Staff Attorney (Attorney IV)

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS\_HRAM\_FL.HRS\_CG\_SEARCH\_FL.GBL?Page=HRS\_APP\_JBPST\_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=100955andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state. Core ValuesWe are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them. The 89th legislature approved a 6% salary increase for licensed attorneys hired into positions with this job classification title. The posted salary range for this position already reflects said increase. Upon hire, the selected finalist will receive a starting salary offer and, as a separate line item, the legislatively approved increase that will become part of their base pay. The sum of both will not exceed the positions posted salary range. Only new hires are eligible for this increase.Job DescriptionThe Staff Attorney for the Office of Inspector General Unit performs highly complex, senior level legal work to ensure that Texas educators and applicants for educator certification comply with Texas law and administrative rules. This position represents the Texas Education Agency before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) on behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education.The Staff Attorney collaborates closely with attorneys and legal assistants to (1) protect the safety and welfare of Texas schoolchildren and school personnel; (2) ensure educators and applicants are morally fit and worthy to instruct or supervise students; and (3) resolve educator disciplinary proceedings fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable law.The Staff Attorney conducts contested cases involving individuals employed in Texas schools, certified educators, and applicants for educator certification who are alleged to have engaged in misconduct, including abuse of students or minors, inappropriate relationships, criminal conduct related to the profession, or violations of the Educators Code of Ethics.This position works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, and reports to a Managing Attorney.This position requires up to 5% 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. Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. Essential FunctionsJob duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.1. Written Work Product: Prepares high level of legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and memoranda. Conducts legal research and analysis; interprets and applies statutes, administrative rules, and case law related to educator disciplinary matters.2. Oral Presentations: Represents the agency in administrative and enforcement hearin s before SBEC and SOAH. Interacts professionally with members of the public, opposing counsel, school district personnel, law enforcement, and agency staff. Presents evidence, examines and cross examines witnesses, and advocates effectively on behalf of the agency in highly complex contested matters.3. Efficient Docket: Performs senior level legal work involving the investigation, assessment, and litigation of educator disciplinary cases within SBEC's jurisdiction. Independently manages a docket of highly complex cases and applies best practices to move cases toward timely and appropriate resolution.4. Efficient Case Processing: Enforces TEA and SBEC regulatory provisions and prosecutes violations of applicable laws and rules. Serves as lead attorney in administrative hearings and coordinates litigation activities in accordance with agency procedures and legal standards.5. Efficient Case Evaluation: Plans and organizes litigation activities and provides legal advice and counsel related to educator discipline matters. Evaluates cases for legal sufficiency, evidentiary support, and appropriate disposition. Serves as a liaison with complainants, school districts, and authorized representatives in connection with administrative proceedings. QualificationsMinimum QualificationsEducation: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degreeExperience: At least (5) years of legal experience, including at least two (2) years of full-time litigation experience as a licensed attorney, with participation in bench trials.Other QualificationsShare the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military Licensed to practice law in Texas by the Texas State BarKnowledge of 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 153, 247 and 249Knowledge of the Texas Administrative Procedures Act, the Texas Education Code, Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and the State Office of Adm