Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Solicitor General Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a Legal Secretary that performs complex to advanced legal secretarial, administrative, and clerical duties for four or more attorneys. Work involves preparing and typing legal briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents; organizing appellate materials; maintaining legal files; communicating with clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, as well as other agencies and the public.

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.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

Legal Secretary III:

• Types, edits, proofreads, and finalizes complex briefs, correspondence, pleadings, and other documents
• Assists in or develops, coordinates, and maintains records keeping and filing systems
• Coordinates attorney travel arrangements and timely submits reimbursements
• Prepares administrative forms, as requested
• Arranges meetings, interviews, and court appearances; contacts court personnel
• Assists legal staff in complying with all-time accounting policies and procedures
• Receives Appeal Memos, maintains attorney rotation log for Appeal Memos and sends responses to division contacts in a timely manner
• Participates in successful case management
• Obtains and follows requirements for proper filing and delivery of documents
• Formats pleadings, documents, and correspondence for review by the assigned attorney(s)
• Assembles exhibits, affidavits, and other documents in preparation for court
• Electronically files pleadings and documents with court clerks
• Interacts with opposing attorneys and court personnel
• Answers the office mainline, providing general information or routing calls as appropriate
• Assists with training less tenured staff
• Assists up to four attorneys
• 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

Legal Secretary IV - All of the above functions, PLUS:

• Assists four or more attorneys

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Legal Secretary III:

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent
• Experience: Three years full-time administrative support, clerical, secretarial, legal secretarial or closely related
  
  experience; may substitute ninety credit hours from an accredited college or university for the
  
  required experience on a year-for-year basis
• Skill in the use of computer and office equipment and reference materials
• 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 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 handle stressful situations
• Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
• Ability to work 8:30 AM to 5:30PM, Monday thru Friday
• 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 5%

Legal Secretary IV - All of the above qualifications or a Legal Secretary III, PLUS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; may substitute full-time general administrative, clerical, or secretarial experience on a year-for-year basis

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Four or more years of legal secretarial experience in a litigation environment
• Experience: Building a Table of Authorities
• Knowledge: Appellate matters
• Skills: Microsoft Word 10 and later and Adobe Acrobat DC and later

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