Attorney 1,2,3

About this Job

The Office of Mental Health Advocacy Service has a vacancy.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties and Other Information

Job Duties:

• Provides competent, loyal, and confidential legal representation, ensuring advocacy consistent with ethical and professional standards.

• Advises and counsels clients—including children and individuals with mental illness—on their rights, case progress, and legal options in a culturally and developmentally appropriate manner.

• Conducts continuous study of applicable laws, judicial decisions, and best practices in child advocacy and mental health representation.

• Prepares, files, and responds to pleadings, motions, petitions, and other legal documents; participates in discovery, hearings, conferences, mediations, and settlement negotiations.

• Performs thorough, ongoing investigations by reviewing records, interviewing involved parties, and attending relevant administrative, treatment, or placement meetings.

• Advocates for timely permanency and the best interests of children in CINC proceedings, ensuring consistent communication and presence at significant hearings.

• Represents clients in judicial commitment and administrative review proceedings, identifies and addresses violations of patient rights, and provides legal counsel on treatment and confinement matters.

• Coordinates with support staff and other agency offices; ensures accurate client data reporting, timely travel documentation, and submission of required reports.

• Provides guidance and training to staff and lower-level attorneys; contributes to system improvements in client rights protection and legal service delivery.

• Maintains compliance with all Louisiana Supreme Court and professional education requirements and stays current on evolving laws and practices in client advocacy.

• Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.