TDCJ - General Counsel III - Deputy General Counse

About the role

The Deputy General Counsel provides strategic leadership and legal expertise in TDCJ's legal operations, overseeing a broad portfolio of litigation and non‑litigation matters, interacting daily with external agency partners and serving as a liaison, and maintaining extensive interaction with TDCJ executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Directing and planning legal activities
• Interpreting laws, rules, and regulations
• Preparing legal documents
• Rendering legal advice and counsel
• Consulting with attorneys
• Preparing cases for trial
• Advising on the drafting and negotiation of contracts
• Drafting bills for legislative consideration
• Team building and professional development
• Supervising the work of others
• Overseeing a broad portfolio of legal matters including administrative law, constitutional law, tort law, contracts and procurement law, employment law, public information and open government, legislative review and implementation, and general governance topics
• Daily interaction with external agency partners and serving as a liaison for TDCJ on mid‑level matters
• Extensive interaction with TDCJ executive leadership

Requirements

• Graduated from a law school accredited by an organization recognized by CHEA or USDE with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
• Six years full‑time, wage‑earning legal, litigation, trial, or contract experience
• At least three years of that experience as legal counsel in a governmental agency or private practice

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Experience as legal counsel in a governmental agency
• Experience in administrative, contract, criminal, and/or labor/employment law
• Program development experience in a legal field
• Litigation experience in state or federal court
• Experience in the supervision of employees
• Two years full‑time, wage‑earning experience in the supervision of employees

Skills

• Organized
• Good time management
• Ability to travel
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively

Schedule

• Travel required approximately 25% of the time (about 15 nights away per month)