TDA - Legal - Assistant General Counsel (57126)

OverviewASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL (ENTRY LEVEL OPPORTUNITY)Location: Austin, TXSalary Information: B22, $5,100.00/MO.; B24, $6,142.00 - $6,300.00/MO. State Classification: Attorney I/II; FLSA Status: ExemptPosting Number: 26-57126-1Apply online at CAPPS Career Section. Applicants applying in Work In Texas must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit.Posting URL: You may apply to the job directly through the CAPPS Career Section. It is not necessary to apply both through Work In Texas and CAPPS Career Section. What You’ll Do The Assistant General Counsel will perform entry-level to moderately complex legal work for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Enforcement Division. You will plan and organize legal services; interpret laws and regulations; prepare legal opinions, briefs and other legal documents including notices of violation; render legal advice and counsel to the client agency; handle calls from the public concerning agency enforcement activities; consult with trial attorneys, including assisting in the preparation of cases for trial; represent the agency at administrative hearings to assess administrative penalties for violations of laws and regulations within TDA’s jurisdiction; process public information requests; and assist with appeals of program decisions. You will work under general to moderate supervision with limited to moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsibilities (Primary) Prosecute assigned cases involving TDA’s regulatory functions. Assist in informal and formal case review; draft and issue notices of violation and other enforcement notices or actions. Draft pleadings and appropriate discovery documents; draft and file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, exceptions to proposals for decision, and responses to such exceptions, motions for rehearing, or other motions attendant to the contested-case process. Represent the agency in hearings before administrative law judges; negotiate and settle cases referred for prosecution as appropriate; coordinate with TDA staff and other state agencies or private parties regarding the presentation of evidence, including expert testimony. Review cases for which prosecution is deferred or unwarranted; provide formal and informal legal advice to assigned programs; review and draft contracts or other agreements, correspondence, forms, penalty schedules, regulations, proposed legislation and other documents. Provide legal analysis and research support for the General Counsel on issues related to TDA regulatory enforcement programs and functions; assist with preparation of training materials for TDA employees on legal issues; present materials as assigned. Assist with preparation and presentations to the public and regulated community; review materials submitted under the Texas Public Information Act; handle calls from the public on agency functions and enforcement activities. Assist with preparation of agency statistical information for legislative or regulatory reporting. Follow safety guidelines and ethics requirements; perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Attorney I (B22) – $5,100.00/MO J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited four-year college or university with a license to practice law in Texas. Educational background or work experience in legal research and preparing briefs or memorandum of law. Attorney II (B24) – $6,142.00 - $6,300.00/MO J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited four-year college or university with a license to practice law in Texas. Work experience as a licensed attorney analyzing legal problems, preparing sound opinions and interpreting laws and/or regulations. Experience preparing and/or litigating cases in civil or criminal trials or administrative hearings. Experience performing legal research and preparing briefs. Preferred Qualifications Employment or clerkship with a governmental agency or prosecutors’ office, in an administrative enforcement division. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings. Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; computer proficiency; reasoning and problem solving; prioritizing workloads; and sound judgment. Ability to conduct hearings, prepare opinions and briefs, prepare cases for trial, conduct research, interpret and apply laws, and communicate effectively, orally and in writing; maintain confidentiality. Physical Requirements / Working Conditions Normal office environment; possible exposure to dust and environmental allergens. Mostly sedentary; may involve walking, standing, lifting up to 30 pounds; extended computer use; occasional extended hours including evenings and weekends as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-24