Intake Unit Staff Attorney

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual incentive

Relocation assistance

Health, dental, vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation seeks licensed Staff Attorneys to assess legal needs, provide timely legal advice, and refer low-income and elderly clients to appropriate services. The role emphasizes client interviews, legal analysis, and brief services under mentorship, with a strong focus on ethical compliance and professional development.

Qualified candidates hold a J.D./LL.M., are admitted to the Louisiana Bar, and are committed to public service.

Qualifications

• J.D./LL.M. from an accredited law school and active Louisiana Bar membership.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client interviews and assess legal issues, eligibility, and service needs.
• Provide legal counsel, advice, information, and brief services to clients.
• Draft counsel letters and other legal communications.
• Assist clients with pro se forms and referrals.
• Identify issues requiring extended services and coordinate referrals.
• Conduct legal research and analyze applicable laws.
• Maintain case documentation and records.
• Participate in outreach and training activities.
• Collaborate with intake staff and other units to ensure efficient service.

Skills

Legal analysis

Client counseling

Legal research

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Oral and written communication

Computers & MS Office

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.M.

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic case management systems

Job description

SALARY:

From $65,000 to $75,000 per year (Depending on experience)

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) Intake Units seeks licensed, full-time Staff Attorneys to assess legal needs, determine eligibility for services, and provide timely legal advice, counsel, brief services, and referrals to low-income and elderly clients. Excellent fringe benefits are available. If you are an attorney who is passionate about helping vulnerable individuals understand and resolve their legal issues, we encourage you to join our team.

NATURE OF WORK

This position provides high-quality legal services to low-income clients under the mentorship and consultation of a Senior Attorney. Intake Attorneys focus on client assessment, legal analysis, counsel and advice, brief services, and referrals. This position requires professional judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to efficiently identify and address clients’ legal needs.

Note:Pursuant to Legal Services Corporation regulations, 45 CFR Part 1604 (Outside Practice of Law), full-time ALSC employees are prohibited from engaging in the outside practice of law during their employment.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct client interviews and assess legal issues, eligibility, and service needs.
• Provide legal counsel, advice, information, and brief services to clients in accordance with ALSC policies and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Draft counsel and advice letters, legal correspondence, self-help materials, and other written communications.
• Assist clients with pro se forms, procedural guidance, and referrals to appropriate resources or service providers.
• Identify legal issues requiring extended services and facilitate appropriate referrals within ALSC or to external organizations.
• Conduct legal research and analyze applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation and case management records.
• Participate in outreach, community education, and legal information presentations as assigned.
• Collaborate with intake staff, substantive law units, and community partners to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Comply with Legal Services Corporation regulations, grant requirements, ALSC policies, and ethical obligations.
• Participate in training activities as both a trainee and trainer to support professional development and required CLE compliance.
• Remain informed regarding legal developments, regulatory changes, and emerging issues affecting ALSC clients.
• Work closely with paralegals, intake specialists, and administrative staff under the guidance of the Unit Managing Attorney.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge of substantive civil law areas commonly encountered in legal aid practice.

• Ability to analyze facts, identify legal issues, and provide practical legal advice.
• Proficiency in legal research methods and web-based legal resources.
• Strong interviewing, issue-spotting, and client counseling skills.
• Ability to manage a high-volume workload while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, courts, public officials, and community partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office applications, and electronic case management systems.
• Knowledge of Legal Services Corporation regulations, Case Service Report (CSR) requirements, ALSC policies, and related compliance obligations.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and vulnerable populations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.M. degree from an accredited law school.
• Current license to practice law and membership in good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association.
• Experience providing legal advice, client counseling, or legal aid services is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with supervisors and colleagues.
• Professional demeanor, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to public service.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Bilingual Incentive:Additional $2,000 annually for proficiency in both spoken and written Spanish to support ALSC’s Spanish-speaking clients.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid health, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• Generous employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Professional development opportunities, continuing legal education, and bar dues paid by ALSC.
• Liberal leave policies including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Eligibility for participation in the Louisiana Bar Foundation Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), which may provide up to $5,000 annually toward qualifying educational loans.
• Potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

Staff Attorneys receive direct mentorship and supervision from a Senior Attorney under the direction of the Unit Managing Attorney for up to twelve months following hire, or for such period as determined by the Unit Managing Attorney. Ongoing training supports the development of legal aid practice skills, client counseling techniques, and compliance with ALSC policies and Legal Services Corporation requirements.