Open Records | Assistant Attorney General I

PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION*GENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe Open Records Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking an Assistant Attorney General who provides work that involves interpretation of laws governing public access to government information and drafting of informal open records letter rulings and formal open records decisions; educating citizens and public servants regarding their rights and obligations under the Public Information Act; reviewing and analyzing requests for rulings and researching and rendering legal opinions involving requests for public information; participating in public speaking at open government conferences; assisting in drafting bills for legislative consideration and analyzing proposed legislation. 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. 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 FUNCTIONSResearch, draft, edit and revise informal opinions and rulings, memoranda, correspondence, and publications Performs related work as assignedMaintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functionsAttends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work scheduleEnsures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected informationComplies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrityQualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation: Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D. Licensed as an attorney by the State of TexasMust be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date.Knowledge of laws and legal principles and practicesSkill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrievalSkill in effective oral and written communication (Writing sample required at time of interview, if selected)Skill in working cooperatively with attorneys, supervisors, and support staffAbility to handle stressful situationsAbility to work with others in a professional office environmentAbility to receive and respond positively to constructive feedbackAbility to provide excellent customer serviceAbility to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSAAbility to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travelAbility to lift and relocate 30 lbs.Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlinesSkill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision makingAbility 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 lift and relocate 30 lbs.Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 5% PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience in interpreting and applying the Public Information ActExperience in administrative lawOne year of experience in public service or government law Experience in peer review environmentOther Language: Ability to proficiently read, write, and speak Spanish