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Texas Education Agency · 3 months ago

Staff Attorney (Attorney IV)

Austin, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

5+ years exp

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) aims to improve outcomes for all public-school students in Texas by providing leadership and support to school systems. They are seeking a Staff Attorney in the Educator Preparation, Certification and Enforcement Division to ensure compliance with Texas law and to handle contested cases related to educator misconduct. The role involves conducting legal work, preparing documents, and presenting cases to the State Board for Educator Certification.

Education

Responsibilities

Prepares legal documents including pleadings, discovery, and briefs; interprets laws and regulations

Effectively and accurately writes legal documents for contested cases

Interacts with the public, peers, opposing counsel, school district personnel, agency investigations staff and law enforcement authorities

Effectively, persuasively, and efficiently presents cases to SBEC and at SOAH

Performs senior-level legal work involving the investigation, assessment, and litigation of educator disciplinary cases concerning Texas educator certificate examinees, applicants, holders, and others over whom the State Board for Educator Certification has jurisdiction and other individuals employed in Texas schools

Effectively and efficiently closes cases using best practices

Enforces TEA & SBEC regulatory provisions and prosecutes violations, serving as lead attorney at hearings

Moves cases through the litigation process

Plans and organizes litigation activities, as well as renders legal advice and counsel

Qualification

(JD)Licensed attorney in TexasLitigation experienceLegal research skillsWritten advocacy skillsOral advocacy skillsTexas lawsProfessional judgmentCustomer service skillsSelf-reflectionTime managementAttention to detailTeam collaboration

Required

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree

At least two (2) years of full-time legal experience in litigation, including bench trials, as a licensed attorney

At least five (5) years of experience as a licensed attorney

Licensed to practice law in Texas by the Texas State Bar

Knowledge of 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 153, 247 and 249

Knowledge of the Texas Administrative Procedures Act, the Texas Education Code, Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and the State Office of Administrative Hearing Rules

Strong legal research and writing skills

Excellent skills in written and oral advocacy and communication

Highly organized with an ability to prioritize and manage time to organize and complete multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines

Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to carefully review and edit professional written work

Sound professional judgment and strong decision-making skills, including the ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback

Able to handle stressful situations professionally, including working cooperatively with others on the team

Excellent customer service skills when responding to inquiries from members of the public, and utmost professionalism when responding to opposing parties or other state agencies

A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve