Office of the Attorney General

GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Office of the Attorney General’s Tax Litigation Division defends the Comptroller of Public Accounts and Texas Workforce Commission at all stages of litigation involving complex issues of statutory interpretation, administrative and constitutional law. Suits against the Comptroller challenge a taxpayer’s liability for state taxes, including primarily sales and franchise taxes, and often have millions of dollars at issue. TWC suits challenge employers’ unemployment tax liability as well as the agency’s decisions on unemployment benefits and wage claims, which allow the opportunity for frequent appearances in courts throughout the state. The OAG seeks qualified, self-motivated candidates to manage cases from inception to conclusion, drafting motions and discovery, appearing at hearings, trying cases, and handling appeals, as well as assisting other attorneys. The attorney filling this position may represent either client agency, or both, depending on the division’s needs and the individual’s interests, abilities, and strengths. 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 Assistant Attorney General III: Defends the Comptroller of Public Accounts in tax litigation at trial and appellate stages Defends the Texas Workforce Commission in tax, unemployment and wage claim litigation at trial and appellate stages. May include third-party discovery and lien enforcement Analyzes factual and legal issues and formulates case strategy Drafts legal documents including pleadings, briefs, and memoranda Appears and argues in hearings, trials, and appeals. Questions witnesses and presents evidence before a judge or jury Conducts discovery Negotiates settlements and resolutions Mentors and trains less-tenured attorneys and legal staff Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to the Office of the Comptroller, Texas Workforce Commission and Attorney General’s Executive Administration in tax litigation and unemployment matters Manages a docket of intermediate to advanced level class 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 IV: All of the above functions for an Assistant Attorney General III, Plus: Manages a docket of advanced to complex level cases Assistant Attorney General V: All of the above functions for an Assistant Attorney General IV, Plus: May supervise the work of others MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Assistant Attorney General III: Education: Graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree Experience: Two years full-time experience working as a licensed attorney Licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of Texas Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas Strong legal writing skills 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 25% Assistant Attorney General IV: All of the above minimum qualifications for an Assistant Attorney General III, Plus: Experience: One additional year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney Assistant Attorney General V: All of the above minimum qualification for an Assistant Attorney General IV, Plus: Experience: One additional year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience or education in tax, administrative, business, or commercial law Experience in civil litigation, including discovery, trials, and appellate litigation 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