Office of the Attorney General

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 Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and state courts of appeals. LEDD is seeking an experienced, well-rounded civil litigator to handle litigation in defense of our state’s law enforcement agencies and their officials and employees. 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. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Conducts investigations, performs legal research, and prepares motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents Represents state law enforcement agencies, officials, and employees in defense of lawsuits involving, but not limited to, civil rights, employment, tort, and religious liberties disputes in both state and federal court Prepares and tries cases in state and federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees Provides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environment Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to client state agencies and law enforcement entities Travels throughout the state to conduct site visits, meet clients and witnesses, attend in-person court appearances and mediations, and other in-person litigation activities. 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 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) Licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of Texas Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas Knowledge of civil litigation Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines Skill in effective oral and written communication [Writing sample required prior to interview, if selected] Skill in conducting legal research Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval, including various applications as such Word, Westlaw, spreadsheets, and database software 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 40% PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS One or more years 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, submit a completed State of Texas job application through the OAG’s Job Postings Page. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. For further instructions on how to apply through the OAG’s Job Postings Page, see our How to Apply page. 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 http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf. THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER