Job Description
*PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION ** GENERAL DESCRIPTION The General Litigation Division (GLD) prosecutes and defends a variety of cases, with a heavy emphasis on constitutional and civil rights litigation, employment litigation, and matters of public concern that impact the lives of Texans every day. This position will work on matters big and small, ranging from individual civil rights claims to complex institutional reform litigation, class actions, and public policy litigation. GLD provides a dynamic, varied docket with ample opportunity for attorneys to continue to gain experience using the full spectrum of litigation skills. AAGs also assist on larger teams handling matters of great complexity and importance to the State. 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. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The General Litigation Division (GLD) prosecutes and defends a variety of cases, with a heavy emphasis on constitutional and civil rights litigation, employment litigation, and matters of public concern that impact the lives of Texans every day. This position will work on matters big and small, ranging from individual civil rights claims to complex institutional reform litigation, class actions, and public policy litigation. GLD provides a dynamic, varied docket with ample opportunity for attorneys to continue to gain experience using the full spectrum of litigation skills. AAGs also assist on larger teams handling matters of great complexity and importance to the State. 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 agencies and its officials in defense of lawsuits involving, but not limited to, civil rights (U.S. and Texas Constitution, Title VII, Sec. 1983 etc.), retaliation, employment, constitutionality of state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act, etc., in both state and federal court Represents the State’s interests in many other proceedings not handled by the other civil litigation divisions, including lawsuits brought on behalf of the State and its agencies and officers to vindicate Texas’s sovereign and legal rights Conducts investigations, performs legal research, and prepares complex motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents Prepares and tries cases in state and federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees Provides legal advice, counsel and assistance to state agencies as assigned; performs analyses of complex factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery; prepares and files briefs in state and federal appellate courts Provides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environment 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 Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; experience in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a