Attorney 4

Office of the Secretary – Office of Legal Services

The Office of the Secretary serves as the department's executive management office. The Secretary is the chief officer of the Department of Conservation and Energy (DCE), in charge of its policy, administration, and operations. The Office of the Secretary is comprised of the Office of Management and Finance, Internal Auditor, Legal, Public Information Office, Technology Assessment, and the State Energy Office.

The Legal Division provides various legal services to all areas within DCE. They review contracts and other documents which could have liability implications for DCE or the state. Additionally, the Legal Division coordinates public records requests for the Department.

LOCATION AND POSITION INFORMATION:

The Attorney 4 serves as a senior-level attorney within the Office of Legal Services, providing advanced legal counsel and representation on complex and sensitive matters impacting the Department and the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District (CAGCD). 

The incumbent independently manages a diverse legal portfolio, advises leadership on statutory and regulatory compliance, and assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures that support the agency’s mission. Work is performed with substantial independence and requires strong judgment, analytical ability, and understanding of applicable state and federal laws.

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law plus three years of experience as a practicing attorney.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties: 

This Attorney 4 position is located in the Legal Division within the Office of the Secretary (OSEC). This position provides highly responsible legal services involving legal matters or issues which arise from the administration of programs by Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District. These services include consulting with and advising the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Conservation, the Deputy Assistant Secretary and the respective Division Administrators. Additional duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as the dedicated contact for the Department of Conservation and Energy (C&E) on legal matters related to the CAGCD.
• Provides legal advice to (C&E) management and executive leadership on statutes, rules, policies, and procedures related to CAGCD.
• Interprets and applies laws, administrative codes, and court decisions affecting groundwater conservation and resource management.
• Drafts and reviews rules, contracts, memoranda of understanding, cooperative agreements, and other legal documents for accuracy and compliance.
• Advises on policy and program implementation to ensure consistency with legal authority and risk management practices.
• Conducts advanced legal research and prepares legal opinions, briefs, and memoranda on complex or precedent-setting issues.
• Analyzes proposed legislation and administrative rules to assess potential impacts on agency and district operations.
• Represents the agency and CAGCD in administrative hearings, mediations, and judicial proceedings.
• Collaborates with internal divisions, external partners, and other government entities to address shared legal concerns.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational

Career Progression:  This position  does not participate in a Career Progression Group.

Compensation:  The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.   

This vacancy is being announced as a classified position and is open to all qualified applicants. This position requires the selected applicant to serve a minimum probationary period of twelve (12) months. A current, permanent status state employee may be required to accept a probational appointment in lieu of promotion. Additional Vacancies may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of the closing date.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

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 applications 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.

Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript to your application (PDF format Preferred). The selected candidate will be required to submit original documentation upon hire.

* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

For further information about this vacancy contact:

Human Resources

Department of Conservation and Energy

PO Box 94396

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9396

Email: _DCE-HumanResources@LA.Gov

The Department of Conservation and Energy is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment-related resources available for those with disabilities, refer to the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at http://www.laworks.net/Downloads/LRS/EmploymentResourceGuide_2018.pdf.

The Department of Conservation and Energy is a participant in the E-Verify system for identification and employment eligibility purposes.