Assistant Attorney General I | Transportation (Eminent Domain)

Texas Attorney General; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Healthy work-life balance

Hands-on legal experience

Job summary

The Texas Attorney General's office is seeking an Assistant Attorney General to join its Transportation Division in Austin, Texas. The role involves managing litigation related to eminent domain and other legal matters affecting Texas infrastructure.

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor Degree, be licensed in Texas, and demonstrate strong legal and communication skills. The position offers an opportunity for impactful public service in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
• Licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing.
• Skill in using a computer for word‑processing and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Manages a docket of beginning and intermediate level cases.
• Prepares and handles lawsuits in both State and Federal Court.
• Conducts investigations, performs research, and drafts legal documents.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication

Conducting effective research

Decision making

Customer service

Understanding of eminent domain cases

Education

Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.)

Licensed by the State Bar of Texas

Tools

Computer for word-processing

Job description

General Description

Realize the dream of meaningful work in a collegial environment. Come join a vital team facilitating the roads, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure for the fastest-growing state: Texas! As Texas grows so does its need for transportation. You can be a part of the State’s tremendous growth while honing your litigation and courtroom skills. The Transportation Division represents TxDOT in acquiring needed property through eminent domain, and in lawsuits spanning numerous subject areas including torts, worker’s compensation, employment discrimination, contracts, and regulatory enforcement in both state and federal courts. The Transportation Division litigation docket includes administrative hearings, motion and discovery practice, jury trials, and appeals.

The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work making a positive difference in the lives of Texans. Assistant Attorneys General (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

• Manages a docket of beginning and intermediate level cases
• Prepares and handles lawsuits involving, but not limited to eminent domain, tort claims, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, contract claims, etc., in both State and Federal Court
• Provides legal advice and assistance to state agencies with regard to the above actions
• Conducts investigations, performs research, and drafts petitions, motions, pleadings, orders, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents
• Analyzes factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery
• Prepares cases for trial; performs all duties of lead counsel; conducts or leads administrative law hearings
• Performs all necessary appellate work, including research, brief writing and oral argument before State and Federal Appellate Courts
• 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

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.)
• Licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of Texas
• Must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date.
• Skill in using a computer for word‑processing and data entry/retrieval
• Skill in effective oral and written communication [writing sample required prior to interview, if selected]
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
• Skill in conducting effective research
• Interest in handling eminent domain cases
• 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 work space 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 travel (including overnight travel) up to 30%
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in civil litigation
• Experience participating in remote proceedings using Zoom or other teleconference software
• Knowledge of real estate valuation and appraisal