General Counsel

General Description:

The Texas Racing Commission is responsible for regulating pari-mutuel horse racing in the State of Texas. Duties involve interpreting laws, regulations, and rules, preparing legal documents, and rendering legal advice and counsel. Work involves directing and planning the agency's legal activities; consulting with attorneys; preparing cases for hearings or trial; coordinating the drafting and negotiation of contracts; drafting and monitoring legislation related to the agency's strategic plan and legislative appropriations request; and support the agency's compliance matters related to the Sunset Advisory Commission. Work is performed under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Examples of Work Performed:

- Provides legal counsel and services to the Texas Racing Commission.

- Assists with Commission meeting agendas, meeting materials and training events.

- Directs and plans legal activities for the agency, providing legal advice and opinions on policy decision-making to agency management and identifying appropriate legal solutions.

- Advises on the interpretation, applications, and enforcement of agency laws and rules.

- Reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration; and makes recommendations for changes.

- Advises and acts as liaison to agency management and staff, consumers, industry representatives, government officials, and other parties regarding legal matters under the agency's jurisdiction including the interpretation, application and enforcement of agency laws and regulations.

- Drafts legal documents, bills, administrative rules, and amendments for legislative consideration. Completes final review of complex administrative rules and policies for the statutory areas regulated by the agency.

- Provide representation for the agency in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General in civil and criminal actions brought by or against the agency.

- Provides assistance in the preparation, development, and review of legislation and may testify at hearings and legislative meetings as needed.

- Demonstrates a spirit of teamwork, offering positive and constructive ideas, encouragement, and support to other members of the staff and team, while upholding the agency's core values.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

- Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; and agency administrative rules and regulations.

- Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; and in reconciling differences.

- Ability to prepare legal documents, to prepare policies and procedures, to conduct research, to interpret and apply laws, to summarize findings, to prepare cases for trial, to conduct hearings, and to communicate effectively.

Minimum Education & Experience:

- Graduation from an accredited law school with an L.L.B. or J.D. degree.

- Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

- At least five (5) years progressively responsible experience in administrative law and three (3) years experience in administrative rule-making procedures or senior legislative experience with a state agency and/or a statewide elected official preferred.

- Two (2) years of experience as a manager, supervisor, or team leader in a legal or legislative setting preferred.

- Completion of leadership or management training such as programs from the Governor's Center for Management Development, including the Management Development Program, the Governor's Executive Development Program preferred.

- Must possess a valid class C driver's license, proof of auto liability insurance, and an acceptable driving record from the Department of Public Safety.