OAG - Environmental Protection | Legal Assistant III-IV | 25-0529

State of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic state agency as a Legal Assistant, where you will support attorneys in prosecuting environmental violations and defending cases involving natural resources. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of Texans while working in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to high-quality legal services, you will gain valuable experience in state and federal courts, handling a variety of legal tasks. If you are looking for a fulfilling career in public service with excellent benefits, this position could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Positive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in legal assistance or secretarial work.
• Ability to prepare legal documents and evidence.

Responsibilities

• Support attorneys in prosecuting environmental violations.
• Prepare evidence, exhibits, and legal documents.

Skills

Legal terminology knowledge

Research methods

Administrative procedures

Document preparation

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in law or related field

Job description

The Environmental Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a Legal Assistant to support attorneys in the division. The division prosecutes environmental violations, defends cases involving natural resources, and handles orders issued by Texas administrative agencies. Attorneys practice in state and federal courts across Texas, and the division is committed to providing high-quality legal services on behalf of the State of Texas.

The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees statewide. As the State’s law firm, it offers exemplary legal representation in diverse legal areas. Employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) and opportunities to make a positive impact in Texans’ lives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Legal Assistant III:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Experience in legal assistance, legal secretarial work, or general office work may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• One year of full-time experience in legal assistance, legal secretarial work, or related fields.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, state and federal laws, research methods, administrative and court procedures, legislative process, and public notice requirements.
• Ability to assemble and prepare evidence, exhibits, affidavits, and legal documents.
• Ability to prioritize caseloads, organize files, attend interviews and depositions, conduct investigations, and prepare case summaries.
• Skill in reviewing and redacting confidential documents, responding to public information requests, and drafting legal correspondence and summaries.
• Ability to prepare attorneys for meetings, handle multiple tasks, communicate effectively, exercise sound judgment, and work cooperatively.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service, work in person at the designated location, and arrange for personal transportation for travel.
• Willingness to work more than 40 hours as needed, lift up to 30 lbs., and travel up to 5% including overnight stays.

Legal Assistant IV:

• One additional year of full-time experience in relevant fields.
• Ability to supervise others.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with coursework in law or related field.
• Three years of relevant full-time experience.
• Knowledge of Bluebook and Greenbook citation formats.
• Legal Assistant Certification.