Contracts Attorney III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

56d • Remote

About The Position

This is primarily a contracts position.

Performs highly complex (senior-level) legal work. Work involves overseeing and planning legal activities, preparing legal documents, participating in hearings, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. May supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, proceedings, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and agency administrative rules and regulations.
• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.
• Ability to conduct hearings, to prepare opinions and briefs, to prepare cases for trial, to conduct research, to summarize findings, to interpret and apply laws, to use legal reference materials, to communicate effectively, and to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to synthesize law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation.
• Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Experience in legal work.
• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Two years’ experience in the practice of law.
• Acceptable substitutions: Third year practice certification can be substituted for one year of the required experience OR agency experience can be substituted for one year of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Plans and organizes legal activities
• Coordinates the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, contracts, proposals, and reports
• Monitors changes in state and federal court cases, and rules.
• Coordinates and hears administrative, regulatory, evidentiary, and enforcement hearings
• Advises staff and the public on legal matters and on the interpretation and application of agency regulations and state and federal laws
• Enforces agency regulatory provisions and prosecutes violations
• Reviews drafts of laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations
• Schedules hearings, interrogates witnesses, and prepares decisions on administrative appeals of decisions and rulings
• Prepares cases for court trial and represents the agency in matters before a court as appropriate
• Assists in formulating, coordinating, and establishing policies and procedures
• Assists in preparing subpoenas requiring the appearance of witnesses, records, and documents for hearings and civil litigations
• May draft memoranda on regulatory matters and administrative rules for the Texas Register
• May research, draft, or assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration
• May serve as a liaison with complainants to be represented in an administrative hearing or with their authorized representatives
• May supervise work of others.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

• excellent health benefits
• special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program
• longevity pay
• generous paid leave
• access to the Wellness program
• lifetime retirement annuity
• Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees