Employment - SLLS

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) is a non-profit law firm serving the 22 parishes east of the Atchafalaya basin. We provide free civil legal aid to low-income households.

Our attorneys serve this region from offices in Baton Rouge, Covington, Gretna, Hammond, Houma, and New Orleans. SLLS has received national and local awards for its outstanding work.

STAFF ATTORNEY - General Law

The position will handle Family Law, Consumer, Wills, and Successions. This position will be in our Houma office.

The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate:

Proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy, and social service referrals.
Dependability, ability to respond to emergencies, good work habits, self-motivation, dedication to serving vulnerable people, and the capacity to work well with others.

Full-time staff attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on candidates’ experience. Bilingualism is a plus and receives extra compensation.

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

STAFF ATTORNEY – Consumer Law and Tax Matters

This position will be in the New Orleans office and will be a 50/50 split in Consumer Law handling consumer debt matters, bank collections and also handling Low Income Tax matters.

The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate:

Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy, research, dedication to serving vulnerable people and social service referrals.
Commitment to resolution of problems and issues affecting victims of domestic violence.
Dependability, ability to respond to emergencies, good work habits, self-motivation, capacity to work well with others.

Full-time staff attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on candidates’ experience. Bilingualism is a plus and receives extra compensation. For more information about SLLS, current jobs ads, and the benefits offered, please visit www.SLLS.org/employment.

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

STAFF ATTORNEY - CHILD IN NEED OF CARE, Houma or New Orleans

The Child in Need of Care, CINC, Staff Attorney, represents children in court in abuse/neglect proceedings and will serve the Houma area.

The ideal candidates for Staff Attorney positions will be able to demonstrate:

Proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy, and social service referrals.
Dependability, ability to respond to emergencies, good work habits, self-motivation, dedication to serving vulnerable people, and the capacity to work well with others.

Full-time staff attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on candidates’ experience. Spanish-English bilingualism receives extra compensation.

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STAFF ATTORNEY - Hammond

This Domestic Violence Staff Attorney will provide legal assistance to domestic violence victims, including but not limited to child custody/visitation, spousal and child support, divorce, protective orders, contempt motions, or other civil legal issues related to the crime in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. Outreach to impacted survivors and partnerships to improve a coordinated community response to domestic violence is also required.

The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate:

Proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy, and social service referrals.
Dependability, ability to respond to emergencies, good work habits, self-motivation, dedication to serving vulnerable people, and the capacity to work well with others.

Full-time staff attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on the candidate’s experience. Spanish-English bilingualism receives extra compensation.

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

Staff Attorney, Employment and Benefits -New Orleans

This position handles a variety of employment and benefits issues, including Social Security, Unemployment, FEMA, Wage Claims, Food Stamps, Medicaid, and Job Loss.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy, research, dedication to serving vulnerable people and social service referrals.
Dependability, good work habits, self-motivation, capacity to work well with others.

Full-time staff attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on the candidate’s experience. Spanish-English bilingualism receives extra compensation.

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

STAFF ATTORNEY - CHILD IN NEED OF CARE - Gretna

The Child in Need of Care, CINC, Staff Attorney, represents children in court in abuse/neglect proceedings and will serve the Thibodeaux area.

The ideal candidates for Staff Attorney positions will be able to demonstrate:

Proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy, and social service referrals.
Dependability, ability to respond to emergencies, good work habits, self-motivation, dedication to serving vulnerable people, and the capacity to work well with others.

Full-time staff attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on candidates’ experience. Spanish-English bilingualism receives extra compensation.

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

INTAKE SPECIALIST - FJC New Orleans Office

The position will have a dual role as an Intake Specialist for Domestic Violence and will facilitate the office duties in our FJC New Orleans Office. This position will be performing various functions to support the efforts of the office to serve clients in Orleans Parish and assist in providing eligible legal assistance to domestic violence victims.

