OAG - Law Enforcement Defense | Assistant Attorney General I | 25-0588

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Law Enforcement Defense Division’s (LEDD) diverse docket consists of highly complex and high-profile cases, with a heavy emphasis on constitutional law, including civil rights, employment litigation, tort litigation, religious liberties, and class actions. LEDD defends the state’s law enforcement agencies and their officials in civil proceedings in both federal and state court. LEDD has a robust litigation practice that includes motion and discovery practice, frequent courtroom appearances, jury trials and, in many cases, matters at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and state courts of appeals. LEDD is seeking a licensed attorney who demonstrates excellent legal research, writing, and advocacy skills. If you are seeking the opportunity to become a true trial lawyer in a fast-paced and supportive litigation environment, we encourage to you apply. 

The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas.  As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law.  OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.  Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) experience the challenge and honor of public service while enjoying a healthy work-life balance; hands-on legal experience; and engaging camaraderie in Austin, the scenic and lively capital of Texas.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

•    Represents state law enforcement agencies, officials, and employees in defense of lawsuits involving but not limited to: civil rights, employment law, torts, constitutional law, religious liberties, and class actions in both state and federal court
•    Handles all aspects of litigation, including: legal research and memoranda, witness preparation, client communications, case briefings, written discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, dispositive motions (e.g., motions for summary judgment), hearings, mediations, trials (throughout Texas in both state and federal court as lead counsel and/or co-counsel), post-trial debriefings 
•    Provides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environment
•    Prepares and tries cases in state and federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees
•    Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to client state agencies and law enforcement entities
•    Performs related work as assigned
•    Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions
•    Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule
•    Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information
•    Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity
•    Manages a docket of moderately complex level cases 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•    Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
•    Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas
•    Must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date
•    Knowledge of relevant law and legal principles and practices 
•    Excellent organization/administrative skills, including a strong, consistent attention to detail and organized work style
•    Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
•    Skill in effective oral and written communication (Note: Writing sample may be required for selected interviewees.)
•    Skill in conducting legal research
•    Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
•    Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
•    Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment
•    Ability to provide excellent customer service
•    Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
•    Ability to work in person at assigned OAG work location, perform all assigned tasks at designated OAG workspace within OAG work location, and perform in-person work with coworkers (e.g., collaborating, training, mentoring) for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave)
•    Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.
•    Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
•    Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 25% 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Experience: One year of full-time experience working as a licensed attorney practicing in civil litigation
•    Courtroom experience in state and/or federal court (e.g., arguing motions, trial)
•    Exceptional academic credentials 
•    Law Review and/or post-graduation judicial clerkship
•    Law school mock trial experience 

TO APPLY  To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Your application for this position may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to the Texas Government Code. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at  https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER