What are the responsibilities and job description for the OAG - Child Support | Special Litigator (Assistant Attorney General V) | 25-0207 position at OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL?
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Are you interested in mission-driven legal work? Do you enjoy helping others? Join the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Child Support Division (CSD) in our mission to encourage responsible parenting by promoting the involvement of both parents in their children’s lives and ensuring that children in Texas receive the support they need and deserve.
The Special Litigator performs highly complex (senior-level) legal work. Work involves representing the state’s interest in judicial and administrative matters, and providing legal advice, consultation and technical assistance to the Child Support Program and staff. CSD AAGs are part of a collegial statewide team dedicated to supporting Texas children and families. AAGs experience the challenge and honor of public service while enjoying a healthy work-life balance, developing hands-on legal experience, and engaging in camaraderie with their colleagues across the state.
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
Represent the State of Texas at legal proceedings to locate, establish, enforce, modify, or terminate court orders for child support and medical support.
Provides legal advice, consultation and technical assistance to the Child Support Program including researching and analyzing factual and legal issues; preparing and responding to discovery requests and pleadings; preparing trial briefs and memoranda on complex cases and issues; and assisting field office staff in handling complex cases in court, when available.
Handles civil litigation of cases, such as probate, tax and foreclosure suits, as well as personal injury claims
Reviews and approves employer enforcement submission from field offices; assists with case preparation and the legal pleadings production; and represents the Office of the Attorney General / CSD at employer enforcement hearings, when necessary
Reviews and approves administrative license suspension cases for filing, and represents the Office of the Attorney General / CSD in license suspension hearings
Reviews criminal non-support submissions and acts as the District Attorney liaison, up to and including prosecution
Assists in the planning of the annual Statewide Assistant Attorneys’ General Conference
Works on special projects and participates in various workgroups / conference / meetings as assigned by the Deputy Division Chief, Field Legal Practice, including speaking and delivering presentations on IV-D legal or practice issues
Develops and delivers training for Child Support staff pertinent to Special Litigation functions
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 (J.D.) degree
Experience: Four years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: Full-time legal experience as a licensed attorney, two of which must have been in Family Law
Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas
Must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date
Knowledge of Family Law and the Texas Family Code
Skill in legal writing, mediation, and negotiation
Skill in serving as a trial lawyer, preparing sound opinions, conducting investigations, and performing legal research
Skill in using a personal computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval
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 25%
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
Texas Child Support Program
Probate law
Jury Trial
Experience in handling a high-volume legal practice
Other Language: Ability to proficiently read, write, and speak Spanish
TO APPLY
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_Legal.pdf
THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
