OAG - Law Enforcement Defense | Assistant Attorney General III | 25-0592

Texas Department of Public Safety; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking a licensed attorney with litigation experience for the Law Enforcement Defense Division. This role focuses on representing state agencies in complex legal matters, requiring excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills. The candidate will engage in diverse litigation tasks and enjoy the benefits of public service while working in the vibrant city of Austin.

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Work-life balance

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas in good standing.
• Two years of experience in civil litigation (federal/state courts).
• Excellent organizational and detail-oriented skills required.

Responsibilities

• Represents state law enforcement agencies in civil rights and employment law cases.
• Handles litigation aspects including trials, depositions, and legal research.
• Provides legal advice and support to state agencies and clients.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Oral communication

Written communication

Judgment

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Law Enforcement Defense Division’s (LEDD) diverse docket consists of highly complex and high-profile cases, with a heavy emphasis on constitutional law, including civil rights, employment litigation, tort litigation, religious liberties, and class actions. LEDD defends the state’s law enforcement agencies and their officials in civil proceedings in both federal and state court. LEDD has a robust litigation practice that includes motion and discovery practice, frequent courtroom appearances, jury trials and, in many cases, matters at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and state courts of appeals. LEDD is seeking a licensed attorney with litigation experience in tort or employment law who demonstrates excellent legal research, writing, and advocacy skills. If you have a passion for fast-paced litigation and a proven track record in these practice areas, we encourage to you apply.

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. 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

• Represents state law enforcement agencies, officials, and employees in defense of lawsuits involving but not limited to:civil rights, employment law, torts, constitutional law, religious liberties, and class actions in both state and federal court
• Handles all aspects of litigation, including: legal research and memoranda, witness preparation, client communications, case briefings, written discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, dispositive motions (e.g., motions for summary judgment), hearings, mediations, trials (throughout Texas in both state and federal court as lead counsel and/or co-counsel), post-trial debriefings
• Provides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environment
• Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to client state agencies and law enforcement entities
• 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
• Manages a docket of moderately complex level cases

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
• Experience: Two years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields as a licensed attorney: Civil Litigation
• Experience in civil litigation in both federal and state courts
• 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 relevant law and legal principles and practices
• Excellent organization/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 (Note: Writing sample may be required for selected interviewees.)
• 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 more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
• 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 lift and relocate 30 lbs.
• Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
• Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 25%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: One additional year working as a licensed attorney
• Courtroom experience in state and/or federal court (e.g., arguing motions, trial)

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

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER