OAG - Solicitor General | Legal Secretary III-IV | 25-0481

Texas Department of Public Safety; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic state agency is seeking a Legal Secretary to support multiple attorneys with essential legal and administrative tasks. This role involves preparing legal documents, maintaining files, and ensuring effective communication with clients and court personnel. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Join a team dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of Texans while enjoying excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work in a collaborative setting, this position is for you.

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• One year of full-time administrative or secretarial experience required.
• Three years of legal secretarial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and type legal documents and correspondence.
• Maintain legal files and coordinate attorney travel arrangements.
• Assist attorneys with case management and court appearances.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication

Handling multiple tasks

Sound judgment and decision making

Customer service

Ability to work under stress

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Legal secretarial training

Tools

Microsoft Word 10 and later

Adobe Acrobat DC and later

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Solicitor General of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a Legal Secretary who will provide legal secretarial, administrative, and clerical duties for four or more attorneys. Work involves preparing and typing legal briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents; organizing appellate materials; maintaining legal files; communicating with clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, as well as other agencies and the public.

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 Secretary III:

• Types, edits, proofreads, and finalizes complex briefs, correspondence, pleadings, and other documents.
• Assists in or develops, coordinates, and maintains records keeping and filing systems.
• Coordinates attorney travel arrangements and timely submits reimbursements.
• Prepares administrative forms, as requested.
• Arranges meetings, interviews, and court appearances; contacts court personnel.
• Assists legal staff in complying with all-time accounting policies and procedures.
• Receives Appeal Memos, maintains attorney rotation log for Appeal Memos, and sends responses to division contacts in a timely manner.
• Participates in successful case management.
• Obtains and follows requirements for proper filing and delivery of documents.
• Formats pleadings, documents, and correspondence for review by the assigned attorney(s).
• Assembles exhibits, affidavits, and other documents in preparation for court.
• Electronically files pleadings and documents with court clerks.
• Interacts with opposing attorneys and court personnel.
• Answers the office mainline, providing general information or routing calls as appropriate.
• Assists with training less tenured staff.
• Assists up to four attorneys.
• 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 Secretary IV – All of the above functions PLUS:

• Assists four or more attorneys.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Legal Secretary III:

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent. Experience: One year of full-time general administrative, clerical, or secretarial experience; may substitute thirty credit hours from an accredited college or university OR completion of legal secretarial training for the required experience [Copy of certificate required at time of interview].
• Experience: Three years full-time legal secretarial or closely related experience; may substitute ninety credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Skill in the use of computer and office equipment and reference materials.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• 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 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 handle stressful situations.
• Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel.
• Ability to work 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday thru Friday.
• 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 Secretary IV – All of the above qualifications or a Legal Secretary III, PLUS:

• Experience: One additional year of full-time general administrative, clerical, or secretarial experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Four or more years of legal secretarial experience in a litigation environment.
• Experience: Building a Table of Authorities.
• Knowledge: Appellate matters.
• Skills: Microsoft Word 10 and later and Adobe Acrobat DC and later.

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