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Texas Education Agency · 14 hours ago

Associate Counsel for Compliance and Investigations (Attorney IV)

Austin, TX

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

4+ years exp

Texas Education Agency (TEA) is dedicated to improving outcomes for all public-school students in Texas. They are seeking an Associate Counsel for Compliance & Investigations to lead efforts in resolving compliance matters and supporting investigations that uphold educational integrity.

Education

Responsibilities

Develops statutorily required preliminary and final reports, ensuring clarity and accuracy; drafts and negotiates informal resolutions for investigations; and drives the timely and effective closure of cases once investigative work is complete

Provides strategic guidance to the Compliance & Inquiries division on agency authority and risk areas for investigations; oversees the revision of applicable procedures and supports substantiation of findings and confirmation of evidence; conducts depositions, participates in witness interviews as needed, and reviews document requests and subpoenas; and delivers internal training to investigations staff to strengthen statutory interpretation and evidentiary sufficiency skills

Reviews relevant legislation during legislative sessions and provides a legal analysis on its impact to Governance work streams; monitors changes to legislation and identifies potential conflicts with agency obligations; and serves as a resource witness in legislative hearings when needed

Collaborates closely with TEA’s Office of Legal Services and the Office of Attorney General to support the department in informal review meetings, administrative hearings, and investigation-related meetings with agency leadership; and prepares team members for testimony as needed to ensure accuracy and compliance

Provides legal guidance to agency management on programs and issues involving legal risks, including conducting legal research as needed; and reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration, and recommends changes to ensure compliance and mitigate risk

Qualification

Juris Doctor (JD)Licensed attorneyLegal researchReport writingCompliance monitoringConflict resolutionProject managementInterpersonal communicationTeam collaborationDecision-making

Required

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

Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

At least four [4] years of experience in legal work including report writing, complaints, investigations, dispute resolution, or compliance monitoring

Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military

Skill in 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; and reconciling differences

Superior project and time management skills with a proven track record of performance and successful implementation across multiple concurrent projects and shifting and competing priorities

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; and agency administrative rules and regulations, including the Texas Administrative Code and associated rules, Title 19, Public Information Act, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 39

Skill in research of local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Texas Education Code, Texas Administrative Code, and FERPA

Ability to manage up to leadership while also influencing peers where no direct management lines exist

Experience in complaint resolution processes and procedures, conflict and dispute resolution procedures, and compliance monitoring

Ability to prepare legal documents; to formulate, coordinate, and establish policies and procedures; to conduct research; to interpret and apply laws; to summarize findings; to prepare cases for trial; to conduct hearings; to communicate effectively; and to review the work of others

Demonstrated skill in decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and coaching

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

Ability to work as a contributing member of a team by establishing and maintaining positive, effective working relationships with all levels of staff