(STATE OF TEXAS) 8TH COURT OF APPEALS - STAFF ATTORNEY

Minimum Qualifications

The Eighth Court of Appeals in El Paso, Texas is now accepting applications for a full-time staff attorney for Chief Justice Maria Salas Mendoza’s chambers. A staff attorney’s primary duties are to assist the Court by providing legal research, legal analysis, and written work product that includes draft opinions, as well as performing related tasks such as reviewing appellate motions and records. A staff attorney also attends oral arguments, keeps abreast of current developments in the law, and assists the Court with administrative duties.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Law Review and a strong background in appellate procedure, legal research and writing, is preferred. However, all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. Graduation from an accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D. degree. Must possess license to practice law in the State of Texas.

TO APPLY:

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Note: The following military occupational specialty (MOS) codes generally correspond to this employment opening: 27A, 250X, LGL10-11, 4402, 4405-4411, 4417, 51JX, and 92J0. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf (Download PDF reader)

The Court is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, any request for reasonable accommodations needed during the application process should be communicated by the applicant to the Clerk of the Court.

Typical Duties

Duties, Tasks and Assignments:
Conducts manual and computer-assisted electronic legal research in analyzing sources such as
statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, legal codes, and rules of
procedure.
Interprets substantive and procedural law and rules.
Prepares pre-submission memoranda, proposed draft opinions, judgments, and orders in civil and
criminal appeals and/or original proceedings.
Reviews and screens original proceedings and motions for the purpose of making
recommendations on their disposition, and prepares drafts of proposed opinions, judgments, or
orders, as appropriate.
Reviews pre- and post-submission motions, makes recommendations on their disposition, and
draft proposed opinions or orders, as appropriate.
Conducts initial screening of appeals for jurisdictional deficiencies and procedural compliance.
Participates in pre- and post-submission case conferences, presents analysis of issues.
Attends and evaluates the presentation of oral argument.
Advises the assigned justice, the administrative staff and other legal staff members on
appellate, procedural, and substantive legal issues upon request, or as necessary.
Within the assigned judicial chambers, reviews and edits work of law clerks and other staff when
requested.
Reviews proposed draft opinions, reports, papers or other court records prepared by the legal
staff for clarity, completeness, accuracy, and conformance with policies of the Court.
Reviews current developments in criminal and civil law.
Provide general counsel to assigned justice, as requested.
Routes proposed draft opinions, judgments and orders to superiors for appropriate action.

Administrative:
Performs administrative duties as assigned

Job Summary

Assists the appellate court in resolving complex substantive and procedural issues, prepares pre- submission memoranda, proposed draft opinions, judgments, and orders, and ensures compliance
with appellate rules and procedures to facilitate the flow of cases through the Court. This
position requires exceptional management, legal research, writing, analytical, and oral
communication skills. Duties include other assignments such as working with and assisting other
attorneys or staff members, as necessary. Within the assigned judicial chambers, this attorney
assists in providing supervision and training of law clerks and legal assistants to include
reviewing proposed draft opinions, reports, papers or other court records for clarity,
completeness, accuracy, and conformance with policies of the Court. This staff attorney works
under the general supervision of the assigned justice with considerable latitude for the use of
initiative and independent judgment.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of legal principles in criminal/civil areas and appellate procedure. Exceptional management, legal research, writing, analytical, and decision-making skills. Proficient computer and typing skills. Knowledge in the interpretation and application of substantive and procedural law and rules. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing and to plan and organize work with a minimum supervision. Knowledge of appellate court policies and procedures and their implementation. Ability to direct and supervise the work of others.

Vacation, sick leave, health insurance, retirement, and other benefits are provided in accordance with State policy.