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You may apply to the job directly through the CAPPS Career Section. It is not necessary to apply both through Work In Texas and CAPPS Career Section
GENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe Tort Litigation Division specializes in defending state agencies and employees throughout the state against claims involving personal injuries, including medical malpractice, premises liability, auto accidents and workersand#8217; compensation. We provide a highly collaborative work environment where lawyers help one another while managing their own dockets as first chair from the initial stages of a case through any appeal. The OAG seeks qualified, self-motivated candidates to manage cases from inception to conclusion, including drafting motions and discovery, appearing at hearings, trying cases, negotiating settlements, and handling appeals, as well as assisting other AAGs. The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the Stateand#8217;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 FUNCTIONSEvaluates and defends against claims made against state agencies under the Texas Tort Claims Act, Texas Medical Liability Act, and the Workersand#8217; Compensation Act at all stages of litigation, including pre-litigation claims, administrative hearings, jury trials in district and county courts, and appellate work; assesses and files claims and suits on behalf of state agencies to recover subrogation interests and property damage claims
Reviews medical records, researches appellate decisions and related case law, and drafts summary reports, and legal memorandum
Provides legal advice, counsel and assistance to client state agencies
Conducts jury trials
Drafts appellate briefs
Mentors and reviews work by less tenured staff
Prepares for and performs complex duties of lead counsel in evaluating claims made against state agencies
Analyzes factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery
Serves as an agency specialist in a particular area of law
May supervise the work of others
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 QUALIFICATIONSAssistant Attorney General IV:Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Experience: Three years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney
Licensed as an attorney by the State 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 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.
Ability to prepare legal documents, to conduct research, to interpret and apply laws, to summarize findings, to prepare cases and present at trial, to conduct hearings, and to communicate effectively.
Skill in effectively managing a moderately heavy caseload in all stages of development
Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval
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 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 35%Assistant Attorney General (AAG) V - All the above qualifications for an AAG IV, PLUS:Experience: One additional year of full-time legal experience as a licensed attorneyPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience handling health care liability claims under the Texas Medical Liability Act
Experience handling personal injury cases
Experience using MS Word, Adobe Acrobat X Pro, Excel and LCMS
Experience with Shepardizing, Westlaw, Lexis Nexis and other related computerized legal research tools
First Chair jury trial experience
Knowledge of the Texas Tort Claims Act and practices relevant to other cases handled by the Tort Litigation Division of the Office of the Attorney General
Knowledge of the Texas Workersand#8217; Compensation ActTO APPLYTo 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.pdfTHE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
