Environmental Protection Assistant Attorney General IV-V

PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION

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 ( 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

Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance.

Represents the Office of the Attorney General before state or federal district and appellate courts in various litigation matters, particularly environmental enforcement and challenges to state regulations.

Prepares legal documents, including but not limited to briefs, pleadings, and memoranda.

Performs legal research and investigations, and reports findings and conclusions.

Participates in administrative and evidentiary hearings and in the discovery process.

Represents the Office of the Attorney General before state or federal district and appellate courts.

Analyzes factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery.

Prepares cases for trials.

Advise clients and management on factual and legal issues.

Testify at hearings, trials, and legislative meetings.

Coordinate, plan, and monitor legal and/or administrative activities.

Draft bills and amendments for legislative consideration.

Serve as an agency specialist in a particular area of law.

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

Assistant Attorney General (AAG) IV:

Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of Texas

Experience: Three years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working in the following (or closely related) fields: litigation

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; and of state and federal laws, regulations, and rules.

Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in conducting investigations; in mediation and negotiations; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; in using judgment to identify courses of action; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

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 prepare legal documents, to conduct research, to interpret and apply laws, to summarize findings, to prepare cases for trial, to conduct hearings, and to communicate effectively.

Ability to present cases at trial.

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 20%

Assistant Attorney General V: All of the above qualifications for an AAG IV, PLUS:

Experience: One additional year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working in the following (or closely related) fields: litigation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Five years of experience as a licensed attorney working in the following (or closely related) fields: environmental law or civil litigation

Knowledge of laws and legal principles and practices relevant to the Environmental Protection Division

Ability to supervise the work of others.