OAG - Open Records | Assistant Attorney General I | 27-0083

State of Texas; Texas; On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Open Records Division seeks an Assistant Attorney General to interpret laws on public access to government information, draft open records rulings, and educate the public and officials about rights under the Public Information Act. The role involves reviewing requests, researching legal opinions, and contributing to legislative drafting.

Based in Austin, TX, the AAG will engage in public speaking at conferences and work within a dynamic state agency with

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the Texas Bar.
• Experience interpreting and applying the Public Information Act.
• Experience in administrative law.
• One year of experience in public service or government law.
• Ability to read, write and speak Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Interpret laws governing public access to government information.
• Draft informal open records letter rulings and formal open records decisions.
• Educate citizens and public servants about rights and obligations under the Public Information Act.
• Review and analyze requests for rulings; research and render legal opinions on requests for public information.
• Participate in public speaking at open government conferences.
• Assist in drafting bills for legislative consideration and analyze proposed legislation.

Job description

The Open Records Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking an Assistant Attorney General who provides work that involves interpretation of laws governing public access to government information and drafting of informal open records letter rulings and formal open records decisions; educating citizens and public servants regarding their rights and obligations under the Public Information Act; reviewing and analyzing requests for rulings and researching and rendering legal opinions involving requests for public information; participating in public speaking at open government conferences; assisting in drafting bills for legislative consideration and analyzing proposed legislation. 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.

Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D. 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 laws and legal principles and practices Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval Skill in effective oral and written communication (Writing sample required at time of interview, if selected) Skill in working cooperatively with attorneys, supervisors, and support staff Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines Skill in exercising sound judgement and effective decision making Ability to handle stressful situations Ability to work with others in a professional office environment Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback Ability to provide excellent customer service Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs. 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 lift and relocate 30 lbs. Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 5% Experience in interpreting and applying the Public Information Act Experience in administrative law One year of experience in public service or government law Experience in peer review environment Other Language: Ability to proficiently read, write, and speak Spanish