GENERAL COUNSEL I - Section Supervisor

Texas Department of Criminal Justice • Conroe, TX

19h

About The Position

Performs moderately complex legal work. Work involves interpreting laws, rules, and regulations; preparing legal documents; rendering legal advice and counsel; consulting with attorneys; assisting in preparing cases for hearings and trials; and drafting and negotiating contracts; drafting bills for legislative consideration for the agency. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Graduation from a law school accredited by an organization recognized by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Four years full-time, wage-earning legal experience as a licensed attorney.
• Must maintain a current, active license to practice law in the State of Texas during employment with State Counsel for Offenders through the State Bar of Texas or other appropriate Texas licensing authority.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques related to the representation of clients.
• Knowledge of agency, local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, and statutes relevant to the practice of law.
• Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely.
• Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the public.
• Skill in administrative problem-solving techniques.
• Skill to review technical data and prepare technical reports.
• Skill in public address.
• Skill to analyze legal problems, interpret laws, rules, and regulations, and prepare opinions and briefs.
• Skill to plan and organize legal program operations.
• Skill to supervise others.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb stairs, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry 15-44 lbs., perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate motor equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Litigation or criminal law experience preferred.
• Experience in the supervision of employees preferred.
• Experience in the management and direction of legal programs preferred.
• Knowledge of state government and the components of the state criminal justice system preferred.
• Knowledge of agency and departmental organizational structure, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations preferred.
• Skill to interpret and translate Spanish to English and English to Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice and counsel; provides representation to indigent persons while incarcerated in Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ); consults with attorneys, witnesses, offenders, and judges; prepares, attends, and participates in trials and hearings; and prepares and coordinates the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, reports, and other legal documents.
• Advises on legal matters and the interpretation and application of rulings, laws, and regulations.
• Plans and organizes legal and administrative functions with a section.
• Maintains case management reporting systems; assists in formulating, coordinating, and establishing policies, procedures, rules, and regulations and monitors compliance; and coordinates the preparation of records and information.
• Supervises the work of others; and provides training, guidance, and technical assistance to attorneys and staff. Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.

What This Job Offers

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