Associate General Counsel

This position is hybrid within the greater area of Austin, subject to approval by management. Employees are required to report to the office as directed (subject to change). 

Submission of Application:

Your application must be complete, accurate and reflect all experience and education. Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification. "See Resume" is not accepted in lieu of a completed online State of Texas application but attached resumes may be considered as additional supplemental information. To apply for this position, complete an on-line application either through the Applicant Career Section or WorkInTexas. TxDMV does not accept paper applications. 

Applicants who require an accommodation for the interview process should contact Human Resources at 512-465-4043 when contacted to schedule an interview.

General Description  

Performs advanced (senior-level) legal work concerning the compliance and interpretation of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations for the Department, including overseeing and planning legal activities, analyzing statutes, rules, regulations, and examining and preparing administrative rules, department policies, legislative bills, and contracts. Advises the TxDMV Board, management, and staff on a variety of issues necessary to ensure consistent statewide implementation of rules, regulations and policies Texas administrative law, Texas state procurement laws and rules, and state and federal motor vehicle law. Engages in effective communication with governmental agencies, private entities, stakeholders, and their legal counsel. Coordinates and directs large projects, including rule reviews and the implementation of legislation. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and may also assign the work of others. This position works under the supervision of the General Counsel. 

Essential Duties 

Researches legal issues, advises on TxDMV staff and decision-makers on legal questions, and interprets laws, rules and regulations, case law, opinions, decisions and court orders. Drafts legal memoranda or communications reflecting legal positions for both internal and external audiences.

Advises department staff and decision-makers on legal matters, both substantive and procedural.

Reviews and drafts documents, including proposed rules, rule preambles, contracts, policy and procedure statements, legal correspondence, proposed Board agenda items, and draft Board orders to ensure legal sufficiency and legal authority for actions. Works with both internal and external stakeholders to draft rules and policies.

Oversees and directs the work of other attorneys and legal staff on projects involving statutory implementation, contract drafting or negotiation, or legal research.

Directs rulemaking projects, including implementation of legislation and quadrennial rule reviews. Drafts rules to implement legislation, statutes, or department priorities, consistent with the department’s statutory authority to make rules and charge fees. Works with both internal and external stakeholders to draft rules and policies. Prepares documents for filing with the Secretary of State.

Advises staff on vendor protests, warranty claims, breaches of contract, and contract disputes, including termination, contested cases, and litigation.

With the Attorney General's Office, represents the Department in civil actions brought by or against the Department. Drafts pleadings, motions and discovery responses. Advises agency staff and decision-makers on litigation issues, including document retention, final orders, motions for rehearing, settlement considerations, and potential liability.

Prepares and manages subpoenas requiring the appearance of witnesses, records and document for hearings and civil litigations.

Advises on legal aspects of conflicts of interest, ethics, complaints and grievances.

Researches, frames issues, and prepares briefs for formal requests for Attorney General opinions to be submitted by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Executive Director.

Represents the Department at local, state and federal levels, including litigation, meetings with stakeholders, meetings with policy makers, and contract negotiations. Drives and travels to represent the Department.

Directs and assigns the work of staff attorneys, and technical and clerical employees.

Reviews or drafts bills or amendments for legislative consideration. Formulates and recommends rules and policies necessary to implement legislation. Analyzes and advises on impact to the agency of legislation.

Provides legal advice regarding responses to inquiries, subpoenas, orders, and requests for information. Drafts responses to correspondence from stakeholders and the general public.

Advises and collaborates with agency staff outside of the Office of General Counsel.

May travel up to 5% of the time. Travel by car (may include flying). May include overnight travel. May require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.

Required to attend work regularly and adhere to approved work hours in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

Legal principles, practices and proceedings;

State and federal laws and regulations, particularly those relevant to administrative law, motor vehicles and motor carriers, open meetings, open records, rulemaking, contested cases, contracting, ethics, appropriations, and state procurement;

Rules and statutes related to civil and administrative litigation, including rules of evidence, civil procedure and appellate procedure;

The State of Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide and the Department of Information Resources contracting processes and procedures;

The administrative rules of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; and negotiation practices.

Skill in:

Developing, interpreting, and implementing rules, policies, procedures, and technical information;

Researching, analyzing, interpreting and applying legislation, laws, rules, and regulations;

Analyzing issues, facts and available information to develop logical solutions, researching inconsistencies of facts or data, drawing correct inferences from information and making recommendations that support business decisions;

Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations;

Interpreting and applying laws, rules, and regulations;

Preparing legal documents including opinions, case law summaries, and legislative impact statements;

Speaking to present ideas in a clear, concise, organized and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused;

Leading, assigning, reviewing and monitoring the work of others;

Negotiation of contracts and agreements;

Exercising sound judgement and making effective decisions;

Problem-solving;

Handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines;

Identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; 

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems;

Reconciling differences;

Use of a computer and applicable software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat; and

Using judgement to identify courses of action.

Ability to:

Conduct legal research;

Interpret and apply laws;

Summarize findings;

Draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents;

Evaluate and relate findings to cases in question;

Receive and respond positively to constructive feedback;

Communicate effectively;

Plan and organize work;

Prepare legal documents and contracts;

Supervise, train, coordinate, and lead the work of others;

Advise on hearings;

Plan and organize work, communicate effectively, and work cooperatively and effectively as a part of a team; and

Be diplomatic, tasteful, and effective when communicating with others.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills held or performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school plus eight (8) years professional legal experience with an emphasis in governmental or administrative law, or litigation. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas. (Experience requirements may be satisfied by full-time experience or the prorated part-time equivalent.)

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü    Retirement Plan

ü    Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü    Paid Holidays

ü    Paid Vacation Leave

ü    Paid Sick Leave

ü    Longevity Pay

ü    Dental

ü    Vision

ü    Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü    Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü    Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü    Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

ü    Tuition Assistance Program

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSURE

A valid Class "C" driver's license is required. If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within 90 days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct department business.