At the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Public Safety Services (PSS), Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.
We’re looking for paralegals to join our legal division — a proactive, people-focused team working to attract and support the talent that drives our mission forward. The paralegal will perform a variety of legal tasks for attorneys/legal advisors in the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Public Safety Services, Office of Legal Affairs.
If you're passionate about public service and eager to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to consider this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from candidates who share our values and commitment to the communities we serve.
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. NOTE: Disbarred attorneys and those who have permanently resigned from the practice of law in lieu of discipline may not be hired in any position in connection with the practice of law. Suspended attorneys or an attorney transferred to disability inactive status during the period of suspension may not be hired in any position in connection with the practice of law unless such hiring is first preceded by the submission of a fully executed registration statement to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, on a registration form provided by the Louisiana Disciplinary Board and approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court. See Rule 5.5(e)(1) of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct; In Re Davenport, 2021-01371 (La. 11/3/21) and 326 So.3d 882; In re Sharp, 2012- 2463 (La. 1/11/13), 106 So.3d 105. The hiring agency is responsible for conducting the necessary background checks prior to appointment.
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here . Job Duties:
-This position provides paralegal assistance to a team of attorneys in OLA, which is managed by an Assistant Secretary, General Counsel, three (3) Deputy General Counsels, one (1) Attorney Supervisor, and currently (7) seven attorneys.
-Conducts legal research on a wide variety of issues and levels using Westlaw, law library, and other legal resources and materials. Communicates verbally by making and receiving phones calls, and in writing via email and formal correspondence, in a professional manner with the public, the judiciary, law enforcement officers, legal professionals and members of Public Safety Services. Assist with accepting services of legal citations and subpoenas for the agency and employees and distributes them properly.
-Works as a second line assistant for composing briefs, memoranda, and other legal correspondence. Assist with drafting pleadings and setting up interviews with potential witnesses and gathering vital information needed in the preparation for hearings and or trials.
-Assist with m aintaining files and reference manuals/materials; ensures confidentiality of information, as necessary. Responsible for communicating with the legal staff about the receipt of documents in the office, and may need to deliver and pick up various material if needed
-Responsible for maintaining the organization of the OLA’s legal library.
-Assist with the creating and maintaining electronic files in the OLA database and assist with the retention and destruction of paper files in the OLA file room.
Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, And/Or Job Appointment
Career Progression: This position does participate in a Career Progression Group.
Work Schedule: Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.
Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
How To Apply:
To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link 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 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.
Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy contact:
Joel Sunsin
DPS/Human Resources/Human Resources Analyst B
7979 Independence Blvd., Suite 201
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
225-925-6068
DPSEmployeeAdministration@La.Gov