GENERAL DESCRIPTION

• The Transportation Division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office represents the Texas Department of Transportation throughout the State in lawsuits involving eminent domain, torts, worker’s compensation, employment discrimination, contracts, and regulatory enforcement in both state and federal courts. All attorneys in the Transportation Division have a robust litigation docket that includes motion and discovery practice, jury trials, and in some cases, matters before the appellate courts. 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. Candidates may choose a work location in either Austin or Houston.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Assistant Attorney General I:
  • Manages a docket of beginning and intermediate level cases
  • Prepares and handles lawsuits involving, but not limited to eminent domain, tort claims, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, contract claims, etc., in both State and Federal Court
  • Provides legal advice and assistance to state agencies with regard to the above actions
  • Conducts investigations, performs research, and drafts petitions, motions, pleadings, orders, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents
  • Analyzes factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery
  • Prepares cases for trial; performs all duties of lead counsel; conducts or leads administrative law hearings
  • Performs all necessary appellate work, including research, brief writing and oral argument before State and Federal Appellate Courts
  • 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 II – All of the above functions for an Assistant Attorney General I, PLUS:
  • Manages a docket of intermediate level cases
• Assistant Attorney General III – All of the above functions for an Assistant Attorney General II, PLUS:
  • Manages a docket of intermediate to advanced level cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Assistant Attorney General I:
  • Graduation for an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.)
  • Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas
  • Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
  • Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval
  • Skill in effective oral and written communication [writing sample required prior to interview, if selected]
  • Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
  • Skill in conducting effective research
  • Interest in handling eminent domain cases
  • 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.
• Assistant Attorney General II – All of the above qualifications for an Assistant Attorney General I, PLUS:
  • Experience: One year full-time experience as a licensed attorney
• Assistant Attorney General III – All of the above qualifications for an Assistant Attorney General II, PLUS:
  • Experience: One additional year full-time experience as a licensed attorney

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in civil litigation
• Knowledge of real estate valuation and appraisal
• Knowledge of land use planning
• Experience participating in remote proceedings using Zoom or other teleconference software

TO APPLY
To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. 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 https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER