FIRST COURT OF APPEALS

JOB VACANCY NOTICE

State Job Title: Attorney IV Posting #: 01-26-03-AT

Closing Date: Until filled Location: Houston, Texas

Salary: $140,980.08 per year Start Date: June 15, 2026, or soon after

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The First Court of Appeals at Houston, Texas is now accepting applications for a full-time staff attorney assigned

to the chambers of Justice Jennifer Caughey.

The attorney in this position is expected to perform highly advanced work with in-depth analysis and presentment

of legal issues in civil and criminal appeals. This 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 assigned chambers, this attorney provides advice and counsel to the justice in that assigned chambers

and to other members of the Court. This attorney reviews records and briefs, conducts legal research, and makes

recommendations to the 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 Texas 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 the 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 resources;
• Assessing cases for jurisdictional issues and attending to special problems and administrative matters;

2

• 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 writings and related work, as assigned;
• Assisting panel members in preparation for oral argument, including making oral presentations addressing

appellate points, attending oral argument, participating in pre-submission and post-submission

conferences among the 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 assigned chambers, observing Court rules, following Court

processes and procedures, and maintaining confidences of the Court.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in the State of Texas;
• Knowledge of Texas substantive law in civil and criminal areas;
• Knowledge of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure;
• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve substantive and procedural issues and to clearly communicate

legal analysis 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:

• Previous appellate court experience;
• Four to six years’ experience practicing law in Texas;
• 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.

3

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

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 that is available on the career page

of the First Court of Appeals’ website at: (http://www.txcourts.gov/1stcoa/careers/) and also at

(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.