General Law Unit Staff Attorney

Acadiana Legal Services Corporation; Alexandria (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadiana Legal Services Corporation in Alexandria, Louisiana is seeking a full-time licensed staff attorney to provide legal representation to low-income clients in various civil matters. Responsibilities include interviewing clients, conducting legal research, and advocating in court. Ideal candidates will have a J.D. or LLM degree, and be licensed in Louisiana. The role involves compliance with legal standards and collaboration with senior attorneys. This position serves a vital function in ensuring access to justice for underserved populations.

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 civil trial and appellate practice is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation in civil legal matters.
• Counsel clients and provide advocacy.
• Develop litigation and advocacy strategies.

Skills

Litigation skills/trial practice

Legal research methods

Strong organizational skills

Effective written and oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

J.D. or LLM degree

Membership in the Louisiana State Bar

Job description

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) General Law Unit seeks licensed, full-time staff attorneys to represent low-income clients in civil legal matters such as consumer issues, estate planning, and expungements.

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