Elena Perez Email and Phone Number

Lead efforts to execute strategic plan to create a more uniform and centralized pro bono program in all six offices by offering innovative pro bono opportunities for volunteers. • Developed action plan to develop meaningful volunteer opportunities to fill in gaps and increase access to legal services for vulnerable populations in the 22-parish area covered by organization.• Directly supervised diverse attorney and non-attorney staff.• Oversee the development of volunteer training material and conduct onboarding of attorney and other professional volunteers. • Manage, review, and monitor the compliance of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) subgrants to The Pro Bono Project and the Baton Rouge Bar Foundation. Conducted training regarding LSC’s federal rules and regulations.• Responsible for developing, drafting, and submitting grant proposals to increase funding for SLLS’s pro bono program. Secured over $120,000 in grant funds.

Managing attorney for a medical legal partnership with Daughters of Charity Health Center (DCHC) and local Pro Bono Project. Worked closely with leadership at DCHC to develop a referral system that would increase legal access for patients and would work effectively in the medical practice. Developed and trained providers and other DCHC staff regarding issue spotting and training on legal issues relevant to patients. Worked on federal reporting, oversaw subgrant with Pro Bono partner, drafted contract with medical partner, and drafted vendor contracts that were compliant with federal regulations. Had opportunity to learn about procurement law. Created legal screening form, provided extended legal services to low-income and vulnerable clients. Supervised staff attorney, law students from Tulane and Loyola Law schools, supervised and worked with local Pro Bono partner to expand services provided to clients coming through the partnership and developed a referral system that is different than what had previously been used. Developed how impact cases can be worked on by SLLS staff and pro bono partners.

Staff Attorney for Employment and Public Benefits Unit. Majority of cases involved administrative law proceedings and have taken cases to Federal or State Court on appeal. The administrative proceedings have involved legal issues involving Social Security Administration (SSA), Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA), Medicaid, Medicare, Special Education, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Road Home Program, and Civil Service Commissions.

Operated a general practice. Handled cases involving successions, criminal defense and family law. Advised clients, drafted pleadings, appeals, and prepared for trials.

Worked on family law cases from initial intake through settlement, trial, or appeal.