GENERAL COUNSEL II - Section Chief

Texas Department of Criminal Justice • Conroe, TX

1d

About The Position

Performs complex legal work. Work involves interpreting laws, regulations, and rules; preparing legal documents; rendering legal advice and counsel; consulting with attorneys; assisting in preparing cases for trial; drafting and negotiating contracts; drafting bills for legislative consideration for the agency; and training, coordinating, and leading the work of others. Works under general supervision with moderate 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.
• Seven 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 TDCJ through the State Bar of Texas or other appropriate Texas licensing authority.
• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings.
• Knowledge of the practice of criminal, civil, and constitutional law in state, appellate, and federal courts.
• 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 plan, assign, and 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.
• Conditions include working inside, working around machines with moving parts and moving objects, radiant and electrical energy, working closely with others, working alone, working protracted or irregular hours, and traveling by car, van, bus, and airplane.

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; prepares cases for trial and provides representation to indigent persons while incarcerated in Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ); consults with attorneys, witnesses, clients, and judges; organizes and coordinates legal and administrative functions; and assists with the overall legal policy strategy to bring successful resolution to litigation matters.
• Advises on legal matters and the interpretation and application of rulings, laws, and regulations; formulates, coordinates, and establishes policies and procedures and monitors compliance; coordinates and maintains case management reporting systems; and coordinates and advises on the preparation of records and information.
• Reviews drafts of laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations; assists in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration; coordinates and advises on administrative, regulatory, evidentiary, and enforcement hearings; evaluates findings and develops strategies and arguments in preparation for cases and appeals; and coordinates and advises on the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, subpoenas, reports, and other legal documents.
• Represents the agency at business meetings, conferences, and seminars; and establishes and maintains liaison with other departments, local, state, and federal agencies, organizations, and the public.
• Assigns and 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