****PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION*****
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Office of the Attorney General is seeking attorneys licensed in Texas to join the agency’s Healthcare Program Enforcement Division to engage in the exciting and fulfilling work of investigating and evaluating whistleblower lawsuits filed under the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act. The work will include coordinating with state agencies, the federal government, and other state governments and will involve complex legal analysis of state and federal regulatory schemes as they relate to the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act. The selected candidate will be expected to conduct witness interviews and utilize other methods of discovery, review data and data trends, negotiate potential settlements, monitor ongoing litigation to protect the State’s interests and draft memoranda and case recommendations for management and Executive Administration. Work also involves limited to moderate motion practice in federal and state courts, drafting of legal briefs and preparations for court hearings. Knowledge of, or interest in, healthcare law is a plus.
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
- Initiates and conducts Healthcare Program Enforcement and related investigations. Analyzes factual and legal issues and develops evidence for pursuit of Healthcare Program Enforcement cases, including performing legal research, conducting interviews, and directing investigator activity.
- Reviews data and documentation from client agencies and other resources, coordinates with the federal government and other states governments to evaluate and potentially resolve pending whistleblower lawsuits, and reports findings and analysis to management and Executive Administration.
- Monitors pending cases in which the State has declined to intervene, preparing legal briefs independently and in coordination with other AAGs where needed to protect the State’s interests.
- Prepares pleadings and other legal documents; prepares and negotiates settlement documents.
- May assist with bill review and legislative inquires.
- Represents the Office of the Attorney General before state and federal district courts.
- 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
- Performs related work as assigned
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) IV:
- Experience: Three years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney
- Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
- Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas
- Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas on or before agreed start date
- Familiarity with Texas case law regarding discovery and pleadings
- Knowledge of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Evidence
- Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
- Skill in effective oral and written communication (Writing sample required at time of interview, if selected)
- Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
- Ability to conduct legal analysis involving complex statutory and regulatory schemes at the state and federal levels, including applying legal analysis to fact situations and making recommendations.
- Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
- Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment
- Ability to supervise the work of others
- 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 20%
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) V: All the above qualifications for AAG IV PLUS:
- Experience: One additional year of full-time experience as a licensed attorney
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) IV:
- Experience: Four years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney
- Experience: Working on complex civil litigation in both state and federal courts.
- Experience: Ability to conduct legal analysis involving complex statutory and regulatory schemes at the state and federal levels, including applying legal analysis to fact situations and making recommendations.
- Experience: Relativity, Concordance, Summation or Clearwell legal review software.
- Knowledge of law, legal principles, and practices relevant to healthcare fraud prevention and statutes.
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) V:
- Experience: Five years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney
