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. Attorneys 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 to use the full spectrum of litigation skills, and AAGs also assist on larger teams handling matters of great complexity and importance to the State. This position is located in El Paso, Texas.

Essential Position Functions

• Represent state agencies and officials in defense of lawsuits involving civil rights (U.S. and Texas Constitution, Title VII, §1983, etc.), retaliation, employment, constitutionality of state statutes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and related matters in both state and federal court.
• Represent the State’s interest in other proceedings not handled by other civil‑litigation divisions, including lawsuits brought on behalf of the State and its agencies to vindicate Texas’s sovereign and legal rights.
• Conduct investigations, perform legal research, and prepare complex motions, pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Prepare and try cases in state and federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees.
• Provide legal advice, counsel, and assistance to assigned state agencies; analyze complex factual and legal issues; develop evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery; and file briefs in state and federal appellate courts.
• Deliver excellent client service and collaborate effectively with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environment.
• For Assistant Attorney General IV: Prepare for and perform complex duties of lead counsel in subject areas.
• For Assistant Attorney General V: Prepare for and perform highly complex duties of lead counsel in subject areas.
• Perform related work as assigned.
• Maintain relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions.
• Attend work regularly in compliance with the agreed‑upon work schedule.
• Ensure security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.
• Comply with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor’s degree may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Education: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• License: Admission to the State Bar of Texas and membership in good standing.
• Experience (Assistant Attorney General III): At least two years of full‑time civil‑litigation experience as a licensed attorney.
• Experience (Assistant Attorney General IV): At least three years of full‑time civil‑litigation experience as a licensed attorney.
• Experience (Assistant Attorney General V): At least four years of full‑time civil‑litigation experience as a licensed attorney.
• Knowledge of laws and legal principles 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 location for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave).
• 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 up to 30 lb.
• Ability to travel (including overnight) up to 5 % of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional academic credentials.
• Law Review participation and/or post‑graduation judicial clerkship.
• Experience trying at least two jury trials to verdict in state and/or federal district court.
• Two years of litigation experience in civil‑rights, constitutional, employment, education, or health‑care law.

Benefits

OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits, details of which are available at the Texas State Benefits website.