Attorney I

Description:

The First Court of Appeals, Houston, Texas, is accepting applications for an Attorney I to work on a short term part-time basis for two or more months. This position will be expected to perform highly advanced work with in-depth analysis and presentment of legal issues regarding primarily original proceedings. This position provides an opportunity to use initiative and mature judgment in assisting the justices in the disposition of primarily original proceedings. This attorney will review records and briefs, conduct legal research, prepare written memoranda and initial drafts of some court opinions, and make recommendations to the justices. Working with direction from the Court's Chief Staff Attorney, and other members of the Court, this job requires a strong command of Texas appellate law and procedure, and a strict adherence to rules of confidentiality and judicial ethics. Prior experience at an appellate court or a clerkship is preferred.
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 primarily 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; and
• generally helping to process the work of the chambers, observing court rules, following court processes and procedures, and maintaining confidences of the court.

Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have the following qualifications:

• be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas;
• minimum of five years' experience as a practicing attorney;
• 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; and
• ability to prepare, plan, and organize work, and to communicate clearly and effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous appellate court or clerkship experience;
• Top 25% of law school graduating class;
• Experience on a law review, law journal, or other publication and trial, moot court and/or mock trial; and
• Knowledge of legal principles in criminal areas.

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