What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal 1/2 position at DPS-Office of Management & Finance?
Depends on Qualifications
Baton Rouge, LA
Classified
418-228161-JAS
DPS-Office of Management & Finance
11/04/2026
11/9/2026 11:59 PM Central
About this Job
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.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties and Other Information
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 maintaining 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:
How To Apply:
- 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:
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/
Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx
Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
- Mardi Gras,
- Good Friday,
- Memorial Day,
- Independence Day,
- Labor Day,
- Veteran's Day,
- Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement – State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):
- Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
- Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
- Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others