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 a licensed attorney to handle litigation in defense of our state's law enforcement agencies and their officials and employees.

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

Represents 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 court
Handles 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 debriefings
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
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
Manages a docket of moderately complex level cases
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) IV: all the above functions for an AAG III. Plus: Manages a docket of complex level cases Assistant Attorney General

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

Assistant Attorney General III:
Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Experience: Two years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working civil litigation
Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
Knowledge of relevant law and legal principles and practices
Excellent organization/administrative skills, including a strong, consistent attention to detail and organized work style
Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
Skill in effective oral and written communication (Note: Writing sample may be required for selected interviewees.)
Skill in conducting legal research
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 more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
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 lift and relocate 30 lbs.
Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 25%
Assistant Attorney General IV – All of the above qualifications for an AAG III. Plus:
Experience: One additional year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working civil litigation

Preferred Qualifications:

Four years as a licensed attorney practicing in civil litigation
Experience in civil litigation in both federal and state courts
Courtroom experience in state and/or federal court (e.g., arguing motions, trial)
Exceptional academic credentials