OAG - Tax Litigation | Research Specialist IV | 26-0002

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Tax Litigation Division of the Office of the Attorney General, an agency of the State of Texas, seeks a law school graduate. This position is intended for attorneys or individuals who will be taking or have recently taken the Texas state bar exam. Work involves researching, analyzing, investigating, drafting, and reviewing legal documents and information.

The Tax Litigation Division defends the State when it is sued by plaintiffs challenging their tax liabilities, unemployment benefits decisions and wage claim decisions. The Division represents the Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Texas Workforce Commission as its clients in these cases.

Suits against the Comptroller often have millions of dollars at issue with large, well-known companies on the other side. TWC suits challenge employers’ unemployment tax liability as well as the agency’s decisions on unemployment benefits and wage claims, which allow the opportunity for frequent court appearances.

The Division’s cases generally involve discovery into a plaintiff’s business practices to determine whether their business model fits into the tax exemption they seek. Math is almost never involved, and tax experience is not required, nor preferred.

The OAG seeks qualified, self-motivated candidates to assist with cases from inception to conclusion, drafting motions and discovery. The candidate filling this position will build litigation skills in a teamwork environment and gain experience in representing important clients.

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

• 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, 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
• May assist other attorneys in providing legal advice, counsel, and assistance
• 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: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings
• 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 5%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Prior experience in a legal setting

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