State Job Title: Attorney IV Posting #: 01-25-01-AT

Closing Date: Until filled Location: Houston, Texas

Salary Range: $92,600 to $126,000 per year Start Date: As soon as possible

(depending on experience)

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

The First Court of Appeals, Houston, Texas, is accepting applications for a staff attorney assigned to

Justice Amparo Monique Guerra’s chambers. The attorney in this position is expected to perform highly

advanced work with in-depth analysis and presentment of legal issues. The position provides opportunities

to use initiative and mature judgment in assisting the justices in the disposition of appeals and original

proceedings. In helping to process the work of the chambers, the attorney provides advice and counsel to

the justice in the assigned chambers as well as to other members of the court. The attorney reviews records

and briefs, conducts legal research, and makes recommendations to justices. Working with direction from

the assigned justice, the attorney prepares written memoranda and initial drafts of court opinions. The job

requires a strong command of appellate law and procedure and a strict adherence to rules of confidentiality

and judicial ethics.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Applicants must have the ability to work independently. Essential job functions for the position include:

• reviewing appellate records and filings to assist justices in resolving issues presented in civil and

criminal appeals and original proceedings;

• conducting electronic legal research and, when necessary, manual research;
• analyzing statutes, judicial decisions, and other legal sources;
• assessing cases for jurisdictional issues and attending to special problems and administrative

matters;

• consulting with members of the court in connection with the court’s disposition of substantive and

procedural issues, formulating recommendations to panel members, and preparing memoranda and

initial drafts of proposed opinions and judgments;

• assisting with review of motions and preparation of separate writings and related work, as

assigned;

• assisting panel members in preparation for oral argument, including making oral presentations

addressing appellate points, attending oral argument and participating in pre-submission and postsubmission conferences among justices, and attending to follow-up research and record review.

• reviewing motions for rehearing and making recommendations to panel members; and
• generally helping to process the work of the chambers, observing court rules, following court

processes and procedures, and maintaining confidences of the court.

FIRST COURT OF APPEALS

JOB VACANCY NOTICE

Posting #: 01-25-01-AT

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree and eligible to sit for the

Texas Bar Exam;

• knowledge of legal principles in civil areas;
• knowledge of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, Uniform System of Citation, and Texas

Rules of Form.

• ability to identify, analyze, and resolve legal and procedural issues and to present findings and

conclusions, both orally and in writing.

• excellent legal-research skills, including a proficiency in computer research and cite checking;
• excellent legal writing, editing, and proofing skills;
• word processing skills;
• ability to prepare, plan, and organize work, and to communicate clearly and effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited law school and license to practice law in the State of Texas;
• Previous appellate court experience;
• Four to six years’ experience in private practice;
• Top 20% of law school graduating class;
• Experience on a law review, law journal, or other publication; or
• Moot court and/or mock trial experience.

RELATED MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

The following Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) codes are generally applicable to this position:

27A, 250X, 4402, 4405, 4406, 4407, 4408, 4409, 4410, 4411, 4417, 51JX, 92J0, LGL10, LGL11.

Military crosswalk link: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Legal (texas.gov)

FIRST COURT OF APPEALS

JOB VACANCY NOTICE

Posting #: 01-25-01-AT

E-VERIFY:

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if

necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s

Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Submit a single complete electronic application consisting of the following in pdf format:

1. resume or curriculum vitae;

2. electronically-signed State of Texas Job Application for employment; available on the First

Court’s website career page. (http://www.txcourts.gov/1stcoa/careers/)

(www.twc.state.tx.us/jobs/gvjb/stateapp.pdf.);

3. law school transcripts and class rank or explanation from law school of general percentile rankings; 1

4. writing sample;

5. three references familiar with the applicant’s work product and work habits; and

6. cover letter.

Email completed applications to 1stHR@txcourts.gov. You may also email any questions to

1stHR@txcourts.gov.

Personal interviews will be conducted by invitation only.

The First Court of Appeals is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of

race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in employment or in the provision of services.

Minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to the Americans

with Disabilities Act, requests for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process

should be communicated by the applicant to the Clerk of the Court