OAG - Open Records | Research Specialist III | 24-0540

REVISED 08/28/2024

This position is intended for attorneys or individuals who have recently taken the Texas state bar exam and are awaiting results. The selected applicant will receive extensive, hands-on training in administrative law and legal research and writing for the Office of the Attorney General’s Open Records Division. Works directly with a senior attorney to gain experience in interpreting and applying the Public Information Act. Work involves researching and interpreting laws governing public access to government information; reviewing and analyzing requests for rulings; and drafting legal opinions, including informal open records letter rulings, involving requests for public information; educating citizens and public servants regarding their rights and obligations under the Public Information Act; participating in public speaking at open government conferences; assisting in drafting bills for legislative consideration and analyzing proposed legislation. Upon successful completion of one year, this position is eligible for promotion to an Assistant Attorney General I and a retention bonus contract.

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.

Duties

• Research, draft, edit and revise informal opinions and rulings, memoranda, correspondence, and publications
• 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

Salary

• $5,705.44/month

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D.
• Taken the Texas state bar exam
• Knowledge of laws and legal principles and practices
• Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval
• Skill in effective oral and written communication (Writing sample required at time of interview, if selected)
• Skill in working cooperatively with attorneys, supervisors, and support staff
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• Ability to work with others in a professional office environment
• Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
• Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
• Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
• 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 lift and relocate 30 lbs.
• Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 5%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
• Experience in interpreting and applying the Public Information Act
• Experience in administrative law
• Experience in peer review environment
• Other Language: Ability to proficiently read, write, and speak Spanish

How 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_PlanningResearchandStatistics.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER