Job Details

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This position may be filled at Asst General Counsel I or Asst General Counsel II classification. The final classification and salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and relevant legal experience.

General Description

Performs complex (journey-level) legal work. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Provides guidance to agency staff, the board, or the commission on various open government regulations and the agency's administrative rules. Provides input on the development of agency programs and the establishment of agency procedures. Employees at this level may train, coordinate, and lead the work of others. Advises agency management on programs and issues involving legal risks. Drafts and negotiates contracts and related documents. Interviews clients and witnesses to obtain facts of a case.

Principal Job Duties and Responsibilities

90% Reviews, analyzes, and processes Public Information Act (PIA) requests. Provides legal advice and opinions on release of PIA requests. Ensures responsive information and other PIA related deadlines are met and redacted appropriately when required. Reviews all PIA requests including law enforcement requests and subpoenas for documents and records responsive to request, including law enforcement materials and subpoenas. Consults with higher level General Counsel and escalates issues as needed. Drafts all requests for Attorney General Opinions on PIA requests that are exempted from disclosure. Prepares 10-day and 15-day briefs in support of exemptions from disclosure under the PIA.

May conduct legal research related to open records, confidentiality laws, and applicable statutes. Provides legal advice and opinions on policy decisions related to PIA and Open government issues. May assist with drafting, reviewing and editing legal documents, memoranda, bills, administrative rules, amendments for legislative consideration as it relates to PIA and open government and ensures compliance with statutory deadlines and legal requirements. Works closely with administrative staff to ensure all PIA requests are properly logged and tracked. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.

5% Work on special projects as assigned. Research legal matters as directed.

5% Performs related duties to support Office of General Counsel as assigned.

Required Experience and Education

• Attorney I
  • Graduation from an accredited law school with an L.L.B. or J.D. degree.
  • Must be licensed to practice law in Texas and must be in good standing.
  • Knowledge of legal research and writing.
  • If internal candidate, must be in good performance standing within your current department.
• Attorney II
  • Graduation from an accredited law school with an L.L.B. or J.D. degree.
  • Must be licensed to practice law in Texas and must be in good standing.
  • At least two to three years of relevant legal experience in open government, administrative law, government law or open records.
  • If internal candidate, must be in good performance standing within your current department.

Preferred Qualifications for both levels

• Experience in open records and open government is preferred.
• Experience in practice of administrative or regulatory law is preferred.
• Experience in general counsel work is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Administrative law, Texas Public Information Act, Open Meetings Law, Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, rulemaking procedure, and appellate review.
• State and federal confidentiality laws.
• Legal research methods, principles, and procedures.
• Statutes and rules (state and federal) regulating agency licenses.
• Related statutes and rules affecting agency licensee, e.g., pharmacy law, criminal law, ethics, etc.
• Legal principles and practices of law related to licensing and regulations of professional licenses.
• Contract law, including General Services Commission Regulations.
• Employment Law.

Skill in

• Legal writing, including briefs and memoranda.
• Analyzing and interpreting complex legal documents.
• Reviewing and redacting sensitive information.
• Organizing and prioritizing duties and assignments.
• Identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Managing multiple deadlines and priorities.

Ability to

• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Exercise sound legal judgment and discretion; maintain strict confidentiality.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced work environment.
• Work with program staff and board members in a cooperative and supportive manner.
• Meet deadlines while managing multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Prepare legal documents, write and prepare rules, policies, and procedures, conduct research, interpret and apply laws, and summarize findings.
• Work effectively in a team environment.

Qualifications: Work Environment Requirements

• Due to office space limitations, this position is eligible for telecommuting up to two days per week.
• In person attendance of board meetings is required.
• Regular and punctual attendance Monday through Friday.
• Require be in office two days per week and for board meetings.
• Must respond to internal and external communications in a timely manner: within 72 hours of external communication, within 24 hours of internal communication, within 15 minutes while working remotely during business hours if contacted by your Manager unless on a pre‑approved leave or recognized lunch or exercise break.
• Frequent use of personal computers, copiers, printers, and telephones.
• Frequent sitting.
• Frequently working under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
• Compliance with all agency policies and procedures, including but not limited to applicable confidentiality, security and safety rules, regulations and standards.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions

• If temporarily working remotely due to limited office space, applicants must have a dedicated, quiet, and secure workspace that ensures privacy and minimal distractions to maintain confidentiality while working remotely.
• If temporarily working remotely due to limited office space, an applicant must have reliable and secure high‑speed internet access with a minimum of 20 MBPS download and 2 MBPS upload.
• Applicants may be required to provide confirmation from the area ISP.
• All applicants will have frequent use of keyboard, mouse, and other input devices.
• All applicants need to have the ability to participate in video calls, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
• All applicants may experience frequently working under deadlines, individually or as a team member, and at times may collaborate.