OAG - Transportation | Research Specialist III | 25-0559

Texas Department of Public Safety; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking a Research Specialist to coordinate legal activities and assist in litigation. This role involves legal research, drafting documents, and supporting Assistant Attorneys General. Ideal candidates will have a J.D. and have taken the Texas bar exam, with opportunities for advancement to an Assistant Attorney General I position upon obtaining a license.

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Opportunities for public service

Healthy work-life balance

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D.
• Taken the Texas state bar exam.
• Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Researches and analyzes legal sources such as statutes and case law.
• Prepares and reviews legal documents including pleadings and motions.
• Assists attorneys in providing legal advice and counsel.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication

Sound judgment

Customer service

Prioritizing tasks

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Transportation Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a Research Specialist. Work involves coordinating legal activities; researching, analyzing, investigating, and drafting legal documents; and assisting Assistant Attorneys General in the Transportation Division in representing the state’s interests in litigation. This position will be reclassified to an Assistant Attorney General I position upon the employee obtaining a law license with the State Bar of Texas. Upon obtaining a law license, work involves entry-level attorney work for the Transportation Division such as preparing and handling lawsuits involving, but not limited to, eminent domain, tort claims, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, contract claims, etc., in both State and Federal Court.

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 making a positive difference in the lives of Texans. OAG employees experience the challenge and honor of public service while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and gaining hands-on legal experience.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Researches and analyzes legal sources such as statutes, case law, administrative records, opinions, articles, treaties, property titles, and rules and regulations
• Prepares, reviews, and edits pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, legal correspondence, and other legal documents
• Assists other attorneys in providing legal advice, counsel, and assistance to clients
• 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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D.
• Taken the Texas state bar exam
• 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 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 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 travel (including overnight travel) up to 50%

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_PlanningResearchandStatistics.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER