Description:

The Office of the Attorney General's Tax Litigation Division seeks attorneys to defend the State of Texas in tax and employment related cases at all stages of litigation in Texas courts. The attorney filling this position will build on their litigation skills in a teamwork environment and have the opportunity to appear and argue in courts across the state.

The Tax Litigation Division defends the State when it is sued by plaintiffs challenging their tax liabilities, unemployment benefits decisions, and wage claim decisions. The Division represents the Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Texas Workforce Commission as its clients in these cases.

Suits against the Comptroller often have millions of dollars at issue with large, well-known companies on the other side. 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 court appearances.

The Division's cases generally involve discovery into a plaintiff's business practices to determine whether their business model fits into the tax exemption that they seek. Math is almost never involved, and tax experience is not required, nor preferred.

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 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

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
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

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) IV:

Education: Graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Experience: Three-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 10%

Assistant Attorney General V: All of the above qualifications for an AAG IV, plus:

Experience: One additional year of full-time experience working 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