Acadiana Legal Service Corporation Housing Unit seeks licensed, full-time staff attorneys to represent low-income and elderly clients with civil legal matters with eviction defense, foreclosures and general housing law. 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

Duties may include and are not limited to (tasks will vary based on substantive unit):

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

Bilingual benefit - $2000 for proficiency in Spanish, speaking and writing to support our spanish speaking clients.
Relocation expenses assistance may be available. Must be able to relocate within 90 days to the job location where the vacancy exists.
Great fringe benefits that include paid employee health, vision, dental, and disability plans as well as a generous 403(b) retirement contribution plan.
Professional development and continuing legal education and bar association dues paid by ALSC.
Liberal leave policies including vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
Staff attorneys may be eligible to participate 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 Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments are made under a qualifying repayment plan.
Staff attorneys are directly mentored by the Senior Attorney under the direction of the Unit Managing Attorney up to twelve months from the date of employment or as determined by the Unit Managing Attorney.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Acadiana Legal Service Corp

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Housing Unit Staff Attorney