TDA - Legal - Assistant General Counsel

Agency Information: The Texas Department of Agriculture's Legal Services Division, Enforcement Section, investigates violations of state and federal pesticide, herbicide, Right-to-Know laws and regulations, consumer laws and programs, plant quality, seed quality, weights and measures, commodity warehouses, egg quality, and the Agricultural Protective Act. Telework is not offered; all employees must be physically present during core business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Limited customer service is available between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Location: Austin (HQ), TX.

About the Role

The Assistant General Counsel will perform entry-level to moderately complex legal work for the Texas Department of Agriculture's Enforcement Division. Responsibilities include interpreting laws and regulations, preparing legal opinions, briefs, and other documents, providing legal advice, handling public inquiries, assisting in case preparation, representing the agency at administrative hearings, processing public information requests, and supporting appeals. Work is performed under general to moderate supervision with limited to moderate latitude for independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute assigned cases involving TDA's regulatory functions, including:
  • Assisting in informal and formal case review.
  • Drafting and issuing notices of violation and other enforcement actions.
  • Drafting pleadings, discovery documents, proposed findings of fact, and conclusions of law.
  • Representing the agency in hearings before administrative law judges.
  • Negotiating and settling cases as appropriate.
  • Coordinating with TDA staff and other parties regarding evidence presentation, including expert testimony.
• Review cases for deferred or unwarranted prosecution.
• Provide formal and informal legal advice to assigned programs, including reviewing and drafting contracts, correspondence, forms, penalty schedules, regulations, and proposed legislation.
• Conduct legal analysis and research for the General Counsel on regulatory enforcement issues.
• Prepare and present training materials for TDA employees on legal issues, including investigative techniques.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to the public and regulated community regarding TDA programs.
• Review and provide legal advice on materials submitted under the Texas Public Information Act.
• Handle public inquiries regarding agency functions and enforcement activities.
• Assist in preparing agency statistical information for reporting purposes.
• Follow all TDA safety guidelines, procedures, and ethics requirements.
• Perform other assigned duties.

For the Attorney II position, additional responsibilities include:

• Reviewing, preparing, and referring cases to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
• Prosecuting cases involving TDA license sanctions and revocations, including representation before administrative law judges.
• Serving as a liaison with OAG on referred cases or lawsuits filed against the agency.
• Handling inquiries from other state agencies, federal agencies, or the public on the application and interpretation of laws within TDA's jurisdiction.

Requirements

• J.D. or LL.B. Degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• License to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Educational background or work experience performing legal research and preparing briefs or memoranda of law.

Pay

$6,142.00 - $6,300.00 per month (for Attorney II - B24).