General Counsel III- Office of the Governor

Job #: 2024-42

Work in Texas Job #: 16401694

Opening Date: 1/25/2024

Travel Required: 5%

Position Location: Austin, Texas

Group Step: B30

Class: 3523

Status: Open

Assistant General Counsel – Austin, Texas

The Office of the Governor (OOG) is looking for an Assistant General Counsel (General Counsel III) to work in the General Counsel division.

Who We Are

The Office of the Governor works to build a healthier, safer, freer, and more prosperous future for all Texans. We are located primarily within the Texas State Capitol Complex in Austin.

What You’ll Earn

The salary is $9,583.34 – $10,000.00 a month ($115,000.08 – $120,000.00 a year).

Benefits include medical insurance, sick leave, and vacation leave. Also, State of Texas employees are eligible for a defined retirement plan. Learn more: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

What You’ll Do

This is a job that performs advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) legal work for the OOG. Work involves providing well-researched legal services for the Governor and his staff on a wide range of legal issues, including drafting and negotiating contracts, procurement documents, and grant agreements; preparing other legal documents; interpreting laws, regulations, and rules; and briefing the General Counsel and Governor on executions and other issues. Reviews bills for legal issues during the legislative session.

  • Provides legal advice to the Governor and the agency on a wide range of legal matters as assigned with a focus on criminal law and public safety.
  • Directs and plans legal activities for the agency.
  • Prepares legal documents, including contracts, procurements, grant agreements, and legal memoranda.
  • Provides legal advice relating to the management of OOG programs, including any issues involving legal risks.
  • Reviews and advises on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations affecting OOG operations and administration.
  • Provides input on the development of OOG programs and the establishment of relevant procedures.
  • Provides legal advice to the OOG on policy decision-making and identifies appropriate legal solutions.
  • Assists OOG staff, including General Counsel, in legal matters that arise with respect to other state agencies.
  • Attends various meetings on behalf of the OOG.
  • Coordinates with other state agencies regarding legal matters affecting those agencies or the OOG.
  • Monitors, reviews, and analyzes legislation in advance of, and during, the legislative session.
  • Communicates effectively with members of the Texas Legislature, advocacy groups, local governmental entities and law enforcement, constituents, and others as authorized on behalf of the OOG.
  • Assists OOG’s General Counsel Division in complying with Public Information Act responsibilities.

How You’ll Qualify

  • Graduation from an accredited law school and current member of the bar in good standing; and
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas for four (4) years; or licensed in another state for four (4) years and able to secure licensure in Texas as soon as practicable; and
  • Must be able to research, analyze, and solve legal problems and to interpret laws and regulations.

Note: Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

You’re a Great Fit with

  • Prior experience practicing criminal law.
  • Prior experience drafting and negotiating contracts or grant agreements.
  • Prior experience working on state agency procurements.
  • Prior experience or knowledge relating to Public Information Act requests.
  • Prior experience working in and around the Texas Legislature.

Registration, Certification or Licensure

  • Texas State Bar License in good standing or licensure in good standing in another state with demonstrated ability to obtain Texas licensure soon after joining the office.
  • Valid Texas driver’s license.

Other Things to Know and When You Should Apply

It’s a great job for a professional who enjoys conducting legal research, interpreting law, and providing legal advice. Apply now by submitting a state of Texas application.  Applications are reviewed daily.

Telework opportunities are available upon request. Reliable internet is required. Alternate work schedules and telework may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

Veterans
Veterans, Reservists, or members of the Guard can compare this position to Military Occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor’s Office.