GENERAL DESCRIPTION

• The General Litigation Division (GLD) litigates a variety of cases as both plaintiff’s and defense counsel, with a heavy emphasis on constitutional and civil rights litigation, employment litigation, commercial 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 employment and civil rights claims to complex institutional reform litigation, class actions, commercial disputes, and public policy litigation. GLD provides a dynamic, varied docket with ample opportunity for attorneys to develop the full spectrum of litigation skills. AAGs also assist 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 FUNCTIONS

• Assistant Attorney General II:
  • Represents 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 court
  • Represents the State’s interests in many other proceedings not handled by the other civil litigation divisions, including lawsuits brought on behalf of the State and its agencies and officers to vindicate Texas’s sovereign and legal rights
  • Conducts investigations, performs legal research, and prepares complex motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents
  • Provides 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 courts
  • Provides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environment
  • 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
• Assistant Attorney General III: All of the functions above PLUS:
  • Prepares and tries cases in state and federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Assistant Attorney General II:
  • Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; experience in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis: Civil Litigation
  • Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D.
  • Experience: One year of experience working in the following (closely related) as a licensed attorney: Civil Litigation
  • Knowledge of laws and legal principles and practices relevant to the General Litigation Division
  • Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
  • 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 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 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 5%
• Assistant Attorney General III: All of the qualifications above PLUS:
  • Experience: One additional year of experience working in the following (closely related) as a licensed attorney: Civil Litigation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
• Experience: 2 years of experience working in the following (closely related) as a licensed attorney: Civil Litigation
• Knowledge: Laws and procedures of the General Litigation division
• Experience: State and federal court trial experience
• Other Language: Ability to proficiently read, write, and speak English

TO APPLY
To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through either CAPPS Recruit or Work in Texas. 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