****PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION*****
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Public Finance Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking an Assistant Attorney General whose work will involve reviewing and approving traditional to highly complex bonds and similar obligations by state agencies. Additionally, work will involve reviewing and approving complex bonds for cities, counties, school districts, and all other governmental entities or instrumentalities of the state, including certain non-profit corporations created to act on behalf of some of these political subdivisions. Assists in mentoring and training more junior attorneys, as needed.
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 FUNCTIONS
- Reviews bond transcripts submitted by a wide variety of governmental entities
- Drafts preliminary and final approval letters regarding bond transcripts and discusses approval requirements with bond counsel
- Conducts legal research in the area of Public Finance, reports findings and conclusions
- Responds to inquiries relating to Public Finance from governmental officials and bond counsel
- Represents Attorney General in bond validation litigation, as necessary
- Provides legal advice, counsel and assistance to client state agency, as necessary
- Supervises and/or assists in the training of other attorneys and staff, as needed
- Responsible for one or more aspects of the following areas, as needed: legislative session, open records, record retention matters
- Supervises and assists in training of other attorneys and staff, as needed
- Assists in developing processes and procedures for bond review and/or training materials, as needed
- Assists with responding to Comptroller’s quarterly litigation bond appendix, as needed
- Oversees development of process and procedures for more efficient bond review, as needed, including electronic review and/or rule-making
- Assists more junior public finance attorneys on pending legal issues
- Provides excellent customer service
- 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
Assistant Attorney General IV:
- Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
- Licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of Texas
- Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date.
- Experience: Three years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working in public finance
- Knowledge of federal and state laws affecting state agencies and their rules
- Knowledge of laws and legal principles and practices relevant to the Public Finance Division within the Office of the Attorney General
- 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
- Skill in using a computer for word-processing and data entry/retrieval
- 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 5%
Assistant Attorney General V - All the above qualifications for an AAG II. Plus:
- Experience: One additional year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney working in public finance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Attorney General IV:
- Experience: Seven years full-time experience as a public finance attorney
Assistant Attorney General V:
- Experience Eight years of full-time experience as a public finance attorney
