Attorney IV (Senior Prosecutor)

Job Title: Attorney IV
Senior Prosecutor

Posting: 0501-25
Opening Date: May 7, 2025
Closing Date: Until filled

Location: North Campus – 1106 Clayton Ln. Austin, TX 78723
Yearly Salary: B28- $105,000- $110,250
Division: Enforcement

PO BOX 12157, Austin, TX 78711
PH: 512. 463.7184
FAX: 512.475.3377

Job Description

The Senior Prosecutor is selected by and responsible to the Chief Prosecutor and performs advanced prosecuting attorney work while serving as a team leader to support other prosecutors in the Enforcement Division.  Work involves reviewing investigative reports, indicators of human trafficking, and making decisions about case resolutions; preparing and supervising the preparation of legal documents; prosecuting violators in administrative proceedings before an administrative law judge; negotiating settlements; and overseeing the work of assigned legal assistants. Team leader responsibilities include reviewing the work of others and providing feedback; assisting the Chief Prosecutor to develop and administer training; answering questions regarding enforcement policies and procedures including complaint resolution, complaint prioritization, and identification of trafficked persons; and mentoring and guiding other prosecutors on an ongoing basis. Provides assistance and training in the department’s efforts to combat Human Trafficking. Work requires contact with the public and other divisions within the agency. Work is performed under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties

  • Works under the direction of the Chief Prosecutor and in close cooperation with staff in the Prosecution Section to ensure that the Prosecution workload is managed effectively, and that joint assignments and projects are completed in a timely and beneficial manner. Collaborates with Department staff to promote positive working relationships and develop open lines of communication.
  • Leads a team of prosecutors, provides oversight, supervision, guidance, and direction to ensure work duties are performed in accordance with department and division policies and procedures.
  • Provides mentoring and guidance to prosecutors to promote consistency in the application of laws and rules, and to assist in keeping them informed of policies and priorities established by the Chief Prosecutor, the Director of Enforcement, and the Executive Office, including complaint prioritization based upon risk to public safety or consumer harm and identification of trafficked persons.
  • Manages a caseload that includes cases under all program statutes. Coordinates and advises on the preparation of notices, exceptions, orders, briefs, and other legal documents. Coordinates and advises on the selection of violations to be pursued in enforcement cases, the presentation of prosecutors’ cases in administrative hearings, and the negotiation of settlement agreements.
  • Reviews work completed by prosecutors and provides feedback as appropriate to ensure the highest quality of work.
  • Trains new prosecutors, with oversight and approval by the Chief Prosecutor. Assists the Chief Prosecutor in developing and delivering training for prosecutors.
  • Assists the Chief Prosecutor with monitoring prosecutors’ workloads to ensure that cases are resolved in a timely fashion. Assists the Chief Prosecutor with compiling and analyzing statistics related to productivity in the Prosecution section, and with establishing targets for measuring success.
  • Assists the Chief Prosecutor in monitoring the performance of attorneys in the Prosecution section and in the preparation of annual performance appraisals.
  • Assists the Chief Prosecutor with ensuring the prosecutors’ compliance with the Department’s personnel policies. Monitors the prosecutors’ work schedules, attendance and use of leave; compliance with telecommuting requirements; completion of required trainings; and other matters as assigned.
  • Assists the Chief Prosecutor in the hiring of attorneys for the Prosecution section, which includes screening applications, conducting interviews, evaluating interview results, and checking references.
  • Assists the Chief Prosecutor in formulating, establishing and monitoring procedures, policies and priorities for the Prosecution section. Participates in maintaining and revising the Complaint Resolution Procedures Manual, the Enforcement Plan, the Criminal Conviction Guidelines and Prioritization Schedules.
  • Completes special projects as assigned by the Chief Prosecutor and Director.
  • Reviews investigative reports related to complaints filed with the Enforcement Division and decides the manner in which cases will be resolved. Brings cases to final resolution as expeditiously as possible.
  • Researches and interprets statutes, rules, regulations, codes, and administrative records, and analyzes their applicability and significance in specific fact situations presented in complaints. Conducts legal research in various areas of federal and state law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.
  • Advises investigators regarding evidentiary analysis and avenues of investigation to be pursued, and provides guidance to all Enforcement staff regarding statutes, rules, indicators of human trafficking and enforcement policies.
  • Collaborates with other division staff on the department’s Anti-Trafficking efforts, aids and assists with trainings and presentations related to Human Trafficking in the industries regulated by the department for law enforcement, NGO’s, and State and Federal Prosecutors.
  • Represents TDLR in the formal prosecution of enforcement cases in administrative hearings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Presents the testimony of witnesses and documentary evidence in accordance with the Texas Rules of Evidence and makes legally-sound oral arguments.
  • Prepares notices of alleged violation, notices of hearing, letters of proposed license denial, motions, legal briefs, case closing letters, agreed orders, emergency orders related to human trafficking, and other appropriate legal documents and correspondence related to enforcement cases.
  • Prepares exceptions to Proposals for Decision, as appropriate, and presents oral argument on contested cases to the Commission.
  • Attends Commission and advisory board meetings and presents staff reports and other agenda items relating to the Enforcement Division. Participates in intradepartmental meetings as directed by the Chief Prosecutor and Director.
  • Assists in educating the regulated industries and the public by making appearances before groups and speaking about laws, rules, agency procedures, enforcement actions, and indicators of human trafficking affecting the subject industries. Also coordinates such appearances by other attorneys in the Prosecution section.
  • Reviews drafts of laws and rules affecting agency programs. Prepares cost estimates and bill analyses for proposed legislation during legislative sessions.
  • Performs duties in accordance with division policies and procedures set forth by the Director, including but not limited to the Complaint Resolution Procedures Manual, the Legal Files Procedures Manual, the Enforcement Plan, the Criminal Conviction Guidelines, and the Complaint Prioritization Schedule.
  • Complies with division and/or agency training requirements.
  • Demonstrates a spirit of teamwork, fosters camaraderie, offering positive and constructive ideas, encouragement, and support to other members of the staff and team, while upholding the agency’s core values.
  • Keeps management appropriately informed of ongoing activity and critical matters affecting the operation and well-being of the agency.
  • Adheres to all TDLR Personnel Policies and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school with an L.L.B. or J.D. degree. Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Five (5) years litigation experience required.  Administrative or criminal prosecution experience preferred. Experience as a supervisor or team lead preferred. Completion of leadership or management training such as programs from the Governor’s Center for Management Development preferred.

Military Occupation Specialty Code:

Army 27A, Navy 250X, Marine 4402, Air Force 51JX or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:  Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category – Legal

Remarks

The successful candidate will have: Knowledge of administrative law proceedings and concepts such as jurisdiction, notice, and due process, knowledge of the Administrative Procedures Act, the Texas Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure, the Public Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, and the laws administered by TDLR. Knowledge of TDLR’s core values, and ability to adhere to those values in the supervision of employees and in interactions with the public; and, of the agency’s policies, procedures and efforts for Human Trafficking prevention and response/crisis intervention. Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problem.; in the use of computers and applicable software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, internet and email, and, in the use of a computer to produce complex documents. Skill in the operation of office equipment. Skill in the use of databases and case management software. Skill in evaluating the work of others and providing meaningful feedback; in calculating and evaluating statistics related to workloads; and in establishing targets for measuring success. Effective communication skills in the contexts of telephone contacts, in-person contacts, and written communication. Skill in public speaking. Ability to interpret, apply, and explain, orally and in writing, statutes, rules, codes, procedures, and policies; and to perform legal research. Ability to evaluate work performed by others and provide meaningful feedback; to establish priorities, goals and objectives; and, to devise solutions to administrative problems.  Ability to supervise and direct the work of others, and to effectively supervise multiple employees. Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to develop and provide training; and, to monitor workloads, work processes and trends of a work unit. Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks or courses of action simultaneously and respond effectively to rapidly changing priorities in a highly visible setting. Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings. Excellent communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, exhibit a leadership style that motivates others to high levels of productivity, and interact tactfully and effectively with internal and external customers.

How to Apply

Applications may be downloaded through TDLR’s website https: www.tdlr.texas.gov/employ.htm. Only Email or fax applications accepted. Email [email protected] or fax 512.475.3377. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume in lieu of application will be rejected. Additionally, an application with “see resume” within the summary of experience is considered incomplete and will be rejected. Submit a copy of degree if in lieu of experience/skills requirement. To receive Military Employment Preference for any position, submit a copy of the DD214 or DD1300 with application. 

This job is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

TDLR provides a total compensation package that enables us to attract, motivate, and retain highly skilled and talented employees, including a merit system, full use of salary ranges, performance awards, retention and recruitment bonuses. TDLR participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TDLR will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the application, contact TDLR Human Resources at 512-463-7184. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation