Associate Counsel (Attorney IV)

Job Description: The Associate Counsel for Authorizing works in the Office of General Counsel to provide legal counsel, coordination, and advice to the Deputy Associate Commissioner and staff of the Division of Authorizing on application process, renewal applications, complaints process, amendments, and all other legal matters affecting charter schools and related entities and the students they serve, and by monitoring and participating in agency matters, including assisting the Attorney General in court proceedings related to charter property actions; providing support for charter school investigations and interventions; researching and interpreting the law; developing rules and statutory language; providing legal advice related to monitoring, investigations, school financial audits, academic and financial accountability ratings, and accreditation for charters, and recovery of state property held by closed charters. Conducts depositions and hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) throughout the state, if a school district or open-enrollment charter school challenges the findings of an agency report. This position coordinates with and reports to the Deputy General Counsel for Governmental, Fiscal, and Regulatory Matters and works under limited direction, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment. This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities. Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Essential Functions: Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned. 1) Legal Support for Authorizing Division and Other Divisions: Provides legal advice and support to the Authorizing Division, the Commissioner, and the State Board of Education regarding charter schools, including rulemaking and presentations at charter school trainings, as needed. Provides legal support to other agency divisions for matters related to districts of innovation. 2) Legal Support for Charter Applications, Amendments, and Renewals: Provides comprehensive legal support to Authorizing staff for charter applications and requests for charter amendments and renewals before their consideration by the State Board of Education and/or the Commissioner. 3) Authorizing-related Litigation: Prepares and presents contested cases under charter school laws and regulations, as well as other applicable laws and regulations, to administrative law judges at the SOAH, schedules hearings, interrogates witnesses, and prepares administrative appeals of decisions and rulings. 4) Charter Contract and Charter-related Grant Legal Review: Reviews and manages contracts under TEC §12.126, contracts for charter under TEC §12.113, 1882 partnership contracts, and eligibility for CSP grant awards under TEC §7.031. 5) Charter Application, Amendment, and Renewal Legal Review: Reviews and approves charter applications under TEC §12.101, charter renewals under TEC §§12.113 and 12.115, charter amendments and shared services agreements under TEC §12.114. QualificationsMinimum QualificationsEducation: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree Required Licenses: Licensed to practice law in Texas

Experience: At least four (4) years of relevant work experience Other QualificationsShare the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military Preferred legal experience in a regulatory agency involving complaints, dispute resolution, investigations, enforcement actions, and administrative law, including litigation before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) Licensed to practice law in Texas by the Texas State Bar Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic environment Highly organized; ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines Ability to break down complex information into comprehensive parts; ask questions; and synthesize and analyze information Excellent written and oral communication skills A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment Highly skilled in Microsoft Office applications and managing the lifecycle of complex technical documents Provide sound legal counsel and recommendations to agency clients to assist in business decisions made in the agency and in meeting the state's best interest Effectively interpret policies, procedures, statutes, rules, and regulations Use negotiating strategies to reach outcomes that gain parties support and acceptance Develop and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, supervisors, co-workers, internal clients, and external stakeholders Self-starter with an outcomes-based approach to completion of duties Ability to work under pressure to timely complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications. TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include: Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page.