Attorney 1-3

Department MISSION

DCFS is working to keep children safe, helping individuals and families become self-sufficient, and providing safe refuge during disasters.

Department VISION

We care for the well-being and safety of Louisiana's people. 

Department VALUES

Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity.

This position may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

You must include all relevant education and experience on your official State application.

Resumes cannot be submitted in lieu of completing an application.

The duties that you describe in the Work Experience section of your application will be reviewed by State Civil Service as part of the process in determining if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job.  

Your experience WILL NOT be evaluated based on the job title alone. You must describe your actual duties. If you are a current employee of the State of Louisiana it is important that you indicate in the “Duties” section for each job the specific programs that you worked in to receive credit for that experience.

List all prior employment. Work experience left off of your electronic application or only included in an attached resume will not be credited. Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Litigates routine cases in trial and appellate courts and before administrative tribunals under the supervision of a higher ranking attorney.

Assists an attorney of higher rank in preparing major or complex cases for trial by drafting pleadings, interviewing witnesses, writing legal memoranda and briefs.

Enters claims for collecting monies due the state.

Assists in preparing proposed legislation.

Drafts tentative rules and regulations and reviews rules, regulations, and bulletins prepared by administrative officers for conformity to the law.

Investigates reports of violations of statutes and administrative rules and regulations.

Prepares advisory opinions for review by a higher ranking attorney.

Prepares or reviews legal documents, including contracts, licenses, deeds, and abstracts.

Researches laws applicable to the above activities.

To conduct hearings and to render decisions.

Job Duties:
The incumbent will be responsible for representing the agency in all phases of Child Welfare proceedings, including filing of petitions to terminate parental rights, filing appeals/writs related to Child Welfare practice, and advising staff on policy and law. Regular appearances in court are a routine part of the responsibilities of this job.  Experience in domestic and civil litigation would be helpful but is not required.

Position-Specific Details:
As part of a Career Progression Group, vacancies may be filled from this recruitment as a Attorney 1, 2, or 3 depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant(s).  The maximum salary for the Attorney 3 is $118,269.  Please refer to the ‘Job Specifications’ tab located at the top of the LA Careers ‘Current Job Opportunities’ page of the Civil Service website for specific information on salary ranges, minimum qualifications and job concepts for each level.  

 To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.