Job Description:

Do you want a better work-life balance? Are you passionate about public service and looking for a fulfilling career path? Then don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity for a rewarding career at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and apply now! At HHSC, we are responsible for overseeing and managing programs that assist families with access to food, health care, safety, and disaster services. This Attorney III position will work in the Office of Chief Counsel and provide legal services to the various programs at HHSC.

You will also enjoy the benefits of working at HHSC:

Flexible work schedules
Hybrid work setting, if applicable
Work-life balance
Free CLE hours
96 hours or more of accrued vacation each year
96 hours of accrued sick leave each year
Additional holiday hours
Career advancement opportunities
Retirement benefits/401(k)
Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees with additional benefits for dependents

This Attorney III position performs highly complex (senior-level) legal work as part of the Litigation Department at the Office of the Chief Counsel. The job involves overseeing and planning legal activities, setting litigation strategy, coordinating the preparation and drafting of legal documents, and coordinating and providing advice regarding various hearings, depositions and trials. The job also includes interpreting state and federal laws and rules related to programs administered by the agency; rendering legal advice and counsel to agency management and program staff; overseeing and working with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to defend and prosecute lawsuits involving the agency; assisting in the preparation of cases for trial and hearings; and other related work as assigned. The Attorney III may supervise the work of others. The Attorney III works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

The Attorney III will draft summaries of new litigation identifying parties, claims and defenses, evaluate potential risks to the agency and its employees, and develop litigation strategy. The Attorney III will oversee and coordinate legal and administrative activities. The Attorney III will formulate and establish policies and procedures. The Attorney III will draft timely, accurate, and concise updates for the Associate Director of General Litigation, the Director of Litigation and the Chief Counsel concerning the status of, and new developments in, agency lawsuits. The Attorney III will research legal issues related to litigation and provide timely, accurate and concise analysis and advice. The Attorney III will provide effective counsel to the agency, including identifying litigation trends and prevention. (30%)

The Attorney III will draft letters to the OAG requesting representation in litigation. The Attorney III will work with the assigned Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and agency staff to respond to complaints and petitions. The Attorney III coordinates case preparation for interviews, depositions, hearings and trials. The Attorney III will research claims and defenses and ensure appropriate motions are filed timely by the OAG. The Attorney III will draft and review briefs and motions as needed. (25%)

The Attorney III will review discovery requests and work with agency staff to identify responsive information and documents. The Attorney III will draft or review discovery responses and objections. The Attorney III will use e-Discovery software to review documents and other information for production. The Attorney III will draft or review discovery requests as needed. The Attorney III will ensure the OAG pursues offensive discovery as needed. (25%)

The Attorney III will draft recommendations for review by the Associate Director of General Litigation, the Director of Litigation and Chief Counsel on whether to appeal court rulings. The Attorney III will draft or review appellate briefs and arguments and work with the OAG to ensure appeals are timely filed. (10%)

The Attorney III will review and analyze settlement recommendations from the OAG and draft settlement recommendations for review by the Associate Director of General Litigation, the Director of Litigation and the Chief Counsel. The Attorney III will participate in settlement negotiations and/or mediation and ensure that all settlement documents adequately protect the agency's interests. (10%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Knowledge of the federal and state rules of civil evidence and procedure and of agency administrative rules and regulations.

Skill in researching, reviewing, analyzing, interpreting and applying federal and state laws, rules, and other regulations affecting the agency. Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; in mediation and negotiations; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.

Ability to represent the agency at 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 and to communicate effectively. Ability to plan and organize work and to supervise the work of others.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Initial Selection Criteria:

A minimum of 3 years of litigation experience.

Additional Information:

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 27A, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 51JX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

MOS Code:

May include, but not limited to: 27A, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 51JX.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Similar Opportunities