Closing Date: 9th May, 2026

Description:

Description:
Please note that this job posting can be closed without notice and earlier than the closing date indicated in the posting if a suitable candidate is identified. Applicants are encouraged to submit a completed application promptly.

Job Description:
The Business Court Staff Attorney performs highly complex (senior-level) legal work for the Texas Business Court. They work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. This is an in-person position serving as the Staff Attorney for Judge Sofia Adrogué of the Eleventh Business Court Division located in Houston, TX. Salary and classification level commensurate with experience and education. 

Essential Job Functions:

Reviews Business Court records and filings to assist judges in resolving issues presented in Business Court proceedings.
Conducts electronic legal research and, when necessary, manual research. 
Analyzes statutes, judicial decisions, and other legal sources.
Assesses cases for jurisdictional issues and attending to special problems and administrative matters.
Consults with members of the Court in connection with the disposition of substantive and procedural issues, formulating recommendations to the judge, and preparing memoranda and initial drafts of proposed rulings and opinions.
Assists with review of motions and preparation of separate writings and related work, as assigned.
Assists judge in preparation for Court proceedings, including making oral presentations addressing Business Court points and attending Court proceedings. 
Reviews petitions, pleadings and motions and makes recommendations to judge as required.
Assists in processing the work of the Court, observing its rules, following its processes and procedures, and adhering to the confidentiality policy set by the Business Court. 
Performs related work as assigned.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Experience as a practicing attorney.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous court experience.
Experience on a law review, law journal, or other publication.
Trial, moot court and/or mock trial experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of general legal principles.
Knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, Uniform System of Citation, and Texas Rules of Form. 
Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve legal and procedural issues and to present findings and conclusions, both orally and in writing. 
Excellent legal-research skills, including a proficiency in computer research and cite checking. 
Excellent legal writing, editing, and proofing skills.
Word processing skills.
Ability to prepare, plan, and organize work, and to communicate clearly and effectively.

Employment Conditions:

Regular attendance required.
Travel may be required.  
Sit for long periods of time.  
Requires some lifting, up to 20 pounds.  
Requires operation of a motor vehicle to conduct agency business. 
Adhere to the Court's policies and procedures.
Valid Texas driver's license required to operate a motor vehicle to conduct agency business.

Note: The following Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) codes are generally applicable to this position: Army - 27A Army Judge Advocate General's Corps Attorney; Navy - 250X SC - Judge Advocate General Corps; Coast Guard - LGL10 Legal; Marine Corps - 4402 Judge Advocate; Air Force - 51JX Judge Advocate; Space Force - No military equivalent. Applicants must fully complete the summary of military experience applicable to the position to determine if minimum qualifications are met. However, additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

To Apply: Applications must be complete, including start and end dates of work experiences. Following a screening of applications, interviews of qualified applicants who have submitted a completed state application will be scheduled. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection.