Attorney 1-3 (Property Unit)

DOTD-Administration; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) – Legal Section seeks an Attorney to provide legal counsel on property litigation, construction law, and public-sector matters across statewide transportation programs. The attorney will support the Property Litigation and Construction Law Units with research, advice, and litigation assistance.

The role requires Louisiana licensure and involves advising on expropriation, property acquisitions, bids, contract claims, and regulatory

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Louisiana.
• Experience advising on property matters and construction contracts is preferred.
• Ability to analyze statutes and regulations relevant to DOTD projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on expropriation matters for DOTD.
• Advise on litigation tactics and strategy under Louisiana law.
• Assist Real Estate Section with property acquisitions for DOTD.
• Advise on bid protests, construction and highway contract claims, and LPA projects.
• Provide contract drafting and review, and research for General Counsel.

Skills

Legal research

Public-sector law

Contract drafting

Education

Louisiana license to practice law

Tools

Litigation support

Job description

Section 47 - Legal

Attorney 1 – Property Unit

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Legal Section is seeking an Attorney to provide legal counsel and support to the Department’s Property Litigation and Construction Law Units. The DOTD Legal Section is comprised of three units: the Property Litigation Unit, the Construction Law Unit, and the General Law Unit. This position provides legal assistance on matters involving property acquisition and expropriation, public bidding and construction contracts, and other legal issues affecting DOTD’s statewide transportation programs.

The selected candidate will provide legal research, advice, consultation, and representation on matters assigned to the Legal Section. Responsibilities include assisting with expropriation matters, advising the DOTD Real Estate Section regarding property acquisition, and providing legal assistance related to litigation, competitive bids, bid protests, construction and highway contract claims, project specifications, and Local Public Agency (LPA) projects. The position also provides legal counsel to DOTD officials and engineers regarding contracts, legislation, administrative regulations, and other legal matters as directed by the General Counsel.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney interested in developing specialized legal experience in property, expropriation, construction, and public-sector law while supporting the development and delivery of transportation infrastructure throughout Louisiana. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Louisiana.

Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more information about our agency: https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-management-and-finance/human-resources/career-center/

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.

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

Job Duties

• Provides consultation and representation for the DOTD on all matters which are assigned to the Legal Section. The incumbent is responsible for the oversight of cases for the Department involving expropriation law.
• Provides legal assistance regarding litigation, litigation tactics and strategy, with knowledge and skill in applying Louisiana Revised Statutes, particularly Title 38 and Title 48, pertaining to this area of law.
• Provides professional legal work in advising the DOTD Real Estate Section in connection with its acquisition of property for DOTD.
• Designated recipient of competitive bid, bid protest, construction and highway contract claim, project specifications, and LPA project Opinion Requests and is responsible for evaluating information submitted by contractors as needed to assist the Office of Engineering in making a determination.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to department officials and engineers as required and directed by the General counsel; includes legal research, opinions, contract drafting and review, legislation and administrative regulations.
• Provides consultation and representation for the department on matters referred to the General Counsel. Consults with section heads of the department and other section officials and also consults with the representatives of other departments and officials of parish and municipal governments and public organizations for the purpose of giving and obtaining assistance, information, cooperation, understanding and the modernization of laws and procedures as they apply to the department.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment or Detail to Special Duty

Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Attorney 1, 2 or 3. The level at which the vacancy is filled will be determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected.

Compensation

**Special Entrance Rate (SER)**
Attorney 1 - $2,426.40/biweekly
Attorney 2 - $2,596.00/biweekly
Attorney 3 - $2,920.80/biweekly

**Progressive Premium Pay for hours actually worked**
0 months to less than 2 years - $1.00/hour
2 years to less than 4 years - $1.50/hour
4 years or greater - $2.00/hour

Contact Information

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Melissa Willard

Administrative Program Specialist – Legal

225-242-4667

[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities. DOTD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or pregnancy, and prohibits harassment of any type.

Information on the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available: Louisiana Rehabilitation Services - Vocational Rehabilitation - Louisiana Works