Research and Writing Specialist-Alpine

Duties

• drafting motions, memoranda, briefs, and petitions to be filed in the U.S. District Court
• consulting with attorneys on legal issues arising in discovery, motion practice, trial, sentencing, and appeal
• performing general paralegal duties, and other duties as assigned

Selection Criteria

• strong legal research and word processing skills
• ability to analyze legal issues from complex records
• write clearly and concisely
• established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice
• commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons
• reputation for integrity
• effective communication skills with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel
• team-oriented and possesses skills for collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients
• appellate writing experience or experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary of a research and writing specialist will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant, within a range from $74,678 (JSP-11, Step 1) to $147,945 (JSP-15, Step 1) per annum. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including health and life insurance, retirement, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

Requirements

• a graduate of an accredited law school
• admitted to practice law in Texas or by the highest court of another state
• admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas within one year after employment begins
• at least three years of specialized experience preferred

How to Apply

Qualified persons may apply by sending a letter of interest (mentioning announcement 26-27), a résumé, references, and representative writing sample. Legal experience should be described in detail. Send all required documents in a single PDF document named with applicant’s “last name, first name-Announcement 26-27 RAWS” by email to [email protected]. Electronic submissions sent directly to the Defender will not be considered. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodations, which are decided on a case-by-case basis. To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact personnel administrator Victoria B. Longoria at (210) 981-2081. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. Position announced March 12, 2026, subject to the availability of funds; open until filled.