Attorney – Mental Health Advocacy Service

About the role

The Office of Mental Health Advocacy Service seeks qualified attorneys to provide high‑quality legal counsel and representation to individuals with mental health diagnoses, children, and disabled adults. The role focuses on protecting client rights, addressing systemic issues, and serving as an information clearinghouse.

Key responsibilities

• Provide competent, confidential, and ethical representation for clients, including children, mental health patients, and disabled adults.
• Assist clients in obtaining resources and advise them of their legal rights.
• Stay current on laws and judicial decisions to deliver timely assistance.
• Attend and participate in hearings related to treatment, placement, and administration; file petitions, motions, and other legal documents as needed.
• Advocate for the expressed preferences of children; when unavailable, determine and advocate for the child’s best interest.
• Conduct independent investigations and discovery, reviewing social service, psychiatric, medical, law‑enforcement, school, and court records.
• Represent mental health patients at all stages of confinement and address violations of patient rights.
• Provide guidance, supervision, and lead‑worker responsibilities to support staff and junior attorneys.
• Develop strategies for system improvements in the protection of patient and child rights.
• Train staff, mental‑health professionals, and community groups on legal rights of patients and responsibilities of treatment providers.

Required profile

• Current Louisiana license to practice law (Louisiana Bar membership).
• Experience working with juveniles, persons with mental illness, or individuals with disabilities is strongly encouraged.
• Ability to conduct thorough legal research and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant statutes and case law.

Required skills