OAG - Tax Litigation | Assistant Attorney General

General Description: The Office of the Attorney General's Tax Litigation Division seeks attorneys to defend the State of Texas at all stages of litigation in Texas courts. The division represents the Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Texas Workforce Commission in cases involving tax liabilities, unemployment benefits decisions, and wage claim decisions. These cases often involve significant financial stakes and provide opportunities for frequent court appearances. The role focuses on litigation skills, case strategy, and teamwork, with no tax experience or math skills required.

About the Role

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees. As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides legal representation in diverse areas of law. Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) gain hands-on legal experience while enjoying a healthy work-life balance, engaging camaraderie, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of Texans.

Responsibilities

• Defends the Comptroller of Public Accounts in tax litigation at trial and appellate stages.
• Defends the Texas Workforce Commission in tax, unemployment, and wage claim litigation at trial and appellate stages, including third-party discovery and lien enforcement.
• Analyzes factual and legal issues and formulates case strategy.
• Drafts legal documents including pleadings, briefs, and memoranda.
• Appears and argues in hearings, trials, and appeals; questions witnesses and presents evidence before a judge or jury.
• Conducts discovery and negotiates settlements and resolutions.
• Mentors and trains less-tenured attorneys and legal staff.
• Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to the Office of the Comptroller, Texas Workforce Commission, and Attorney General’s Executive Administration in tax litigation and unemployment matters.
• 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.
• Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity.

Requirements

• Graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date.
• Strong legal writing skills.
• 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 assigned OAG work location and perform all assigned tasks at designated workspace.
• 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 25%.

Qualifications

Assistant Attorney General (AAG) III

• Two years full-time experience working as a licensed attorney.

Assistant Attorney General (AAG) IV

• All of the above minimum qualifications for an AAG III, plus one additional year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in civil litigation, including discovery, trials, and appellate litigation.

Benefits

OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits. More information can be found at ERS Benefits at a Glance.