First-Chair Administrative Law Attorney – Texas State

State of Texas; Texas; On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in Texas seeks an Assistant Attorney General for the Administrative Law Division. The role involves handling enforcement proceedings, defending agencies in suits for judicial review, and advising on rulemaking under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act.

Strong litigation and appellate experience is valued. Applicants should be admitted to practice in Texas and in good standing, with knowledge of open records and open meetings laws, and the ability to travel

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D.
• Two years of full-time experience working as an attorney
• Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and rules affecting state agencies
• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings

Responsibilities

• Represent state agencies in court and defend agencies in enforcement proceedings.
• Handle agency enforcement matters, judicial reviews, rule challenges, and open records/open meetings issues.
• Provide general counsel assistance to state agencies and support to adult agencies in legal matters.
• Assist agencies in responding to subpoenas and providing litigation support in Texas courts

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Appellate argument

Litigation

Open records law

Rulemaking

Judicial review

Open meetings law

Communication

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Texas Bar admission

Job description

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is a dynamic state agency with over 4000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the State's law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. Lawyers in the Administrative Law Division (ALD) represent dozens of state agencies in court defending the interests of Texas on a variety of issues fundamental to people across the state. The work is exciting, and our lawyers manage their own dockets as first chair. If you want to go to court, work on important and diverse legal issues, make a difference, and serve the public, then we want you in ALD. ALD is seeking an attorney who has, or is willing to develop, expertise in administrative law. The ideal candidate will have some litigation experience and will be prepared to handle agency enforcement proceedings and defend agencies in suits for judicial review, rule challenges under the Administrative Procedure Act, and ultra vires claims under the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act. The candidate should have experience interpreting and applying the Texas Administrative Procedure Act, including familiarity with rule making and the contested case process. Additionally, attorneys in the Administrative Law Division may defend the OAG in cases arising under the Public Information Act, assist state agencies in responding to non-party subpoenas, and provide general counsel assistance to state agencies. The division provides the opportunity for extensive first-chair experience in bench trials and as lead counsel in Texas courts of appeals. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency 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.

Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D. Experience: Two years of full-time experience working as an attorney Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas Must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date. Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and rules affecting state agencies, including rulemaking requirements Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in conducting investigations; in mediation and negotiations; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; in using judgment to identify courses of action Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines Skill in effective oral and written communication Skill in conducting effective research Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval Ability to prepare legal documents, to conduct research, to interpret and apply laws, to summarize findings, to prepare cases for trial, to conduct hearings, and to communicate effectively 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 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 20% Three years civil litigation experience or equivalent, including appellate and brief-writing experience Experience in handling bench trials, contested cases, and civil appellate arguments Experience in administrative law, including knowledge of the Administrative Procedure Act Experience in interpreting and applying open records, open meetings and other open government legislation Admitted to practice in Federal District Courts and court of appeals