Job Description

****PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION*****

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Office of the Attorney General, a dynamic state agency with over 4,100 employees throughout the State of Texas, seeks a Senior Counsel for the Cold Case Unit to litigate, direct, plan, organizing, and monitoring complex and high-profile criminal justice matters involving a variety of legal areas for the Office of the Attorney General, an agency of the State of Texas. Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to client state agencies and the agency’s Executive Administration.

As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits ( 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.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Serves as one of the Agency’s subject matter experts in the areas of Trial Advocacy and Cold Cases; works collaboratively with law enforcement, other state agencies, federal agencies, and other partners in resolving cold cases; briefs and advises the Executive Administration on matters concerning cold cases; provides and/or directs the providing of legal advice, counsel, assistance and training to local, state, and/or federal prosecutors or law enforcement entities; assists with drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration; testifies at legislative hearings, as necessary.
• As Senior Counsel of the Cold Case Unit, directs, plans, organizes, supervises and monitors legal activities for the Cold Case Unit; mentors, trains, and coaches section staff (staff attorneys, legal assistants, legal secretaries, and administrative support staff), assures attorney deadlines are met.
• Represents the State of Texas in matters involving Cold Cases by conducting investigations, witness preparations and discovery; performing legal research; preparing complex motions, (including pleadings, briefs, appeal briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents); participates in hearings, trials, oral arguments, etc.
• Represents the Agency on Task Forces that combat cold cases; helps support and stand up task forces that need assistance. Conducts outreach by giving presentations to the community and relevant stakeholders.
• 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

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
• Experience: 6 years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney, handling criminal prosecutions; first chair felony trial
• 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.
• Training from the International Symposium on Human Identification and/or other similar training in the field of Forensics Genetics
• Knowledge of law and legal principles and practices relevant to the prosecution of criminal cases
• 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 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 50%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: 3 years of full-time experience with Cold Case and Missing Person cases
• Certifications: Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas State Board of Legal Specialization

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