Attorney 4

State of Louisiana•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

At State Civil Service, we are committed to providing innovative, merit-based workforce solutions that support a strong and effective state government. Our work is guided by our core values of Integrity, Customer Commitment, Innovation, and Accountability. We are seeking an experienced attorney to join our Appeals Division as an Attorney 4. In this role, you will handle complex legal matters and independently hear and decide appeals involving disciplinary actions, removals, alleged violations of Article X of the Louisiana Constitution, and certain discrimination claims. This position conducts formal hearings, evaluates evidence, and issues decisions to uphold, reverse, or modify agency actions, including the authority to assess costs and attorney’s fees. The role requires strong legal judgment and the ability to work independently on sensitive, high-impact cases.

Requirements

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law plus three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana for at least three years prior to appointment.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling complex legal matters and independently hearing and deciding appeals involving disciplinary actions, removals, alleged violations of Article X of the Louisiana Constitution, and certain discrimination claims.
Ability to conduct formal hearings, evaluate evidence, and issue decisions to uphold, reverse, or modify agency actions, including the authority to assess costs and attorney’s fees.
Strong legal judgment and the ability to work independently on sensitive, high-impact cases.
Experience in a leadership role guiding or supervising lower-level attorneys or legal staff.
Experience as regional or district counsel, providing legal direction and support to program offices and influencing operational decisions.

Responsibilities

Represents the agency in complex, high-profile litigation before trial and appellate courts and administrative tribunals.
Handles legal matters involving a combination of regulatory, scientific, technical, and legal issues.
Provides legal advice to agency leadership on complex, high-impact issues affecting programs and operations.
Prepares, reviews, and negotiates contracts, requests for proposals, and other legal documents; may assist in drafting and reviewing legislation.
May serve in a leadership role by guiding or supervising lower-level attorneys or legal staff.
May serve as regional or district counsel, providing legal direction and support to program offices and influencing operational decisions.
Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and judicial decisions.
Conducts formal, adversarial evidentiary hearings involving complex legal issues and constitutionally protected rights.
Manages all aspects of the hearing process, including administering oaths, examining and cross-examining witnesses, ruling on evidence and procedural matters, and maintaining proper decorum.
Evaluates testimonial and documentary evidence, assesses witness credibility, and determines findings of fact.
Applies relevant law to the facts and issues independent, written decisions, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, and final judgments.
Ensures decisions are supported by a complete and accurate record of proceedings, including properly documented evidence and testimony.
Manages case flow and hearing logistics, including reviewing case files, determining scope of hearings, scheduling proceedings, and ruling on subpoenas, continuances, and other pre-hearing matters.
Determines when matters may be resolved without a full hearing and establishes appropriate limitations on hearing scope when necessary.
Maintains ongoing knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and judicial decisions to support fair and legally sound rulings.