Research Attorney

Closing Date: 16th February, 2027

Description:

Job Description:
The Research Attorney serves as an advanced legal researcher and policy analyst within Louisiana Sea Grant's Law & Policy Program, leading and contributing to research initiatives focused on coastal zone management, ocean and coastal policy, coastal restoration and protection, fisheries, and natural resource issues affecting Louisiana and the Gulf region. The position designs, conducts, analyzes, and disseminates original legal and policy research; develops research concepts and contributes to externally funded projects through proposal development and grant activity; and collaborates with interdisciplinary partners to advance Sea Grant's research, outreach, and extension priorities. The position translates complex legal and policy research for academic, governmental, professional, and community audiences and provides guidance and mentorship to law student research assistants.

Job Responsibilities:
Research & Legal Policy Analysis - Design, lead, and conduct advanced legal and policy research addressing coastal zone management, ocean and coastal policy, coastal restoration and protection, environmental and fisheries law, and natural resource conflicts affecting Louisiana and the Gulf region. Develop research concepts and methodologies; analyze complex legal, regulatory, and policy issues; interpret findings; and prepare original research for dissemination through scholarly and professional publications, reports, presentations, and other appropriate media. Identify research needs and emerging legal and policy issues relevant to Louisiana Sea Grant's mission and strategic priorities. (40%)

Grant & Research Development - Identify and pursue external funding opportunities supporting coastal law and policy research and related Louisiana Sea Grant initiatives. Develop and contribute to grant proposals, including research concepts, project scope, methodology, deliverables, and collaborative partnerships. Participate in funded research projects and, as appropriate, serve as principal investigator or in other research roles; coordinate assigned research activities and deliverables associated with funded projects. (20%)

Research Dissemination & Professional Engagement - Translate and disseminate legal and policy research for academic, governmental, professional, and public audiences. Serve as editor of the Louisiana Coastal Law Newsletter and develop research-based publications and other educational materials. Represent Louisiana Sea Grant's Law & Policy Program on relevant state, regional, and national committees, task forces, working groups, conferences, and professional forums, including state agency task forces as requested. (15%)

Outreach, Extension & Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Support Louisiana Sea Grant's strategic research, outreach, and extension priorities by applying legal and policy research to coastal resilience, hazard response, adaptation planning, and related initiatives. Collaborate with Sea Grant faculty and staff, researchers, governmental agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders on interdisciplinary projects. Organize and lead research-informed workshops and outreach activities in coastal communities and represent Louisiana Sea Grant at regional and national meetings related to coastal resilience and policy. (15%)

Student Research Mentorship & Project Coordination - Provide guidance and mentorship to law student research assistants supporting Law & Policy Program projects. Coordinate assigned student research activities, establish project expectations and deliverables, monitor progress, review research work products, and provide substantive guidance on legal research methods and analysis. Perform other related duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate and 3 years of related professional experience in legal research, legal analysis, policy research, or a related area. Demonstrated experience conducting legal research and analysis and communicating complex legal or policy issues through professional or scholarly writing. Proven research, analytical, written, and oral communication skills and ability to work effectively with academic, governmental, professional, and community audiences.

Current membership in good standing with the bar of a U.S. jurisdiction. Valid driver's license and ability to operate a state vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to above: Experience conducting research and writing in coastal, ocean, environmental, fisheries, natural resources, or related law and policy areas. Experience developing grant proposals, participating in externally funded research, publishing original legal or policy research, and translating research findings for outreach or extension audiences. Louisiana Bar membership.

Additional Job Description:
Special Instructions:
Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact James Wilkins at jwilkins@lsu.edu.

Skills needed:
Preferred Skills:

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