(STATE OF TEXAS) 8TH COURT OF APPEALS – STAFF ATTORNEY III

Minimum Qualifications

STAFF ATTORNEY

The Eighth Court of Appeals, El Paso, Texas, is now accepting applications for a full-time staff attorney. A staff attorney’s primary duties are to assist the Court by providing legal research, legal analysis, and written product that includes draft opinions, as well as performing related tasks like reviewing appellate motions and records. A staff attorney may also be called upon to attend oral arguments, keep abreast of current developments in the law, and assist the Court with administrative duties.

Applicants must be currently licensed to practice law in Texas and have graduated from an accredited law school. Candidates with Law Review are strongly encouraged to apply, and a strong background in appellate practice are preferred, all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. The position may be filled by working remotely or in hybrid form, if the Court determines, from a candidate’s background and work history, that the candidate has adequately demonstrated the ability to work independently.

Experience and Education and Licensure
Law Review and a strong background in appellate procedure, legal research and writing, is preferred. However, all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. Graduation from an accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D. degree. Must possess license to practice law in the State of Texas

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of legal principles in criminal areas and appellate procedure. Exceptional management, legal research, writing, analytical, and decision-making skills. Proficient computer and typing skills. Knowledge in the interpretation and application of substantive and procedural law and rules. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing and to plan and organize work with a minimum supervision. Knowledge of appellate court policies and procedures and their implementation. Ability to direct and supervise the work of others.

Salary Range: $6,074 – $10,000 per month (depending on experience)
Estimated Start Date: October 10, 2023 (subject to change)
(Possibility of Remote Work or in Hybrid Form)

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must mail a State Application for Employment, resume, references, writing samples, and a law school transcript if licensed for less than three years to:

Elizabeth G. Flores, Clerk of the Court, 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Rm. 1203, El Paso, Texas, 79901. The application is available from the Texas Workforce Commission at
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobs/gvjb/state-texas-application-employment.html

Interviews will be by invitation only.

Note: The following military occupational specialty (MOS) codes generally correspond to this employment opening: 27A, 250X, LGL10-11, 4402, 4405-4411, 4417, 51JX, and 92J0. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at
http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf (Download PDF reader)

The Court is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, any request for reasonable accommodations needed during the application process should be communicated by the applicant to the Clerk of the Court.
Typical Duties
Duties, Tasks and Assignments:

Conducts manual and computer-assisted electronic legal research in analyzing sources such as statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, legal codes, and rules of
procedure. Interprets substantive and procedural law and rules. Prepares pre-submission memoranda, proposed draft opinions, judgments, and orders in criminal
appeals and/or original proceedings. Reviews and screens original proceedings and motions for the purpose of making recommendations on their disposition, and prepares drafts of proposed opinions, judgments or orders, as appropriate. Reviews pre- and post-submission motions, makes recommendations on their disposition, and draft proposed opinions or orders, as appropriate. Conducts initial screening of appeals for jurisdictional deficiencies and procedural compliance. Participates in pre- and post-submission case conferences, presents analysis of issues and leads discussion.
Attends and evaluates the presentation of oral argument.
Advises the assigned justice, the administrative staff and other legal staff members regarding
appellate, procedural, and substantive legal issues upon request, or as necessary.
Within the assigned judicial chambers, reviews and edits work of law clerks and other staff when requested.
Reviews proposed draft opinions, reports, papers or other court records prepared by the legal
staff for clarity, completeness, accuracy, and conformance with policies of the Court.
Reviews current developments in criminal law.
Provide general counsel to assigned justice, as requested.
Routes proposed draft opinions, judgments and orders to superiors for appropriate action.

Administrative:
Performs administrative duties as assigned

Job Summary
Summary of position

Assists the appellate court in resolving complex substantive and procedural issues, prepares pre submission memoranda, proposed draft opinions, judgments, and orders, and ensures compliance with appellate rules and procedures to facilitate the flow of cases through the Court. This position requires exceptional management, legal research, writing, analytical, and oral communication skills. Duties include other assignments such as working with and assisting other attorneys or staff members, as necessary. Within the assigned judicial chambers, this attorney assists in providing supervision and training of law clerks and legal assistants to include reviewing proposed draft opinions, reports, papers or other court records for clarity,
completeness, accuracy, and conformance with policies of the Court. This staff attorney works
under the general supervision of the assigned justice with considerable latitude for the use of
initiative and independent judgment

Additional Information