GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This Assistant Attorney General position is in the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The Environmental Protection Division prosecutes environmental violations; prosecutes and defends cases involving the States natural resources; and defends public utility and environmental orders issued by Texas administrative agencies. Attorneys in the Environmental Protection Division practice in state and federal courts throughout Texas, and the Division prides itself on the quality of the legal services it provides on behalf of the State of Texas.

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 in state and federal district and appellate courts in various litigation matters, particularly environmental enforcement proceedings, including drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery requests and responses; participates in trial and appellate advocacy, including judicial review of agency orders and actions challenging agency rules and statutes
• Provides legal advice to state agencies on a variety of matters
• Analyzes diverse and routine factual and legal issues
• Performs legal research and investigations, and reports findings and conclusions.
• Assists with training less tenured staff
• 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 Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
• Experience: Six years of full-time experience working as a licensed attorney
• Licensed as an attorney by the State Bar 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 relevant to environmental protection
• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis
• Skill in effective oral and written communication
• Skill in mediation negotiations
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
• Skill in identifying and solving complex problems
• Skill in prioritizing workloads
• Skill in using judgment to identify courses of action
• Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval
• Skill in conducting effective research
• Skill in effective oral and written communication
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
• Ability to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to prepare legal documents, conduct research, and interpret and apply laws
• Ability to summarize findings, prepare cases and present at trial, and conduct hearings
• Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• 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 20%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Four years of environmental experience and/or civil litigation
• Experience: environmental enforcement
• Knowledge: federal and state environmental statutes and regulations

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_Legal.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER