Paralegal 1-2

State of Louisiana•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Legal Section is hiring a Paralegal to support its General Law Unit, primarily by administering public records requests. The position coordinates the collection, review, redaction, organization, and production of records maintained throughout DOTD, helping ensure responses are timely and comply with applicable laws and statutory deadlines. The incumbent works with attorneys and employees across the Department, communicates with requestors, researches and locates responsive records, assists with digitizing historical records, and provides legal research and litigation support as needed. The position may be filled at the Paralegal 1 or Paralegal 2 level, based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. Duties described for Paralegal 2 represent the responsibilities expected at the end of the training series. The position may also involve special assignments and emergency or disaster support activities. It is eligible for $2.00 per hour in premium pay for hours actually worked.

Requirements

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.
Applicants must include relevant, detailed education and experience information in the application; resumes are not accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections.
Disbarred attorneys and attorneys who have permanently resigned from law practice in lieu of discipline may not be hired in a position connected with the practice of law. Restrictions also apply to suspended attorneys and attorneys transferred to disability inactive status during suspension, as specified in the job posting.

Responsibilities

Process public records requests by identifying, gathering, reviewing, organizing, and producing responsive records in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and statutory deadlines.
Communicate with public records requestors and coordinate with DOTD attorneys, employees, contractors, and other sources to locate responsive information and records.
Review records to identify, segregate, and redact information exempt from disclosure before release.
Research and retrieve records maintained in DOTD information systems, including electronic records and historical records stored on microfilm.
Organize and coordinate production of large-volume records requests and prepare invoices for copies of requested records.
Assist with digitizing historical DOTD records, including scanning, reviewing, and indexing them according to approved recordkeeping and retention procedures.
Provide litigation support to attorneys, including legal and factual research, drafting legal documents, assisting with discovery, organizing exhibits, and preparing materials for depositions, hearings, trials, and appeals.
Conduct legal research using Westlaw and other legal research tools to locate statutes, case law, legal authorities, and other information supporting the Legal Section.
Perform special assignments and other duties as necessary, including emergency and disaster support activities.