Attorney 4

State of Louisiana•Lafayette, LA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mental Health Advocacy Service has a vacancy. This job title has an assigned pay grade of AS-623. Our mission is to ensure that our clients’ voices are heard and that they receive every right and remedy afforded to them under law. Our goal is to provide high-quality legal counsel and representation to our clients, address systemic issues that affect the rights of more than one client and require a remedy, act as a clearinghouse for information relative to adults and children with mental health diagnoses and children in need of care, and provide training to various individuals/agencies. This position will fulfill duties of loyalty, confidentiality, advocacy, and competent representation to clients. Conducts a continuous study of applicable law and judicial decisions.

Requirements

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law
Three years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Nice To Haves

Master's-level attorney in SIJS law and child welfare.

Responsibilities

Conducts a continuous study of applicable law and judicial decisions.
Obtains copies of all pleadings and notices.
Participates in discovery, negotiations, conferences, and hearings.
Informs other parties and counsel of the agency's representation.
Advises clients about their rights, including but not limited to the patient’s bill of rights and other statutory rights found in the Louisiana Children’s Code, Medicaid law, and other applicable bodies of law.
Identifies and seeks to obtain appropriate resources for clients.
Engages in meaningful communication with clients, including, but not limited to, face-to-face meetings.
Represents children in SIJS/child welfare cases who are in need of assistance from a master's-level attorney in SIJS law and child welfare.
Advises the child about the case, the child's rights, the court system, the proceedings, counsel's role, expectations of the legal process, the risks and benefits of possible courses of action, and other relief; determines the client's desires and preferences in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive manner.
Advocates for the desires and expressed preferences of the child and follows the child's direction throughout the case in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Travels by personal vehicle to court, to meet with clients, to staff meetings, and to other required locations.
Submits timely requests for travel reimbursement.
Conducts thorough, continuing, and independent investigations and discovery, including but not limited to: Reviewing social service, psychiatric, psychological, drug and alcohol, medical, law enforcement, school, court, LDH, DCFS, provider, and other records of the child.
Contacts lawyers for other parties, Court Appointed Special Advocates, parents, guardians and/or caretakers of the child (with the permission of their attorneys and the client).
Coordinates and consults with the MHAS Social Worker(s) on staff, as needed and directed.
Interviews individuals involved with the child; reviews relevant evidence; and attends treatment, placement, and administrative hearings; other proceedings involving legal issues; and school conferences or staffing as needed.
Attends treatment, placement, administrative hearings, and school conferences or staffing as needed.
Files petitions, motions, answers, responses, or objections as necessary.
Attends and participates in all hearings and conferences with the court relevant to the child.
Participates in mediation and settlement negotiations.
Presents evidence, direct and cross-examines witnesses, offers exhibits, and provides independent evidence as necessary.
Attempts to ensure client's presence at significant court hearings, except when counsel affirmatively waives the child's presence.
Seeks to ensure continued representation of the child at all child-related conferences and hearings.
Discusses the end of legal representation with the child and determines what contacts, if any, will continue between the child and his/her counsel.
Complies with Supreme Court of Louisiana requirements to practice law in Louisiana, including, but not limited to, education requirements to represent children in abuse and neglect cases.
Keeps in good standing concerning professional ethical requirements.
Complies with the Louisiana Supreme Court's Special Rules for cases involving the Protection of Children.
All other duties assigned.