DIVISION: Bankruptcy &Collections
POSTING NUMBER: 22-0564
JOB TITLE: Research Specialist V WORKING TITLE: Law Associate

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Office of the Attorney General is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the State’s law firm, the Office of the Attorney General provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees 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. This Research Specialist position is assigned to the Bankruptcy &Collections Division, which is charged with the responsibility to recover all debts, judgments, taxes, fees, fines, penalties, loans, and other obligations for the State. It also represents state agencies in federal courts around the country, as well in Texas, to protect the State’s monetary and regulatory interests in bankruptcy cases. The Bankruptcy &Collections Division seeks an attorney for a highly competitive position. This position is intended for attorneys who have recently taken the Texas state bar exam or who have applied for admission to the Texas Bar without examination. Work involves researching, analyzing, investigating, and reviewing legal documents and information in state tax cases, administrative enforcement cases, and other civil matters.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Collects, compiles, and analyzes documents and information
Assists with planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects
Coordinates, assembles, and prepares evidence, exhibits, and documents for use in legal proceedings
Researches and analyzes legal sources such as statutes, case law, administrative records, opinions, articles, treaties, property titles, and rules and regulations
Prepares, reviews, and edits pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, summary judgments, legal correspondence, and other legal documents
Interacts with potential witnesses and representatives of other state agencies as directed
May review cases for jurisdictional deficiencies and procedural compliance
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: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
Experience: Five years of litigation experience in state and/or federal court
Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings
Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Ability to prepare legal documents
Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations
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 attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy
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 5%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Using electronic document review platforms including Relativity and programs such as Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and Word
Experience: Over five years of experience in legal work

TO APPLY
Applications for employment with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) can be easily submitted through the OAG’s Job Postings Page
(https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/careers/job-listings). The OAG also accepts applications submitted through www.WorkInTexas.com. Please note: A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered. Pursuant to the Texas Government Code, an applicant for any OAG position may be subject to a criminal background check. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PlanningResearchandStatistics.pdf.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $7,532.75 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location