PNO-930-030326-APVacancy will be filled by promotion of a current permanent classified employee of The Port of New Orleans Port Commission.
At the Port of New Orleans, our mission is to drive economic prosperity throughout our tri-parish jurisdiction: Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard. We collaborate with state and local partners to ensure that we can continue to be a vital link to the world for businesses and consumers throughout Louisiana and beyond.
The Attorney – Deputy General Counsel 1 serves as a strategic legal advisor and trusted partner to executive leadership, providing comprehensive legal guidance that safeguards the Port’s operational integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term economic mission. This role directly impacts the Port’s ability to advance maritime commerce, infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and workforce initiatives while minimizing legal risk.
The ideal candidate for Attorney – Deputy General Counsel at the Port of New Orleans is a strategic and solutions-oriented legal professional with extensive experience in maritime, public sector, procurement, contract, and regulatory law. This individual demonstrates exceptional judgment, integrity, and executive presence, with the ability to translate complex legal matters into practical guidance for senior leadership and the Board. The successful candidate possesses strong negotiation and drafting skills, experience overseeing litigation and outside counsel, and a thorough understanding of Louisiana public law, including public records, ethics, and Civil Service regulations.
If you're ready to make an impact, apply today to join the Port of New Orleans Team!
Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law plus five 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:- Work independently to assist the Board's executive and senior management teams, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel in addressing the legal needs arising from critical infrastructure and economic development projects, such as the development of the Louisiana International Terminal and other large-scale projects, including the negotiation and development of intergovernmental and/or cooperative endeavor agreements, memoranda, letters of intent, leases, real estate acquisitions and transactions, procurement matters, oversight of ongoing and potential litigation, and review and/or drafting of pertinent legislation, as appropriate;
- Prepare pleadings, briefs and other legal documents for the Board, and otherwise to represent the entity in complex and important litigation before trial, bankruptcy and appellate courts and administrative tribunals, mediation and settlement negotiations and regulatory bodies in matters such as Jones Act claims and other maritime personal injury,, bridge accidents, wharf damage and other marine casualties, worker compensation, collection and bankruptcy matters, real estate evictions, sequestrations, sheriff's sales, mandamus proceedings, and other legal matters;
- Serve as primary representative to assist, coordinate and monitor efforts of outside counsel engaged on the Board's behalf in litigation;
- Provide direct supervision to the Risk Manager and oversee all departmental functions, including the investigation, administration, and disposition of workers' compensation, Board property damage, and third-party property damage claims; provide legal support and strategic advisory for the entire claims portfolio.
- Independently advise and support the Board's Government Affairs department on legal issues relating to current and proposed legislation at federal, state and local levels, including statutory and policy analysis and review, drafting and review of prospective legislation, interacting with government and regulatory officials at federal, state and local levels, and other tasks as needed;
- Provide supplemental legal support and advice to the Board's senior management regarding organizational policies, public contracts law, public records law, open meetings law, and other complex legal questions affecting daily operations. All such efforts shall be coordinated to ensure alignment with the established authorities and workflows of the Port General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer.
- Other duties as directed. Must possess and maintain a Notarial Commission.
Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type: Promotional. Incumbent may be required to start a new probation appointment or may be required to serve a trial detail prior to being permanently promoted.
Career Progression: This position will be filled as an Attorney - Deputy General Counsel 1
Port NOLA offers competitive benefits that prioritize safety, health and wellness for our employees. Employees have access to the following benefits:
- Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Medical and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life Insurance options
- Long Term Disability Plan
- State of Louisiana LASERS state pension program
- Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) with employer match
- Paid Louisiana State Holidays; and paid Annual and Sick Leave
- Wellness Center located in the Port Administration Building
- Ship Shape Wellness Program
Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
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:
Ashanti Perkins
Port of New Orleans / Human Resources
P.O. Box 60046
New Orleans, LA 70160
504-528-3274
