OAG - Special Litigation | Research Specialist V | 26-0097

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a law fellow to join its Special Litigation Division (SLD). Created in 2015, SLD handles and coordinates high-profile, high-impact litigation for the State of Texas. Its primary focus is affirmative litigation to enforce the limits of government authority. SLD litigates complex cases on a variety of subjects, from pre-filing research to appeal, in both state and federal court. SLD personnel collaborate frequently with other OAG divisions and advise, counsel, and assist client state agencies and OAG’s executive leadership. Working as a law fellow in SLD requires advanced skill, discipline, and motivation to perform complex tasks that are often time sensitive. This position is ideal for a law fellow who takes the initiative to anticipate and determine case-specific needs in complex and high-profile litigation matters. The fellowship is a demanding, one-year position designed for recent law graduates seeking advanced trial experience. Many fellows arrive after having completed a judicial clerkship or obtain one for the following term. They assist the division with legal responsibilities, including appearing in court, writing briefs, taking depositions, conducting written discovery, and interacting with clients and opposing counsel.

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

• Represents the state’s interest as associate counsel in all stages of significant, high-profile, and complex multi-divisional civil litigation matters involving a variety of legal areas at the pretrial, trial, and appellate level in both state and federal court by performing tasks that include: conducting discovery; preparing legal documents (e.g., pleadings, briefs, memoranda); attending and participating actively in hearings and trials; and coordinating with other governmental bodies
• Performs legal research, and prepares complex motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents
• Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to clients and management as assigned, performs analyses of complex factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery
• Provides excellent client service and functions well with other attorneys and staff within a dynamic office environment
• 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: Currently in an accredited law school with an anticipated graduation date between May 2026 and July 2026
• Registration for July 2026 Texas Bar Exam
• Previous clerkship is preferred but not required
• Strong knowledge of legal principles and proceedings, especially civil procedure and constitutional law
• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis
• 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 20%

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_PlanningResearchandStatistics.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER