ALSC's continues to innovate the application process.

We are continuing to enhance our services for our client community. Over recent months, we implemented several advancements to improve accessibility and efficiency for those seeking legal assistance. One significant update involves overhauling our phone system, designed to direct callers to the appropriate department within ALSC. 

Our new phone system enhancement ensures those seeking our services connect quickly to the right staff member who can address their legal needs. We are working to provide faster response times and expedited case handling to increased unit growth. This growth is instrumental in our goal to offer prompt assistance and more streamlined support to those in need.

Innovative technology has always been a cornerstone of our approach. We've integrated artificial intelligence into our intake appointment scheduling process, empowering applicants to manage their appointments without the need for direct communication with ALSC staff. Applicants can now easily cancel or reschedule appointments through this user-friendly system, ensuring greater flexibility and convenience. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our online application system. This feature will allow the public to complete comprehensive applications for legal assistance entirely online. An online application extends our reach to assist a broader spectrum of individuals seeking our services. These progressive steps underscore our unwavering commitment to making legal assistance more accessible and efficient for everyone in our community.

Collaborating with key partners to sustain a family legacy. 

Ms. Carmelita Payte is a 66-year-old divorced woman who requires oxygen to supplement her natural breathing and is unable to work. She receives Social Security and Social Security Disability benefits. Ms. Payte, along with her two sisters, needed legal assistance to probate their mother’s will to obtain RESTORE LA grant funds that would enable them to repair their family home, which was damaged by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The will was drafted in Louisiana, and the client’s mother had her entire estate in the state. Since her sisters resided out of state, our ALSC attorneys coordinated with Ms. Payte and her sisters to sign the documents necessary to probate the will in a Louisiana court. The will was deemed valid and probated successfully, and Ms. Payte and her sisters received the repair funds in a timely manner. Moreover, the title to the property is now cleared for future generations, ensuring that the sisters have full autonomy over the home, in accordance with their mother’s will.

*Client has granted permission to use name and image. 

ALSC Outreach & News

DISASTER UNIT VISITED ST. MARTIN PARISH SENIORS TO SHARE LEGAL INFORMATION! 

Jeff, Disaster Unit Staff Attorney, and Stesha, Disaster Unit Outreach Coordinator, visited St. Martin Council on Aging Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in November. They provided resources and legal information. 

Around the Office

ALSC met in Alexandria for the final staff meeting of 2023! 

We ended our year with community amongst the offices. ALSC held our final staff meeting in Alexandria, LA. We trained for the upcoming year and focused on our highest achievements over the past year in the firm. Our staff members had a chance to celebrate the holiday spirit and connect with all staff throughout our offices. We also celebrated those who have worked in legal services for many years. Thank you to all employees who have spent their careers focusing on increasing access to justice and providing a road to equal justice for all. Thank you to our client community for trusting us to help you with your legal needs. We are here because of you and to support you in the next year.  

40+ Years of Service:

Cathy K. Davis - 45 years

Priscilla G. Charles - 44 years

Lewis Gladney - 44 years

Velma Hunt Gibson - 43 years

Ramona Labit - 43 years

Cynthia B. Briggs - 43 years

Lisa K. Alexander - 42 years

Patricia Jones - 41 years

30+ Years of Service:

Brenda L. Schexnider - 39 years

Shannin M. West - 33 years

Nina Coleman - 33 years

Elaine L. Curry - 31 years

Lorna G. Sennet - 31 years

Yolanda Bell - 31 years

Sachida R. Raman - 30 years

Franchesca Hamilton Acker - 30 years

20+ Years of Service:

Thom Nguyen - 29 years

Bennie James - 29 years

Marian Frye - 28 years

Jeanne Liles - 28 years

Walter McClatchey, Jr. - 27 years

Karen Williams - 25 years

Richard D. Davis - 24 years

Shannon M. Randall - 23 years

Candida Fawley - 21 years

Deidre Gauthier - 20 years

Thank you for your continued service!

ALSC Is Seeking Staff Attorneys!

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation seeks licensed, full-time staff attorneys to represent low-income and elderly clients with civil legal matters in Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Franklin. Excellent fringe benefits and a $5,000 hiring incentive are available. Click for more information.  Visit www.la-law.org/careers to apply today!

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