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Locations: All offices

Law Units: Intake Unit

Work Status: Full-Time

Come work with great people who do hard work to better the lives of low-income and vulnerable individuals in our communities. Be a part of a non-profit law firm, with 100+ employees in seven offices across Louisiana, that seeks legal justice while understanding the value of work-life balance. Work independently and as part of a team to obtain positive results for clients with a focus on civil law matters that include: Family Law, Child in Need of Care, Disaster Recovery, Domestic Violence, Public Benefits, Elder Law, Successions, Housing, and Consumer Law positions that are available in Alexandria, Franklin, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Natchitoches, and Shreveport. Applicants should be a member of Louisiana State Bar and licensed to practice law in Louisiana, with preference given to candidates with clinical or legal aid experience. Candidates must have strong organizational and communication skills, be comfortable interacting with low income clients, and be able to learn electronic case management system.

The Intake Unit (IU) is responsible for all points of client access to Acadiana Legal Service Corporation’s services. The Intake Staff Attorneys work under the direction of the Intake Unit Managing Attorney and in partnership with Pro Bono Attorneys to further the firm’s purposes and goals. The primary purpose of ALSC is to provide quality legal assistance in an efficient manner to the eligible low-income, disadvantaged, and otherwise vulnerable clients in our service area.

• Responsible for responding to initial requests for legal assistance.
• Reviews intake and evaluates applications for assistance for eligibility, merit, and options.
• Conducts legal research and prepares opinions on various civil legal problems for eligible individuals.
• Identifies legal issues, delivers appropriate internal and external referrals, information, provides limited representation to eligible clients in the form of counsel and advice, or very brief services.
• Prepares training materials, gives presentations to social service, community, and legal organizations, and participates in other special projects.
• Maintains appropriate documentation related to client matters, using ALSC’s case management software, computer storage of digital materials, and paper files when necessary.
• Performs related planning and administrative tasks as required; assists in Private Bar Involvement activities.
• Communicates with applicants and clients on the telephone as well as in writing.
• Creates contemporaneous timekeeping records pursuant to program requirements.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Dependability, initiative, motivation and concern for the interests of the clients.
• Working knowledge of municipal, parish, state and federal civil laws; and of constitutional law; especially those laws affecting indigent populations and the community.
• Working knowledge of the methods of legal research.
• Ability to acquire a thorough knowledge of local court rules and laws and to apply legal knowledge to varied problems.
• Ability to conduct research on complex legal problems and to prepare sound legal opinions.
• Good judgment, analytical and team work skills.
• Ability to analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
• Ability to express oneself and advocate clearly, concisely, courteously, and compassionately, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, others in the legal community, community agency representatives, and the general public.
• Skilled in the use of modern technology (VoIP, legal database software, instant messaging platforms) in the delivery of legal services.
• This position may allow for the ability to at times work remotely, especially if it is outside of normal business hours.
• Spanish speaking ability is preferred, but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a license to practice law in the State of Louisiana is required with at least three (3) years of experience in general civil litigation or family law. Prior public interest or legal service experience is desired but not necessary. Successful applicant will be expected to handle general practice matters and other duties assigned by supervisor.

• Entry level salary of $53,148 is negotiable depending on experience. Candidates with more experience can expect a higher range salary.

• As a Staff Attorney, you may also be eligible for participating in the Louisiana Bar Foundation’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. This program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 annually to attorneys carrying law school debt.

• Additionally, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program through the U.S. Department of Education, currently forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

• This position offers great fringe benefits that include paid employee health, vision, dental, and disability plans as well as a generous 403(b) retirement contribution plan. Federal law prohibits an outside practice of law. The Staff Attorney must be a LSBA licensed attorney AA/EEO Employer. Salary DOE with great benefits provided by employer.

• $5,000 Hiring Incentive! All newly hired Staff Attorneys will be awarded a hiring and retention incentive. Half will be provided after the 90-work day probationary period and the other half will be paid if you are still employed after one year from hire date.

*Salary based on experience.