Administration
Legal Affairs
Legal Services
The Legal Affairs Section provides analysis, advice and counsel to the Sheriff and all Sheriff’s Office personnel on a wide range of legal issues arising from all operations conducted by the various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. Day-to-day duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- advises the Sheriff and members of the Command Staff regarding the legal implications of all major decisions, strategies and transactions;
- prepares or reviews and approves all contracts and agreements between the Sheriff and other parties;
- reviews, evaluates and assists with responding to public records requests, subpoenas, discovery requests and court orders;
- assists the Sheriff and Command Staff in the formulation of policy on given matters;
- monitors and reviews legal aspects of Sheriff’s Office policies and operations;
- provides legal advice and counsel to employees at all levels within the Sheriff’s Office relative to the operations of the various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office; and
- performs legal research and provides general legal advice as needed.
Legal Affairs serves each of the divisions of the Sheriff’s Office, including Enforcement, Corrections, Administrative Services, Special Services, Support Services, Public Affairs and Internal Affairs.
Claims and Litigation Management
The Chief Legal Counsel oversees the handling of all personal injury and property damage claims asserted against the Sheriff and manages all litigation in which the Sheriff or the Sheriff’s Office is a party or has an interest. This includes appointing and supervising outside litigation counsel, as well as assisting with investigating claims, responding to discovery and preparing for trial.
Risk Management
Legal Affairs manages legal risk, oversees compliance, and offers preventive advice to the Sheriff and his Command Staff. Moreover, the Chief Legal Counsel serves as Risk Manager for the entire Sheriff’s Office and in that capacity, consults with Sheriff’s Office personnel, insurance brokers and insurance carriers to analyze risk and develop strategies and programs to help reduce accidents and injuries inherent in public safety, law enforcement and corrections.
Insurance and Benefits
Legal Affairs oversees the insurance and employee benefits programs of the Sheriff’s Office. The Chief Legal Counsel works very closely with the insurance brokers for the Sheriff’s Office in negotiating and procuring property and casualty insurance for the Sheriff’s Office and insurance benefits for its employees. The liability insurance policies for the Sheriff’s Office include policies that provide coverage for commercial general liability, automobile liability, professional liability and workers compensation and employers’ liability. Employee insurance benefits include medical, dental, life and supplemental insurance programs.
Organizational Structure
Chief Legal Counsel
Jason B. Boudreaux
Assistant Legal Counsel
James N. Prather, Jr.
Employee Benefits Coordinator
Leslie Serio
Paralegal
Brandy Landry