Attorney III

Attorney III

Performs 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. Essential Job Functions:

This position will focus primarily on representing the Department in cases referred to and/or considered for the Texas Family First Pilot Program.

Manages a legal workload to ensure deadlines are met to obtain successful outcomes for the agency. Interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program directors, and program administrators; agency attorneys, county and district attorneys, assistant attorney generals, and opposing counsel; judges, agency clients, witnesses, community professionals, and expert witnesses; and protective services clients and the general public regarding legal activities.

Coordinates the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, contracts, proposals, and reports. Researches legal concepts, case law, judicial opinions, statutes, regulations on issues of concern and implication to DFPS, and drafts formal and informal memos for DFPS programs and executive management staff. Coordinates and responds to open records requests. Monitors changes in state and federal court cases, and rules.

Coordinates specialized legal efforts with appropriate experts. Prepares cases for hearings and trials, schedules hearings, interrogates witnesses, and prepares pleadings.

Advises staff and the public on legal matters and on the interpretation and application of agency regulations and state and federal laws. Provides expertise and instruction in family law, civil litigation, governmental and other state and federal laws, regulations, and agency policy to staff and public. Advises outside, county and district attorneys on legal matters. Coordinates and advises staff and the public on legal matters and on the interpretation and application of agency regulations and state and federal laws.

Provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community on the interpretation and application of agency regulations and state and federal laws. Conducts presentations and provides information and testimony to agency leadership, legislative committees, state and federal agencies, and other groups and organizations on all matters that the agency may request information or on issues that external entities have expressed concerns related to agency actions.

Provides consultation and advice concerning case specific questions and general issues of concern to DFPS programs and divisions. Consults on legal risks and liabilities on agency proposed actions and advises on ways to mitigate legal risks. Monitors changes in state and federal agency rules. Provides general support to DFPS programs in their activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Represents the agency in matters before a court or in administrative hearings as appropriate. Prepares cases for hearings and trials. Prepares documents required for cases, including briefs and other court documents. Monitors the progress of all DFPS cases within the assigned area of responsibility and takes appropriate measures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases. Prepares and reviews exhibits and discovery, summarizing materials. Assists in preparing subpoenas requiring the appearance of witnesses, records, and documents for hearings and civil litigations for agency programs.

May supervise work of others.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

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. Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must be licensed to practice law in Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Initial Selection Criteria:

Must be licensed to practice law in Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Additional Information:

Salary commensurate with experience. MOS Code:

Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk here.

As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

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.

As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

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.