OAG - General Litigation | Research Specialist IV

About the role

The General Litigation Division (GLD) of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) represents the state’s law enforcement agencies and their officials and employees in civil proceedings in both federal and state court. All legal staff in GLD actively participate in a robust litigation practice that includes motion and discovery practice, jury trials, and, in many cases, appellate matters at both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and state courts of appeals. GLD is seeking an eager research specialist with experience in GLD work; an expected law school graduation in May 2023; and enthusiasm to join this exciting litigation division.

Essential position functions

• Prepares, reviews, and edits motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Researches complex legal issues; assesses case strategies and developments.
• Prepares cases for trial and/or appellate proceedings.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes data for specialized research projects; plans, develops, coordinates, and administers research projects.
• Analyzes and evaluates current case law and its impact on case strategies.
• Oversees the preparation and development, implementation, and documentation of research projects.
• Coordinates, assembles, and prepares evidence, exhibits, affidavits and documents for use in legal proceedings; determines the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated.
• Conducts statistical, documentary and investigatory research; analyzes complex data and documents; creates support material for investigations and evidentiary products.
• Coordinates the preparation of reports of research findings, research data sets and documents data structure and definitions.
• Prepares attorneys for meetings with witnesses, expert witnesses and defense counsel.
• Participates in data-gathering interviews as needed; assists in formulating research objectives and programs.
• Prepares and conducts presentations as needed.
• Analyzes and evaluates the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting current research.
• Assists in designing and creating computer programs for research applications; may supervise the work of others.
• 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.

Minimum qualifications

• Expected graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) by May 31, 2026.
• Knowledge of civil litigation.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication (writing sample may be required for selected interviewees).
• Skill in conducting legal research.
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making.
• Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval, including applications such as Word, Westlaw, spreadsheets and database software.
• 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 workspace 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 40%.