Attorney V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d

About The Position

The Attorney V performs highly advanced (senior-level) attorney work in the Chief Counsel division of the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG). Provides legal advice to the Inspector General, executive leadership, Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel, and OIG program area staff, including Chief Counsel, regarding OIG enforcement responsibilities and activities, including but not limited to legal matters, rulemaking, interpretation of statutes and regulations, policy recommendations, proposed legislation, employment matters, and contracting. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Knowledge and expertise in legal principles, practices, and proceedings.
• Knowledge of trial and/or administrative hearings procedures.
• Knowledge of discovery rules and procedures.
• Knowledge of evidentiary and procedural issues.
• Knowledge of e-discovery principles, processes, and requirements.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and managing litigation.
• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis.
• Skill in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
• Skill in demonstrating sound judgment and effective decision making.
• Skill in identifying complex problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, government employees, and stakeholder groups.
• Skill in performing research using resources including, but not limited to Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, administrative agency and court case management systems, and legislative reference sources.
• Skill in use of computer software applications including, but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams), Adobe Acrobat Pro, and database programs.
• Skill in utilizing electronic discovery applications and tools, including, but not limited to RelativityOne, Everlaw, Logikcull, or similar.
• Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff, and the public.
• Graduation from a law school approved by the Supreme Court of Texas with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney.
• Minimum seven (7) years of practicing in the field of government and health care law.

Nice To Haves

• Ten (10) years of experience in planning and developing investigations and/or litigation related to health care fraud involving Medicaid or Medicare.
• Ten (10) years of experience in performing legal research and analysis and drafting legal opinions, briefs, pleadings, or other legal memoranda.
• Ten (10) years of experience in coordinating with multi-state, federal and state administrative, law enforcement, and prosecution agencies.
• Ten (10) years of experience with state and federal criminal prosecutions and civil qui tam lawsuits, including litigation and resolution/settlement phases.
• Ten (10) years of experience in fraud, waste, and abuse investigations.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal counsel and advice to the Health and Human Services Commission Office of Inspector General (OIG) program areas, executive leadership, and the Inspector General.
• Prepares legal opinions and memoranda on various legal issues.
• Provides direction, guidance, and assistance in support of OIG oversight and enforcement duties, responsibilities and activities, including but not limited to, investigations, audits, reviews, and inspections.
• Provides legal counsel, assistance, and recommendations regarding rulemaking, interpretation of statutes and regulations, policies, legislation, employment matters, and contracting.
• Responds to legislative inquiries or other requests for information.
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets laws, court decisions, pending legislation and other legal issues.
• Provides legal guidance to ensure agency and program compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.
• Researches and anticipates potential legal risks and provides guidance and consultation to agency to mitigate risks.
• May assist with litigation matters to include participating in case discussions; planning, organizing, and preparing cases for administrative trials and hearings; drafting administrative subpoenas, pleadings, and written discovery; engaging in document review; and witness preparation.
• Represents the OIG at business meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, seminars, work groups, task forces, and committees.
• Liaises with various state and federal enforcement and prosecution agencies, including the Texas Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and Healthcare Program Enforcement Division (HPED).
• Other duties as assigned.
• Keeps manager informed as required or as necessary.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree