DPS - OGC - Assistant General Counsel 3504-3505

DPS is seeking an attorney to join the Public Information Request (PIR) team in the Office of General Counsel. The PIR team responds to approximately 30,000 public information requests annually, providing sophisticated legal analysis of requests, facilitating the efficient and transparent communication of publicly available information, crafting legal arguments when seeking to withhold confidential information, and preparing briefs to the Office of the Attorney General. The successful candidate will work as part of this specialized team, collaborating with other team attorneys and legal assistants while coordinating with agency personnel across all divisions and at every organizational level to analyze requests and utilizing the agency-wide data management system used to track and process requests.

The successful candidate will review public information requests involving criminal case files, investigative records, and other agency documents, apply the Texas Public Information Act and related state and federal laws to determine what information may be released or withheld, and communicate with requesters, agency personnel, and the department's Media and Communications Office regarding the status and resolution of requests. The candidate must have strong legal research and analytical skills, and a working knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act, related state and federal laws, and the ability to apply complex legal principles under strict statutory deadlines in high-pressure situations.

The ideal candidate will have experience advising governmental entities, and the ability to explain complex legal issues using plain language to clients and the general public. The successful candidate will possess exceptional organizational abilities, effective interpersonal communication, the ability to manage deadlines independently, and the professionalism necessary to interact with the public, media, internal clients, and leadership while maintaining the highest standards of legal and ethical practice.
We are currently seeking an attorney with at least three (3) years of experience as a licensed, practicing attorney for a position in the classification ranges of Attorney III-IV. Strong preference will be given to applicants with Texas Public Information Act experience. Final salary and classification will be based on experience and qualifications.

The department offers a collaborative work environment with career advancement opportunities. Benefits include:
• Comprehensive medical insurance with premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees and the state pays 50% of the premium for dependents.
• Hybrid and flexible work schedules
• Generous paid leave and holidays
• State retirement pension plan
• Comprehensive wellness program

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Attorney III (3504/B26): Perform highly complex (senior-level) professional legal and administrative work in coordinating and performing the work of the General Counsel Section. Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the work of various legal services operations within General Counsel. Coordinate the handling of various functions involving other agencies, including litigation and legislative issues involving the Department. Provide legal counsel on a variety of issues involving the Department, including criminal, traffic, administrative, and employment law, personnel issues, rules, regulations, homeland security and emergency response and contracts. Work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Attorney IV (3505/B28):  Perform advanced (senior-level) professional legal and administrative work in coordinating and performing the work of the General Counsel Section. Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the work of various legal services operations within General Counsel. Coordinate the handling of various functions involving other agencies, including litigation and legislative issues involving the Department. Provide legal counsel on a variety of issues involving the Department, including criminal, traffic, administrative, and employment law, personnel issues, rules, regulations, homeland security and emergency response and contracts. Work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met. https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Provide sound legal counsel and assistance to management of all the divisions of the Department.

2.     Plan, implement, direct and coordinate legal assistance on the interpretation and application of agency regulations and state and federal laws.

3.     Conduct legal research and review and draft legal documents, briefs, memoranda, contract, grant, purchasing, and leasing documents.

4.     Prepare or supervise the preparation of reports submitted to the General Counsel.

5.     Provide legal advice and assistance to all divisions, services, and bureaus on matters relating to licensing functions, departmental operations, law enforcement, statutory interpretation, and criminal and civil law.

6.     Communicate with peace officers, Justice of the Peace, County and District Attorneys, Attorney General and other public officials in the performance of duties.

7.     Prepare or coordinate discovery and litigation efforts.

8.     Review and draft contracts, grants, purchasing, and leasing documents.

9.     May represent the Department in administrative or court hearings.

10.  May be required to supervise support staff.

11.  Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

12.  Perform other duties as assigned.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS: 

Education – Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D. or L.L.B. is required.

Attorney III (3504/B26)

Experience – Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as an attorney involving Texas criminal or civil trial or administrative hearing work; or work involving contracts or grants, administrative rulemaking, juvenile and criminal records, employment law, legislative process, the Public Information Act, federal-state relations, procurement or leasing laws and codes; homeland security, criminal laws and codes, use of force issues, or driver license laws.

Attorney IV (3505/B28)
 Experience – Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as an attorney involving Texas criminal or civil trial or administrative hearing work; or work involving contracts or grants, administrative rulemaking, juvenile and criminal records, employment law, legislative process, the Public Information Act, federal-state relations, procurement or leasing laws and codes; homeland security, criminal laws and codes, use of force issues, or driver license laws.

Licensure and/or Certification –Must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing. Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance. Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.

Interpersonal Skills – Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with clients at all organizational levels and the public. 

Presentation/Communication Skills – Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, persuasive, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences or individuals.

Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail – Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

Organizational and Prioritization Skills – Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.  

Regulatory knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.  Knowledge of: terminology, research methods and techniques, preparation and use of legal documents, administrative and court procedures, law office practices and procedures, relevant laws, and the details of the English language as it is applied in legal documents; federal and state criminal law, public information, and criminal intelligence laws, including affecting the operation and administration of intelligence operations and oversight, Code of Federal Regulations for criminal investigation and data collection to include electronic data communications and retention policies as well as privacy laws.

Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) – Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Ability to conduct Legal Research utilizing Westlaw/Lexis. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Confidentiality and Protected Information – Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.

Travel and/or Schedule – Availability for after-hour and weekend work is required. This position may have the ability to telecommute based on the needs of the division/agency.

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/

Current DPS employees who submit applications for posted DPS positions shall notify their immediate supervisor in writing.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS.  ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.