OAG - Environmental Protection | Legal Assistant I-II | 26-0516

Job Description:

OAG - Environmental Protection | Legal Assistant I-II | 26-0516

Description

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is seeking a Legal Assistant. The Environmental Protection Division prosecutes environmental violations; prosecutes and defends cases involving the States natural resources; and defends public utility and environmental orders issued by Texas administrative agencies. Attorneys in the Environmental Protection Division practice in state and federal courts throughout Texas, and the Division prides itself on the quality of the legal services it provides on behalf of the State of Texas.

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

• Drafts and prepares pleadings, motions, briefs, abstracts, petitions, summary judgments, legal correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Researches and analyzes sources such as statutes, case law, administrative records, opinions, articles, treaties, property titles, and rules and regulations.
• Organizes service of subpoenas, service of notices of deposition, and preparation of other legal documents.
• Checks citations, quotations, footnotes, and references for accuracy.
• Summarizes laws, rules, and regulations.
• Files pleadings with courts.
• Schedules, attends, and prepares attorneys for hearings, trials, meetings, interviews, appellate arguments, depositions, and docket calls.
• Reviews and performs redacting of confidential documents for filing with various courts.
• 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

Legal Assistant I:

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent
• Experience: Three years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: legal assistant; legal secretary, or general office experience
• Knowledge of legal terminology; of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; of research methods and techniques; of administrative and court procedures; of the legislative process; and of public notice requirements.
• Skill in understanding and processing information, in the use of office equipment, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• 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%

Legal Assistant II ¿ all of the above qualifications for a Legal Assistant I, PLUS:

• Education: Bachelor¿s degree from an accredited college or university; experience working in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis: legal assistant; legal secretary, or general office experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in law or a related field is generally preferred.
• Education: Legal Assistant Certification
• Experience: One year of experience in legal assistance work.
• Knowledge: of Bluebook and Greenbook citation forms

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_Legal.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary:

$4166.67 - 4583.34 Monthly