Job Details
****PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION*****
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Performs entry-level to moderately complex (journey-level) legal work for the Office of the Attorney General s Criminal Appeals Division. Work involves planning, coordinating, and monitoring legal activities; providing legal advice, counsel, and assistance; representing the State s interest in civil and criminal matters; reviewing, evaluating, and rendering legal opinions; and drafting bills for legislative consideration.
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 ( 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
Assistant Attorney General I:
- Researches and writes appellate briefs, federal district court answers, motions, petitions, and other legal documents in relation to habeas cases in the Criminal Appeals Division.
- Analyzes complex factual and legal issues.
- Represents Office of the Attorney General before state and federal district and appellate courts
- Participates in evidentiary hearings/presenting oral arguments in state and federal court.
- Provides legal advice to client agencies, local district attorneys and/or law enforcement entities.
- Works in conjunction with fellow attorneys within the Criminal Appeals division and other appellate attorneys in the agency.
- 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
Assistant Attorney General II: all of the above functions for Assistant Attorney General I, PLUS;
- May train less tenured staff.
Assistant Attorney General III: all of the above functions for Assistant Attorney General II, PLUS;
- Mentors and reviews work by less tenured staff.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Attorney General I:
- Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate
- Licensed to practice by the Texas State Bar.
- Member in good standing with the Texas State Bar.
- Knowledge of Federal habeas practices and procedures.
- Skill in effective oral and written communication
- 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 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 arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
- Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
- Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.
- Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 15%
Assistant Attorney General II: All the above qualifications for an Assistant Attorney General I, PLUS:
- Experience: One year of full-time experience as an appellate lawyer
Assistant Attorney General III: All the above qualifications for an Assistant Attorney General II, PLUS:
- Experience: One additional year of full-time experience as an appellate lawyer
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience: First or second chair experience handling complex federal habeas evidentiary hearings or state or federal trial experience.
- Willingness to work on non-capital and capital cases.
- Experience and or demonstrated willingness to mentor/train less experienced attorneys.
- Certifications: Member in good standing with United States Supreme Court