Attorney 4

State of Louisiana•Monroe, LA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mental Health Advocacy Service has a vacancy for an Attorney 4. This position is responsible for providing legal representation for abused and neglected children and also for persons with mental disabilities in the Monroe and surrounding parishes. The mission is to ensure that clients’ voices are heard and that they receive every right and remedy afforded them under law. The goal is to provide high-quality legal counsel and representation to 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.

Requirements

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law
Three years of experience as a practicing attorney
Compliance with Supreme Court of Louisiana requirements to practice law in Louisiana
Compliance with the Louisiana Supreme Court's Special Rules for Cases Involving the Protection of Children

Nice To Haves

Specialized knowledge of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases
Specialized knowledge of child welfare matters

Responsibilities

Provide case consultations, management, and legal representation on child abuse and neglect cases as a licensed attorney with specialized knowledge of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases and child welfare matters.
Inform other parties and counsel of the agency's representation.
Advise 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.
Identify and seek to obtain appropriate resources for clients.
Advise 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; determine the client's desires and preferences in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive manner.
Engage in regular and meaningful communication with the child, including face-to-face meetings at the child's placement, hospital or facility, and/or other locations outside of the courthouse.
Travel by personal vehicle to court, to meet with clients, to staff meetings, and to other required locations.
Conduct thorough, continuing, and independent investigations and discovery, including reviewing social service, psychiatric, psychological, drug and alcohol, medical, law enforcement, school, court, LDH, DCFS, provider, and other records of the child.
Contact 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).
Coordinate and consult with the MHAS Social Worker(s) on staff, as needed and directed.
Interview individuals involved with the child; review relevant evidence; attend treatment, placement, and administrative hearings; other proceedings involving legal issues; and school conferences or staffing as needed.
Attend and participate in all hearings and conferences with the court relevant to the child.
Participate in mediation and settlement negotiations.
Present evidence, direct and cross-examine witnesses, offer exhibits, and provide independent evidence as necessary.
Comply with Supreme Court of Louisiana requirements to practice law in Louisiana, including education requirements to represent children in abuse and neglect cases.
Comply with the Louisiana Supreme Court's Special Rules for Cases Involving the Protection of Children.
Perform all other duties assigned.