The office facilities duties will include and are not limited to reporting/organizing repairs, ordering and handling supply orders, disaster preparation, and other office coordination items, and will receive an additional two-step compensation on our board’s current salary scale. This position is under the direct supervision of the assigned Managing Attorney.

This position will be full-time with a salary range of $29,250 - $41,250, depending on experience, and an additional $1,600 for the office facilities duties. Additional compensation for bilingualism, commissioned notary, a paralegal certificate, and a college degree (Associate and Bachelor).

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR - New Orleans

This position will conduct onboarding activities, ongoing recruitment, and other placement related tasks related to volunteer law clerks, undergraduate students, and paralegal students for all SLLS offices. This position will be located in our New Orleans Office and is under the direct supervision of SLLS’ Pro Bono Program Directing Attorney.

Requirements:

Possess an ability to work in a diverse team environment
Has excellent written, oral, technical, and problem-solving skills
Is a confident, well-organized, detailed oriented, and outgoing individual.
Ability to multi-task and adapt to new and changing environments
Strong communication skills and experience interacting with all levels of management
Open to exploring new technology skills to enhance their daily duties
Working knowledge of Excel and Publisher
College degree preferred

Duties will include:

Scheduling interviews and reviewing candidates for volunteer positions;
Assist with the coordination of IFP clinic;
Attend volunteer recruitment events at law schools and additional places as needed;
Maintaining records and documentation of volunteers hours and assisting the H.R. Manger with handling personnel documents;
Providing volunteers with support and guidance to foster a positive work environment and maintain strong relationships;
Assisting SLLS’ Pro Bono Program Directing Attorney with evaluating the volunteer program on an on-going basis, by regularly checking in with volunteer students, conducting exit interviews, and recommend and implement changes, as appropriate;
Organizing and participating in volunteer outreach covering our 22 parishes
Assisting, planning, and participating in special volunteer appreciation events;
Working with SLLS’ Pro Bono Directing Attorney in matching the needs and skills of volunteers to appropriate offices and SLLS staff;
Scheduling and facilitating volunteer orientation;
Assist SLLS’ Pro Bono Directing Attorney with any other tasks/projects related to increasing student related pro bono recruitment and other efforts in SLLS’ 22 parish service area.
Eligibility after 6 months for partial remote work schedule.

This position will be full-time with a salary range of $29,250 - $41,250, depending on experience. Additional compensation for bilingualism, commissioned notary, paralegal certificate, and a college degree (Associate and Bachelors).

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

Intake Support Staff– Covington

Duties will be screening applicants for legal services, conduct intake, gather documentation for eligibility, data entry, make social service referrals, perform triage to determine urgency, inform callers of the next step in the process, file preparation, and other general functions to support the office. Additionally, assist with office reception and phone calls, handling and facilitating incoming and outgoing mail, purchasing and stocking office supplies, opening files, and assisting attorneys with the coordination of court dates.

The selected staff member will work in the SLLS Covington office Monday - Friday. This position will be full-time with a salary range of $29,250-$41,250, depending on experience. Additional compensation for bilingualism, commissioned notary, college degree, and a paralegal certificate.

To apply, send a resume to Shannan Latino, Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org by Monday, April 17, 2023.

HOUSING UNIT – NEW ORLEANS OFFICE

TENANTS’ RIGHTS - RIGHT TO COUNSEL PROGRAM (RtC) - NEW ORLEANS

RtC Overview: Our Housing Law Unit represents residential tenants who are struggling with housing insecurity, helps to stabilize their housing, and enforce their rights. In 2022, Orleans Parish passed a city ordinance providing any residential tenant facing eviction the right to an attorney. For this purpose, the City’s Office of Community Development turned to SLLS to provide quality representation to these tenants. Our Housing Unit’s RtC team represents tenants in landlord-tenant matters including evictions, subsidy terminations, disputes, illegal lockouts, and other housing issues that might lead to displacement. Strategies to accomplish the goal of the project include education and outreach, direct representation, operation of Eviction Help Desks, social services assistance/connection to resources, and strategic impact advocacy. Our RtC program partners with the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center and the Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative. Our RtC Team includes attorneys, legal assistants, paralegals, and social workers. We’re currently looking for the following:

