Attorney 4 (Property Unit)

Louisiana Department Of Transportation and Development; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) seeks an experienced attorney to serve as senior counsel for Property Litigation and Construction Units. The role involves handling complex matters including property acquisition for transportation projects, expropriation, construction litigation, utility relocations, and related infrastructure issues across Louisiana.

The attorney will manage complex litigation, serve as first-chair trial counsel, advise DOTD leadership, and

Qualifications

• Must hold a current Louisiana license to practice law.
• Minimum of three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Experience in property & construction litigation or expropriation/eminent domain is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior counsel and first-chair trial attorney for property, construction, public works, expropriation, and inverse condemnation cases.
• Develop litigation strategy and represent DOTD in District and Appellate Courts across Louisiana.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and train attorneys on Property and Construction matters.
• Advise Office of Real Estate on property acquisitions, appraisals, and related disputes.
• Advise DOTD Utility and Permit personnel on reimbursements and relocations.
• Provide counsel to programs in Public Works, Intermodal Transportation, Aviation, and water resources.
• Coordinate with agencies, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders on complex legal matters.
• Draft and review proposed legislation and assess legislative impact on DOTD programs.

Education

Louisiana license to practice law

Job description

About This Job

Attorney 4 - Property & Construction Litigation

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Legal Section is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as senior counsel supporting the Property Litigation and Construction Units. This position handles complex legal matters involving the acquisition of property for transportation projects, expropriation and eminent domain, construction and public works litigation, utility relocations, and other legal issues affecting DOTD's statewide transportation programs.

The selected candidate will independently manage complex litigation, serve as first-chair trial counsel, advise DOTD leadership and program offices on specialized legal matters, and work closely with the Office of Real Estate, Office of Engineering, Utility and Permit personnel, outside counsel, governmental entities, and other stakeholders. The position also provides legal counsel to DOTD programs involving public works, intermodal transportation, aviation, water resources, and related infrastructure matters.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced attorney interested in sophisticated litigation and public-sector legal work with a direct impact on the development and delivery of transportation infrastructure throughout Louisiana.

https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-management-and-finance/human-resources/career-center/

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law plus three years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Job Specification

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

Job Duties

• Serve as senior counsel and first-chair trial attorney representing DOTD in complex property, construction, public works, expropriation, and inverse condemnation litigation.
• Develop litigation strategy, analyze complex legal matters, and represent DOTD in District and Appellate Courts throughout Louisiana.
• Coordinate litigation handled by outside counsel and provide guidance and training to attorneys assigned to Property and Construction matters.
• Advise the Office of Real Estate on property acquisition, appraisals, title documents, expropriation requirements, encroachments, evictions, and boundary disputes.
• Evaluate compensable property interest matters involving utility relocations and advise DOTD Utility and Permit personnel regarding reimbursement eligibility and related agreements.
• Provide legal counsel to DOTD programs involving Public Works, Intermodal Transportation, Aviation, water resources, flood control, ports, waterways, and other infrastructure-related programs.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies, attorneys, engineers, contractors, consultants, appraisers, and other stakeholders on complex legal and transportation matters.
• Assist with drafting and reviewing proposed legislation and evaluating the potential impact of legislation on DOTD programs.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type

This position may be filled by probational appointment, promotion, or detail to special duty in accordance with applicable State Civil Service rules.

Compensation

The Special Entrance Rate (SER) for this position is $3,125.60 biweekly.

Additional compensation may be considered for applicants who possess extraordinary job-related qualifications or credentials in accordance with State Civil Service Rule 6.5(g) and DOTD policy. Any additional compensation is subject to approval, verification, and applicable pay limitations.

Contact Information

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Melissa Willard

Administrative Program Specialist - Legal

225-242-4667

[e-mail]

The 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:

https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_rehabilitation.asp

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.