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OAG - Criminal Appeals | Assistant Attorney General I-II | 25-0620 | REVISED 08/21/2025

at Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR)


REVISED 08/21/2025

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Criminal Appeals Division of the Office of the Attorney General seeks enthusiastic attorneys licensed in Texas for an Assistant Attorney General position. The Criminal Appeals Division represents the State in litigation challenging state felony convictions and sentences through federal habeas corpus review in federal district courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. The division also occasionally represents the State in direct appeal and postconviction proceedings brought in Texas state courts. Work involves planning, coordinating, and monitoring legal activities; providing legal advice, counsel, and assistance; representing the State's interest in civil and criminal matters; reviewing, evaluating, and rendering legal opinions; and drafting bills for legislative consideration.

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

Assistant Attorney General I:

  • Researches and writes appellate briefs, federal district court answers, motions, petitions, and other legal documents in relation to habeas cases in the Criminal Appeals Division.
  • Analyzes complex factual and legal issues.
  • Represents Office of the Attorney General before state and federal district and appellate courts.
  • Participates in evidentiary hearings/presenting oral arguments in state and federal court.
  • Provides legal advice to client agencies, local district attorneys and/or law enforcement entities.
  • Works in conjunction with fellow attorneys within the Criminal Appeals division and other appellate attorneys in the agency.

Assistant Attorney General II: all the above functions for Assistant Attorney General I, PLUS;

  • May train less tenured staff.
  • 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