TENANTS’ RIGHTS ATTORNEY – TRIAL DEFENSE – RtC PROGRAM

Staff Attorneys handle a caseload of Orleans Parish landlord-tenant cases, including providing advice and brief services; representing clients regularly in First City and Second City Courts and assisting with staffing the Eviction Help Desks; defending against subsidy terminations; as well as, assisting with case compliance and grant reporting, supporting advocacy goals, and other duties as needed. This position may be in the SLLS New Orleans or Gretna office.

The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate:

Proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy, and social service referrals.
Trial skills and/or desire to do trial defense.
Dependability, ability to respond to emergencies, good work habits, self-motivation, dedication to serving vulnerable people, and the capacity to work well with others.
Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with short-deadlines

Full-time staff attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is $50,000 - $77,000, based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on the candidate’s experience. Spanish-English bilingualism receives extra compensation.

To apply, send cover letter and resume to Shannan Latino, SLLS Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled in lieu of a deadline.

TENANTS’ RIGHTS ATTORNEY – SPECIAL LITIGATION – RtC PROGRAM

Staff Attorney will handle a caseload of Orleans Parish landlord-tenant cases, focusing on special litigation specifically for the Right to Counsel Project Housing Unit. The work will advance tenants’ rights through a practice of drafting and filing writs, appeals, and post-judgment remedies for RtC clients; systemic advocacy projects; as well as, assisting with case compliance and grant reporting and other duties as required. The attorney will work closely with the RtC Trial Attorneys and the SLLS Litigation Unit. This position will be in the SLLS New Orleans office.

The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate:

Proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy, and social service referrals.
Competency in researching and drafting pleadings and memos.
Dependability, ability to respond to emergencies, good work habits, self-motivation, dedication to serving vulnerable people, and the capacity to work well with others.
Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with short-deadlines

Full-time staff attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is $50,000 - $77,000, based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on the candidate’s experience. Spanish-English bilingualism receives extra compensation.

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Shannan Latino, SLLS Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled in lieu of a deadline.

PARALEGAL – RtC PROGRAM – NEW ORLEANS

Paralegal staff position working within the Housing Unit’s Right to Counsel Program in the New Orleans office. This position performs various functions to support the attorneys to serve clients facing eviction and housing insecurity.

Job duties include handling phone calls, producing written work under the supervision of attorneys, such as drafting pleading and motions, case management, and performing other tasks on a client’s case permissible for non-attorneys working under the supervision of an attorney. This position will be in the SLLS New Orleans office.

This position will be full-time with a salary range of $29,250 - $41,250, depending on experience. Additional compensation for bilingualism, commissioned notary, a paralegal certificate, and a college degree (Associate and Bachelor).

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Shannan Latino, SLLS Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled in lieu of a deadline.

INTAKE/LEGAL ASSISTANT - RtC PROGRAM – NEW ORLEANS

Intake/Legal Assistant position working within the Housing Unit’s Right to Counsel Program in the New Orleans office. This position performs various functions to support the attorneys to serve clients facing eviction and housing insecurity.

Job duties include handling the intake for clients seeking tenants’ rights assistance. Intake includes screening clients who make contact with our office via the phone, in-office visits, outreach events, and eviction-defense help desks; opening cases for attorneys; assisting with case management and performing other tasks on a client’s case permissible for non-attorneys working under the supervision of an attorney. This position will be in the SLLS New Orleans office.

This position will be full-time with a salary range of $29,250 - $41,250, depending on experience. Additional compensation for bilingualism, commissioned notary, a paralegal certificate, and a college degree (Associate and Bachelor).

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Shannan Latino, SLLS Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled in lieu of a deadline.

SLLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status.