Senior Litigator (Attorney V)
Job description
MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Texas Education Agency is hiring a Senior Litigator in the Office of General Counsel. With minimal supervision and considerable latitude, this individual provides legal support for agency actions involving complaints, investigations, and enforcement. This individual additionally interprets the law, develops rules, and provides legal advice as it relates to investigations, monitoring, academic and financial accountability ratings, accreditation, and/or defending the enforcement actions in court proceedings. The position provides comprehensive litigation management and legal support to the Office of Governance, including support for the agency's complaints management program as well as the agency's Special Investigations Unit. This individual manages, organizes, and conducts agency litigation, including representing the agency at State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) hearings, which will also involve newly available SOAH proceedings to challenge agency enforcement actions. This individual additionally provides support for the Attorney General in court proceedings related to agency actions throughout the state.
Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.
Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.
- Provides litigation management and legal support and counsel to the agency's complaints management and special investigations programs, including advising on policies and procedures; the review and resolution of complaints; jurisdictional reviews; and all aspects of conducting investigations into district and charter schools.
- Assists with high-level litigation and legal issues associated with the review of investigation reports and correspondence, jurisdictional memos, and complaints correspondence. Interprets laws and regulations relating to the functions of the department and renders legal advice and counsel.
- Advises agency staff regarding the agency's complaints process and investigation process relating to districts and charter schools.
- Manages and conducts contested case proceedings pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) before the SOAH. Supports the Attorney General in defense of any appeal of the determination made by the SOAH. Supports the Attorney General’s defense of the agency in any other litigation.
- Oversees and/or mentors associate attorneys responsible for administrative and civil litigation, governance and charter school-related investigations, reviews, and functions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree; licensed and in good standing to practice law in Texas.
Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in administrative or civil litigation. Experience advising a regulatory agency regarding complaints, dispute resolution, investigations, or enforcement preferred. Legal experience in school law is preferred.
- Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic environment.
- Highly organized; ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines.
- Ability to break down complex information into comprehensive parts; ask questions; and synthesize and analyze information.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve.
- Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment.
- Highly skilled in Microsoft Office applications and managing the lifecycle of complex technical documents.
- Provide sound legal counsel and recommendations to agency clients to assist in business decisions made in the agency and in meeting the state’s best interest.
- Effectively interpret policies, procedures, statutes, rules, and regulations.
- Use negotiating strategies to reach outcomes that gain parties’ support and acceptance.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, supervisors, co-workers, internal clients, and external stakeholders.
- Self-starter with an outcomes-based approach to completion of duties.
- Ability to work under pressure to timely complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines.
As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the veteran’s preference.
Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed here. Click on the military “occupational category” that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title to review the codes, ratings, and description for the matching position provided by the State Auditor's Office.
This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.
No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
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