Paralegal 2

State of Louisiana•Livingston, LA

About The Position

The Mental Health Advocacy Services has a vacancy for a Paralegal 2. This job title has an assigned pay grade of AS-615. Our mission is to ensure that our clients’ voices are heard and that they receive every right and remedy afforded to them under the 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 is responsible for assisting attorneys in court and meetings by organizing exhibits, providing copies of important documents and exhibits to the attorney, opposing counsel, and the court as needed. They will assist with entering case data and compiling data for performance indicators and timeliness measures. They also create, organize, and maintain client files. Daily office duties will also be required. Some travel is required.

Requirements

Completion of an approved Paralegal or Legal Assistant program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), or at an accredited college or university plus two years of paralegal experience; OR Possession of a Certified Paralegal (CP) certification issued by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. plus two years of paralegal experience; OR A Juris Doctorate.
Disbarred attorneys and those who have permanently resigned from the practice of law in lieu of discipline may not be hired in any position in connection with the practice of law.
Suspended attorneys or an attorney transferred to disability inactive status during the period of suspension may not be hired in any position in connection with the practice of law unless such hiring is first preceded by the submission of a fully executed registration statement to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, on a registration form provided by the Louisiana Disciplinary Board and approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with juveniles and persons with mental illness and/or disabilities.

Responsibilities

Assisting attorneys in court and meetings by organizing exhibits, providing copies of important documents and exhibits to the attorney, opposing counsel, and the court as needed.
Assisting with entering case data and compiling data for performance indicators and timeliness measures.
Creating, organizing, and maintaining client files.
Performing daily office duties.
Provides clerical and administrative support for staff attorneys.
Primary point of contact for all PRIME (agency's specialized data collection program) matters for the Shreveport office.
Entering all relevant data into PRIME on the attorneys' behalf.
Assisting in the preservation and support of PRIME agency-wide.
Answering and screening telephone calls.
Greeting visitors and directing them to the proper staff.
Assisting in the coordination and dissemination of materials for the Mental Health Advocacy Service and Child Advocacy Program for the Livingston office.
Assisting with the coordination of meetings and work assignments.
Receiving all incoming correspondence, legal documents, appellate materials, case records, and files.
Assisting in the development and maintenance of an accurate, updated system of data.
Assisting in the dissemination of training materials for all staff.
Assisting with time-keeping matters.
Maintaining an accurate calendar of hearings and trial dates and other matters, and advising staff of upcoming scheduled dates.
Performing varied Administrative support services such as purchasing supplies, inventory control, maintenance of equipment, etc.