Staff Attorney (Attorney IV)

About the role

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) seeks a Staff Attorney for the Office of Inspector General Unit. This position represents TEA before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) on behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education.

Responsibilities

• Prepares high level of legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and memoranda.
• Conducts legal research and analysis; interprets and applies statutes, administrative rules, and case law related to educator disciplinary matters.
• Represents the agency in administrative and enforcement hearings before SBEC and SOAH.
• Interacts professionally with members of the public, opposing counsel, school district personnel, law enforcement, and agency staff.
• Presents evidence, examines and cross examines witnesses, and advocates effectively on behalf of the agency in highly complex contested matters.
• Independently manages a docket of highly complex cases and applies best practices to move cases toward timely and appropriate resolution.
• Enforces TEA and SBEC regulatory provisions and prosecutes violations of applicable laws and rules.
• Serves as lead attorney in administrative hearings and coordinates litigation activities in accordance with agency procedures and legal standards.
• Evaluates cases for legal sufficiency, evidentiary support, and appropriate disposition.
• Serves as a liaison with complainants, school districts, and authorized representatives in connection with administrative proceedings.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• At least (5) years of legal experience, including at least two (2) years of full-time litigation experience as a licensed attorney, with participation in bench trials.

Other Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas by the Texas State Bar.
• Knowledge of 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 153, 247 and 249.
• Knowledge of the Texas Administrative Procedures Act, the Texas Education Code, Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and the State Office of Administrative Hearing Rules.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Excellent skills in written and oral advocacy and communication.
• Highly organized with an ability to prioritize and manage time to organize and complete multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to carefully review and edit professional written work.
• Sound professional judgment and strong decision-making skills, including the ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.
• Able to handle stressful situations professionally, including working cooperatively with others on the team.
• Excellent customer service skills when responding to inquiries from members of the public, and utmost professionalism when responding to opposing parties or other state agencies.
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• At least (5) years of legal experience, including at least two (2) years of full-time litigation experience as a licensed attorney, with participation in bench trials.

Other Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas by the Texas State Bar.
• Knowledge of 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 153, 247 and 249.
• Knowledge of the Texas Administrative Procedures Act, the Texas Education Code, Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and the State Office of Administrative Hearing Rules.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Excellent skills in written and oral advocacy and communication.
• Highly organized with an ability to prioritize and manage time to organize and complete multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to carefully review and edit professional written work.
• Sound professional judgment and strong decision-making skills, including the ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.
• Able to handle stressful situations professionally, including working cooperatively with others on the team.
• Excellent customer service skills when responding to inquiries from members of the public, and utmost professionalism when responding to opposing parties or other state agencies.
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve.

Skills

Not specified

Benefits

See details in the Benefits section.

Pay

Starting salary offer and, as a separate line item, the legislatively approved increase that will become part of their base pay. The sum of both will not exceed the positions posted salary range. Only new hires are eligible for this increase.

Schedule

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.