OAG - General Litigation | Assistant Attorney Gene

General Description

The General Litigation Division (GLD) prosecutes and defends a variety of cases, with a heavy emphasis on constitutional and civil‑rights litigation, employment litigation, and matters of public concern that impact the lives of Texans every day. This position will work on matters ranging from individual civil‑rights claims to complex institutional‑reform litigation, class actions, and public‑policy litigation. GLD provides a dynamic, varied docket with ample opportunity for attorneys to continue to gain experience using the full spectrum of litigation skills. Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) also assist on larger teams handling matters of great complexity and importance to the State.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout Texas. As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits and have tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans. 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 agencies and its officials in defense of lawsuits involving, but not limited to, civil rights (U.S. and Texas Constitution, Title VII, § 1983, etc.), retaliation, employment, constitutionality of state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act, etc., in both state and federal court.
• Represents the State’s interests in many other proceedings not handled by the other civil‑litigation divisions, including lawsuits brought on behalf of the State and its agencies and officers to vindicate Texas sovereign and legal rights.
• Conducts investigations, performs legal research, and prepares complex motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Prepares and tries cases in state and federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees.
• Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to state agencies as assigned; performs analyses of complex factual and legal issues; develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery; prepares and files briefs in state and federal appellate courts.
• Provides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environment.
• Performs related work as assigned and maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions.
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed‑upon work schedule and ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; experience in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).
• Experience: Two years of full‑time experience working in civil litigation or a closely related field.
• License: Licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Knowledge of laws and legal principles and practices relevant to the General Litigation Division.
• 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 the assigned OAG work location for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave), including collaborating, training, and mentoring with coworkers.
• Ability to arrange 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 lb.
• Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 5 %.

Preferred Qualifications

• One additional year of experience as a licensed attorney.

Benefits

OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits. See the Texas Benefits‑at‑a‑Glance page for details.