Organization: Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Job Title: Assistant Attorney General I - Criminal Appeals Experience: Licensed attorney in Texas with experience in appellate law or criminal prosecution Salary: $6,833.34 per month Location: Austin, Texas Department: Criminal Appeals Division Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week Number of Openings: 1 Application Deadline: Ongoing Benefits: Excellent benefits package (**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW*** Security Clearance: Must pass a criminal background check
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking an enthusiastic attorney licensed in Texas for the position of Assistant Attorney General I in the Criminal Appeals Division. The division represents the State in litigation challenging state felony convictions and sentences through federal habeas corpus review in federal district courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. The division also occasionally represents the State in direct appeal and postconviction proceedings brought in Texas state courts.
The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills and experience in appellate law or criminal prosecution through law school moot competitions, clinics, internships, or judicial clerkships. A writing sample in the form of a legal pleading, brief, or memorandum is required.
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 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.
Position Functions:
- Research and write appellate briefs, federal district court answers, motions, petitions, and other legal documents in relation to habeas cases in the Criminal Appeals Division. - Analyze complex factual and legal issues. - Represent the Office of the Attorney General before state and federal district and appellate courts. - Participate in evidentiary hearings and present oral arguments in state and federal court. - Provide legal advice to client agencies, local district attorneys, and/or law enforcement entities. - Work in conjunction with fellow attorneys within the Criminal Appeals Division and other appellate attorneys in the agency. - Maintain relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions. - Attend work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule. - Ensure security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information. - Comply with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate. - Licensed to practice by the Texas State Bar. - Must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date. - Knowledge of Federal habeas practices and procedures. - 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 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 lift and relocate 30 lbs. - Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 15%.
Preferred Qualifications:
- First or second chair experience handling complex federal habeas evidentiary hearings or state or federal trial experience. - Willingness to work on non-capital and capital cases. - Experience and/or demonstrated willingness to mentor/train less experienced attorneys. - Member in good standing with the United States Supreme Court.
To apply for this position, submit an electronic application through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***
