Litigation Attorney IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

36d•$10,384 - $10,680•Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as an Attorney IV with the Litigation Department in the Legal Services Division (LSD) of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Litigation Department is responsible for providing legal advice and support for pending or threatened litigation against HHS or HHS employees in their official or individual capacities. The Department serves as the primary point of contact with the Office of the Attorney General to defend lawsuits and administrative actions filed against HHSC or DSHS concerning employment decisions, tort claims, agency rules and policies, alleged constitutional deprivations, contract and procurement disputes, federal and state statutes, including the Medicaid Act, and to prosecute cases of Medicaid fraud. This position primarily handles employment litigation, collaborates with other LSD departments and areas of OCC, and appropriately and effectively communicates with HHS system clients, executives, and state and federal partners. The position performs highly advanced legal work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Must be licensed as an attorney by and a member in good standing with the State of Texas.
Must have graduated from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
At least five years’ experience in litigation.

Nice To Haves

At least three years’ experience handling employment law matters.

Responsibilities

Reviews, analyzes, and advises on the interpretation, application, and implementation of laws, rules, and policies affecting the HHS system and its operation and administration.
Reviews, analyzes, and advises on the claims and defenses in litigation, and uses sound judgment to devise litigation strategy in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General.
Provides legal advice to HHS system staff and decision-makers.
Provides legal briefings and reports to HHS system executives and decision-makers.
Performs related work as assigned.
Handling a variety of litigation activities involving the agency.
Assisting in the preparation of cases for hearings and trial, including discovery and motion practice.
Preparing witnesses for deposition and trial.
Attending hearings.
Defend the agency against employment and civil rights claims, including discrimination and retaliation claims arising under the Texas Labor Code, Title VII, the ADA, FMLA, Equal Pay Act, and the Texas and U.S. Constitutions.
Requires a general understanding of defenses unique to governmental agencies, including sovereign and Eleventh Amendment immunities and official/qualified immunity.