OAG - Law Enforcement Defense | Research Specialist III | 24-0729

Job Description

REVISED 08/27/2024

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position is intended for graduates and/or out of state attorneys who have recently taken the Texas state bar exam and are waiting for results. The Law Enforcement Defense Division (LEDD) of the Office of the Attorney General represents the state's law enforcement agencies and their officials & employees in civil proceedings in both federal and state court. The selected applicant will receive extensive, hands-on training in civil litigation and legal research and writing.

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

• Performs legal work, including preparing, reviewing, and editing motions, briefs, and other legal documents; researching complex legal issues; assessing case strategies and developments; and preparing cases for trial and/or appellate proceedings.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes data of specialized research projects; plans, develops, coordinates, and administers research projects
• Analyzes and evaluates current case law and its impact on case strategies
• Oversees the preparation and development, implementation, and of research projects
• Coordinates, assembles, and prepares evidence, exhibits, affidavits and documents for use in legal proceedings; determines the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated
• Conducts statistical, documentary, and investigatory research; analyze complex data and documents; create support material for investigations and evidentiary product
• Coordinates the preparation of reports of research findings, research data sets and documents data structure and definitions
• Prepares attorneys for meetings with witnesses, expert witnesses, and defense counsel
• Participates in data-gathering interviews as needed; assists in formulating research objectives and programs
• Prepares and conducts presentations, as needed
• 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 an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
• Knowledge of civil litigation
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
• Skill in effective oral and written communication [Writing sample required prior to interview, if selected]
• Skill in conducting legal research
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
• Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval, including various applications as such Word, Westlaw, spreadsheets, and database software
• 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 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 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 25%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional academic credentials
• Law Review and/or post-graduation judicial clerkship
• Law school mock trial experience

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