General Litigation | Assistant Attorney General IV-V

PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION

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GENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe General Litigation Division (GLD) prosecutes and defends a variety of cases, with a heavy emphasis on constitutional and civil rights litigation, employment litigation, and matters of public concern that impact the lives of Texans every day. You will work on matters big and small, ranging from individual civil rights claims to complex institutional reform litigation, class actions, and public policy litigation. AAG IV-Vs independently manage a dynamic, varied docket with ample opportunity to guide clients to successful resolutions or take cases to trial as a first chair attorney. AAG IV-Vs also serve vital roles on larger teams handling matters of great complexity and importance to the State.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 FUNCTIONSRepresents state agencies and its officials in defense of lawsuits involving, but not limited to, civil rights (U.S. and Texas Constitution, Title VII, Sec. 1983 etc.), retaliation, employment, constitutionality of state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act, etc., in both state and federal courtRepresents the State’s interests in many other proceedings not handled by the other civil litigation divisions, including lawsuits brought on behalf of theState and its agencies and officers to vindicate Texas’s sovereign and legal rightsConducts investigations, performs legal research, and prepares complex motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documentsPrepares and tries cases in state and federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employeesProvides legal advice, counsel and assistance to state agencies as assigned; performs analyses of complex factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery; prepares and files briefs in state and federal appellate courtsProvides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environmentPerforms related work as assignedMaintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functionsAttends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work scheduleEnsures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected informationComplies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrityAssistant Attorney General V: Performs all of the above functions PLUS:Prepares for and performs moderately complex duties of lead counsel in subject areas.

QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSAssistant Attorney General IV:Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D.Experience: Three years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working in the following (or closely related) fields: Civil LitigationLicensed as an attorney by the State of TexasMember in good standing with the State Bar of TexasKnowledge of laws and legal principles and practices relevant to the General Litigation DivisionSkill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlinesSkill in effective oral and written communicationSkill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision makingAbility to receive and respond positively to constructive feedbackAbility to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environmentAbility to provide excellent customer serviceAbility to work in person at assigned OAG work location, perform all assigned tasks at designated OAG work space 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 travelAbility to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSAAbility to lift and relocate 30 lbs.Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 20%Assistant Attorney General V: All of the above qualifications PLUS:Experience: One additional year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working in the following (or closely related) fields: Civil LitigationPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSAssistant Attorney General IV:Exceptional academic credentialsLaw Review and/or post-graduation judicial clerkship Law Review and/or post-graduation judicial clerkshipTried at least two jury trials to a verdict in state and/or federal district court.Two years’ litigation experience in the following areas of law: civil rights, constitutional law, employment law, education law and health care law.Assistant Attorney General V: All of the above qualifications PLUS:Three years’ litigation experience in the following areas of law: civil rights, constitutional law, employment law, education law and health care law.