Litigation skills/trial practice at city and district court levels

Proficiency in legal research methods, particularly web-based resources

Strong organizational skills and ability to interpret and apply legal principles to complex problems

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, courts, public officials, community representatives, and the general public

Effective written and oral communication skills, proficiency in computer usage, and the ability to effectively utilize a case management system

Knowledge of LSC federal regulations, Case Service Report (CSR) requirements, ALSC policies, Unit policies, and other practices necessary for ensuring compliance

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a J.D. or LLM degree from an accredited law school

Current licensure to practice, including membership in the Louisiana State Bar

Experience in the substantive area of the Unit’s practice, encompassing civil trial and appellate practice, is desirable

Demonstrated ability to meet job expectations with limited supervision

A professional, courteous demeanor, with a strong commitment to serving low-income clients

SALARY AND BENEFITS

From $60,000.00 per year. Excellent fringe benefits.

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