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The Fourteenth Court of Appeals, Houston, Texas, is accepting applications for the position of 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 provides advice and counsel to the justices of the court. The attorney reviews records and briefs, conducts legal research, and makes recommendations to justices. Working with direction from the justices of the court, 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. 

The attorney will be expected to respond to directions from all justices, but with opportunity for use of initiative and mature judgment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Applicants must have the ability to work independently. Essentialjob 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 legal research;
  • analyzing statutes, judicial decisions, and other legal sources;
  • assessing cases for jurisdictional issues and attending to special issues;
  • consulting with members of the court on substantive and procedural issues, formulating recommendations to panel members, and preparing memoranda and initial drafts of proposed orders, 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, attending oral argument and participating in pre-submission and post-submission conferences;
  • generally helping to process the work of the court, observing court rules, following court processes and procedures, and maintaining confidences of the court; and
  • performing related work as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

  • Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree;
  • License to practice law in the State of Texas;
  • Minimum of five years’ experience as a practicing attorney;
  • Ability to prepare, plan, and organize work, and to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • 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;
  • Word processing skills to include familiarity and working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 

  • Previous appellate court experience;
  • Seven or more years’ experience;
  • Top 20% of law school graduating class; and
  • Experience on a law review, law journal, or other publication.