Paralegal 1-2 (Property Unit)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is seeking a Paralegal 1-2 to support the Property Litigation Unit involved in acquiring rights of way, expropriation, encroachments, and inverse condemnation cases. This role assists the Attorney 3 by organizing files and preparing exhibits for trial.

Responsibilities include drafting legal documents, conducting research, processing public records payments, coordinating document production, ensuring training compliance, and

Qualifications

• Completion of an ABA-approved Paralegal or Legal Assistant program, or equivalent college/university education.
• Possession of a CP certification or Juris Doctorate.
• Disbarred attorneys or those resigned in lieu of discipline may not be hired.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and support Property Litigation Unit cases by drafting petitions and discovery responses, organizing files, and preparing trial notebooks.
• Conduct legal research and manage access to court records, Westlaw, and other legal software; provide access coordination and training.
• Process payments for Public Records Requests and Damage Claims, reconcile reports, and follow financial controls.
• Coordinate document production for litigation matters, identify responsive records, manage duplication, and ensure timely delivery.
• Gather, compile, and produce records in response to Public Records Requests in accordance with laws and agency procedures.
• Monitor and report employee training compliance (e.g., Compliance Program, EEO, Ethics, Safety, LaGov, and DOTD training).
• Serve as Safety Coordinator, including monthly meetings, inspections, and hazard identification.
• Perform miscellaneous duties and special projects in support of legal operations.

Skills

Legal research

Document preparation

Litigation support

Education

ABA-approved Paralegal/Legal Assistant program

Certified Paralegal (CP) certification

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Westlaw

Legal software

Job description

47/50696306/Par1-2/09.22.2026-SC (Paralegal 1-2)
Section 47 - Legal
Paralegal 1-2

At DOTD, our mission is to innovatively develop and sustain safe and reliable infrastructure comprising highways, multimodal transportation assets, micro-mobility systems, and public works. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity

About this Job:

The Property Litigation Unit of the Legal Section assists the Real Estate Section in acquiring rights of way needed for highway projects, through expropriation. This Unit also handles encroachments, inverse condemnation lawsuits and other property disputes. The Paralegal 2's role is to provide assistance to the Attorney 3 by organizing files, making exhibits, assisting in trial preparation and at trial, in order that property cases may be brought to resolution.

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/

Qualifications:

• Completion of an approved Paralegal or Legal Assistant program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), or at an accredited college or university; OR
• Possession of a Certified Paralegal (CP) certification issued by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.; OR
• A Juris Doctorate.

NOTE: Disbarred attorneys and those who have permanently resigned from the practice of law in lieu of discipline may not be hired in any position in connection with the practice of law. Suspended attorneys or an attorney transferred to disability inactive status during the period of suspension may not be hired in any position in connection with the practice of law unless such hiring is first preceded by the submission of a fully executed registration statement to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, on a registration form provided by the Louisiana Disciplinary Board and approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court. See Rule 5.5(e)(1) of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct; In Re Davenport, 2021-01371 (La. 11/3/21) and 326 So.3d 882; In re Sharp, 2012- 2463 (La. 1/11/13), 106 So.3d 105. The hiring agency is responsible for conducting the necessary background checks prior to appointment.

Job Duties:

• Prepare and support Property Litigation Unit cases by drafting legal documents (including petitions and discovery responses), organizing litigation files, and preparing trial notebooks and exhibits.

• Conduct legal research and manage access to legal resources, including court records, Westlaw products, and other legal software; provide access coordination and basic training as needed.

• Serve as Payment Processor for Public Records Requests and Damage Claims, including processing credit card payments, assisting customers, reconciling daily reports, and adhering to established financial control procedures.

• Coordinate document production for litigation matters, including identifying responsive records, managing duplication, and ensuring timely delivery.

• Gather, compile, and produce records in response to Public Records Requests in accordance with applicable laws and agency procedures.

• Monitor and report employee compliance with mandatory training requirements (e.g., Compliance Program, EEO, Ethics, Safety, LaGov, and DOTD training), and notify employees and supervisors of deficiencies or upcoming requirements.

• Serve as Safety Coordinator for assigned sections, including conducting monthly safety meetings and inspections, investigating and reporting incidents, reviewing driving records, and identifying potential workplace hazards.

• Perform miscellaneous duties and special projects in support of legal operations, including delivery of legal documents as assigned.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment or Detail to Special Duty.
Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Paralegal 1 or 2. The level at which the vacancy is filled will be determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected.
Compensation: This position is eligible for premium pay of up to $2.00 per hour worked.

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.