The Criminal Appeals Division of the Office of the Attorney General seeks enthusiastic May 2024 law graduates for a Legal Research Specialist position. The Criminal Appeals Division is charged with representing the State in challenges to the validity of state felony convictions and sentences through federal habeas corpus review in federal district courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. The division also occasionally represents the State in direct appeal and postconviction proceedings brought in Texas state courts.

Applicants must plan to take the Texas bar exam by July 2024 and be licensed to practice law in Texas by November 1, 2024. Upon obtaining a Texas license, the selected candidate will be reclassified to Assistant Attorney General I.

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.

To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through either CAPPS Recruit or Work in Texas. 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