Description

Assistant Attorney General (III–VI) — General Job Description

Location / Divisions / Schedule

Location: Austin, TX (with roles also available in Dallas, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio, as applicable)

Divisions: Special Litigation; Opinions; Healthcare Program Enforcement; General Litigation; Consumer Protection

Schedule: Full-time, in-person

About the Office

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the State of Texas’s law firm, providing exemplary legal representation and enforcement across diverse subject areas. Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) serve the public with high-impact work, collaboration, courtroom experience, rigorous research and writing, and competitive state benefits.

Position Summary

AAGs independently and collaboratively investigate, litigate, and advise on complex civil matters in state and federal courts. Duties vary by division and may include affirmative enforcement, defense of state agencies and officials, formal opinion drafting, healthcare fraud enforcement, consumer protection litigation, and appellate practice.

AAGs manage cases end-to-end—from pre-filing investigations through trial and appeal—while coordinating with OAG divisions, client agencies, and external government partners. Senior levels (AAG V–VI) serve as lead counsel on high-profile, multi-divisional matters and may be appointed as Special Counsel.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation & Case Management

•        Lead or co-lead complex civil cases in state and federal courts at the pretrial, trial, and appellate stages.
•        Draft and argue motions, pleadings, briefs, and orders.
•        Prepare witnesses, conduct depositions, manage discovery, and try cases to verdict.
•        Defend state agencies and officials in civil rights, constitutional, employment, ADA, and general litigation matters.
•        Senior levels (AAG V–VI) direct case preparation and coordinate multi-divisional litigation efforts.

Investigations & Enforcement

•        Initiate and conduct investigations including Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs).
•        Interview witnesses, analyze documents, review data, and coordinate investigative staff.
•        Develop evidence through examinations under oath, depositions, and review platforms such as Relativity or Concordance.
•        Conduct whistleblower and healthcare fraud investigations in Healthcare Program Enforcement.

Legal Research, Opinions & Appellate

•        Perform complex legal research and prepare formal Attorney General opinions.
•        Analyze legislation and statutes and contribute to legal guidance materials.
•        Draft appellate briefs and present oral argument as assigned.

Client Advisory & Cross-Agency Collaboration

•        Advise OAG Executive Administration and client agencies on multi-divisional matters.
•        Coordinate with OAG divisions and external governmental bodies on litigation and policy issues.

Public Representation, Training & Legislative Support

•        Represent the agency publicly at approved events including press conferences and public meetings.
•        Prepare and present training materials.
•        Assist with drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration.

Leadership & Supervision

•        Provide guidance to legal assistants and less tenured staff.
•        Serve as a subject-matter resource within the division.
•        Senior levels (AAG V–VI) plan, organize, and monitor complex litigation portfolios.

Minimum Qualifications

Assistant Attorney General III

•        JD from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
•        Two years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney.
•        Strong legal research, writing, analysis, and case management skills.

Assistant Attorney General IV

•        All AAG III qualifications.
•        Three years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney.
•        Proven first-chair or significant trial experience.

Assistant Attorney General V

•        All AAG IV qualifications.
•        Four years of full-time litigation experience.
•        Experience in high-profile, complex, multi-divisional litigation; ability to serve as lead counsel.

Assistant Attorney General VI (Special Litigation)

•        JD from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
•        Six years of full-time litigation experience.
•        Expertise in directing, planning, and overseeing significant, high-profile civil litigation.
•        Ability to supervise staff, testify publicly, and support legislative drafting.

Preferred Qualifications

•        Judicial clerkship or staff attorney experience.
•        Extensive trial experience including multiple jury or bench trials.
•        Expertise in constitutional, civil rights, employment, healthcare fraud, consumer protection, or related areas.
•        Experience with Federal and State Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence.
•        Familiarity with e-discovery tools such as Relativity, Concordance, Summation, or Clearwell.
•        Exceptional academic credentials or Law Review experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

•        Advanced research, writing, and analytical abilities.
•        Strong oral advocacy and collaboration skills.
•        Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple matters.
•        Proficiency with legal software and office tools.
•        Commitment to ethics, integrity, confidentiality, and excellent client service.

Work Conditions & Requirements

•        In-person work at assigned OAG location.
•        Travel up to 5–25% depending on assignment.
•        Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed.
•        Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.
•        Ability to receive and respond positively to feedback.

Classification & Compensation

Assistant Attorney General III–VI classifications vary by division and level.

AAG VI (Special Litigation): State Job Code 3515, Plan B, Grade 31, Salary Range: $10,271.00 – $15,024.78 per month.

Other levels: Salary commensurate with experience and state classification.

How to Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample (if requested) via the OAG application portal. Include preferred divisions and locations.

Optional Division Addenda

•        Special Litigation: High-impact affirmative litigation enforcing limits on government authority; senior roles may include appointment as Special Counsel.
•        Opinions: Formal opinion drafting, legislation analysis, Open Meetings Act training responsibilities.
•        Healthcare Program Enforcement: Whistleblower litigation under the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act; extensive discovery and intergovernmental coordination.
•        General Litigation: Defense of state agencies and officials across civil rights and constitutional matters; trial and appellate practice.
•        Consumer Protection: Plaintiff-side enforcement under DTPA and related statutes; complex pre-suit investigations and charitable trust matters.