Assistant Attorney General I -II | Law Enforcement Defense

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

*

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Law Enforcement Defense Division (LEDD) of the Office of the Attorney General represents the state’s law enforcement agencies and their officials & employees in civil proceedings in both federal and state court. All of the Assistant Attorneys General in LEDD have a robust litigation practice that includes motion and discovery practice, jury trial experience and, in many cases, matters at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and state courts of appeals. LEDD is seeking a licensed attorney ready to handle all aspects of civil litigation, gain valuable trial experience, and join a collegial team of 25+ enthusiastic litigators.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 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 courtHandles 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 debriefingsProvides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environmentProvides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to client state agencies and law enforcement entitiesPerforms 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 integrityManages a docket of moderately complex level cases

QualificationsAssistant Attorney General I:Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degreeLicensed as an attorney by the State of TexasMust 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 practicesExcellent organization/administrative skills, including a strong, consistent attention to detail and organized work styleSkill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlinesSkill in effective oral and written communication (Note: Writing sample may be required for selected interviewees.)Skill in conducting legal researchSkill 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 more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSAAbility 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 travelAbility to travel (including overnight travel) up to 25%Assistant Attorney General II – All of the above qualifications for an AAG I. Plus:Experience: One year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working civil litigationPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSTwo years as a licensed attorney practicing in civil litigationCourtroom experience in state and/or federal court (e.g., arguing motions, trial)Exceptional academic credentialsLaw Review and/or post-graduation judicial clerkshipLaw school mock trial experience