GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Posting #: 01-25-15-AT

Location: Houston, Texas Start Date: As soon as possible The First Court of Appeals, Houston, Texas, is now accepting applications for a Court Staff Attorney. 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 Court, the attorney will provide advice and counsel to justices in assigned chambers as well as to other members of the Court. The attorney will review records and briefs, conduct legal research, and make recommendations to justices. Working with direction from assigned justices, the attorney will prepare 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 #: 01-25-15-AT MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have the following qualifications: • Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree and licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas; • knowledge of legal principles in civil and criminal 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; • proficient with Word and computer skills; • ability to prepare, plan, and organize work, and to communicate clearly and effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Previous employment with a Texas appellate court; • Four to six years’ experience practicing law; • Top 20% of law school graduating class; • Experience on a law review, law journal, or other scholarly 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