OAG - Antitrust | Legal Assistant I-II | 24-0790

Texas Department of Public Safety; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established state agency is seeking a motivated legal assistant to support attorneys in managing complex antitrust cases. This role involves drafting legal documents, organizing files, and assisting in trial preparations, all within a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive under pressure. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant legal work that impacts the lives of Texans. Join a dynamic team dedicated to upholding justice and making a difference in the community.

Benefits

Excellent Benefits

Opportunities for Professional Development

Collaborative Work Environment

Work-Life Balance

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience as a legal assistant in civil litigation.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and state/federal procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage attorneys’ caseloads and organize files efficiently.
• Draft and prepare various legal documents for trials and hearings.
• Assist in trial preparation and coordinate complex discovery.

Skills

Legal Research

Organization Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Customer Service

Team Collaboration

Judgment and Decision Making

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor's Degree in Law or Related Field

Paralegal Course Completion

Tools

Database Software

Trial Presentation Software

E-Discovery Applications

Job description

REVISED 08/24/2024

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The OAG’s Antitrust Division is seeking to hire an experienced, self-motivated legal assistant capable of thriving in a collaborative work environment, performing advanced legal tasks for several attorneys, and managing cases from inception to conclusion. The Antitrust Division is charged with investigating and prosecuting violations of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act and federal antitrust statutes. The Division’s caseload consists of highly complex and high-profile investigations and litigation which may involve antitrust violations such as monopolization, conspiracies among competitors, or anticompetitive mergers. Matters investigated or litigated can be local, regional, or national in scope and may be coordinated with other state attorneys general, the Federal Trade Commission, or the U.S. Department of Justice.

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 at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
Legal Assistant I:

• Participates in managing attorneys’ caseloads, including scheduling, prioritizing, and organizing files.
• Drafts, prepares, reviews and edits pleadings, motions, briefs, petitions, summary judgments, legal correspondence and other legal documents for use in trials, hearings, injunctions and other agency procedures.
• Participates in coordinating complex discovery, including the drafting, responding and calendaring of interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admissions, and other requests for information in accordance with local, state, federal and agency rules and procedures.
• Assists in all phases of investigations, including meetings, note-taking, preparing and coordinating service of subpoenas, organizing files, and preparing chronologies and summaries.
• Assists in all phases of trial preparation, including meetings, depositions, meetings, setting/attending hearings, ordering records, organizing trial notebooks and exhibits for trial.
• Assists in responding to public information requests.
• Maintains a working knowledge of litigation technology including trial presentation software and e-discovery.
• Develops and maintains databases for statistical and other information.
• Communicates with agency personnel, client agencies, court personnel and outside vendors.
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including but not limited to applicable security and safety rules, regulations and standards.
• Reviews and performs redacting of confidential documents for filing with various 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.

Legal Assistant II:

• Trains and/or provides technical assistance to staff.
• Researches and analyzes legal resources such as statutes, case law, administrative records, opinions, articles, treaties, and rules and regulations.
• Assists with drafting cost analyses and bill summaries for proposed legislation; tracks and analyzes relevant legislation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Legal Assistant I:

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Experience: Three years of full-time experience as a legal assistant working civil litigation.
• Knowledge of general office practices, familiarity with legal documents and the practice of the law.
• Knowledge of relevant law and legal principles and practices.
• Knowledge of State and Federal Civil Procedures.
• Excellent organization and administrative skills, including a strong, consistent attention to detail and organized work style.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Skill in conducting legal research.
• 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, 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 5%.

Legal Assistant II: All of the above qualifications for a Legal Assistant I, PLUS:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in law or a related field; May substitute full-time legal assistant, legal secretary, or general office experience in a legal environment for the required education on a year-for-year basis, with a maximum substitution of four years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduation from a course of study for paralegals.
• Experience: Two years of full-time experience as a legal assistant in civil litigation.
• Knowledge: Legal terminology and principles.
• Skills: Using database software; electronic filing.
• Abilities: Use of applications for producing electronic discovery; Perform legal research using Westlaw, LexisNexis or other research tools.
• Certifications: CLA, CP or RP.

TO APPLY
To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Your application for this position may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to the Texas Government Code. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at this link.

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER