Attorney 1-3 (Construction Unit)

Closing Date: 17th March, 2026

Description:

Join the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Legal Section as an Attorney supporting critical legal matters that directly impact the development and maintenance of Louisiana's transportation infrastructure.

This position provides legal counsel and representation to DOTD on matters related to property acquisition, expropriation, public bid law, and construction contracts. The work handled by this role often involves complex legal issues, significant public investments, and matters essential to the operation of a statewide transportation system.

The selected candidate will collaborate closely with DOTD engineers, program managers, and leadership to provide legal guidance that ensures compliance with Louisiana law, Civil Service rules, and DOTD policies.

We are seeking candidates who can manage complex legal matters while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and sound legal judgment. Successful candidates are able to interpret statutes and regulations, analyze legal risk, and communicate legal guidance clearly to non-legal professionals.

This role requires the ability to work independently while coordinating with DOTD leadership, engineers, and external stakeholders.
Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more information about our agency:

• https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-management-and-finance/human-resources/career-center/

Minimum Qualifications:
Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.

Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties:
As an Attorney in the DOTD Legal Section, you may:

• Provide legal advice and representation to DOTD regarding property acquisition, expropriation law, and public bid requirements
• Review and analyze matters related to construction contracts, bid protests, and public works projects
• Assist the DOTD Real Estate Section in ensuring legal compliance when acquiring property for transportation projects
• Evaluate legal documentation including appraisals, title documents, and negotiation summaries related to property acquisition
• Advise DOTD engineering personnel regarding competitive bids, contract claims, and construction project issues
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions, memoranda, and legal documents
• Communicate with contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding legal matters affecting DOTD projects
• Maintain documentation related to legal determinations and contract matters
• Represent DOTD in legal proceedings, including district and appellate court matters when necessary
• Provide general legal counsel to DOTD officials and program areas on matters related to laws, regulations, and administrative requirements

Position-Specific Details:

• Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Attorney 1, Attorney 2, or Attorney 3 depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
• Appointment Type: This position may be filled as either a probational appointment (open to all qualified applicants); a promotion (open to all statewide classified and Agency-wide permanent status employees); or by detail to special duty.
• Compensation: Additional compensation may be considered for applicants who possess extraordinary job-related qualifications or credentials in accordance with State Civil Service Rule 6.5(g) and DOTD policy. Any such consideration is subject to approval and applicable pay limitations.

How to Apply:
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 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.

Information to support your eligibility for this job title 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 on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy contact:
Melissa Willard
Administrative Program Specialist – Legal
225-242-4667
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities. DOTD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or pregnancy, and prohibits harassment of any type.

Information on the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available: https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_rehabilitation.asp

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