Attorney 1-3 (Property Unit)

State of Louisiana•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.

Nice To Haves

Experience in property acquisition and expropriation.
Experience in public bidding and construction contracts.
Experience with litigation, competitive bids, bid protests, construction and highway contract claims, project specifications, and Local Public Agency (LPA) projects.
Experience providing legal counsel to officials and engineers regarding contracts, legislation, and administrative regulations.

Responsibilities

Provides consultation and representation for the DOTD on all matters which are assigned to the Legal Section.
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.