DPS - OGC - Staff Attorney, ALR - 3503

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Attorneys in this position represent the Department of Public Safety in administrative hearings under the Administrative License Revocation program. The position requires the performance of moderately complex attorney work. The work involves all aspects of case management including preparing legal documents, discovery, consulting with defense attorneys, preparing cases and conducting hearings. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. . Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met. ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Represent the department before the State Office of Administrative Hearings in administrative hearings related to driver license suspensions stemming from intoxication cases. 2. Provide legal advice and assistance on matters relating to relevant driver license suspensions, Administrative License Revocation requirements, departmental operations, law enforcement, and statutory interpretation. 3. Represent the department in administrative hearings held in person, by phone and video conference. 4. Manage discovery and other case preparation and respond to inquiries regarding the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to the Administrative License Revocation program. 5. Perform duties involving content and application of trial procedures, DWI statutes, Texas Administrative Procedures Act, Rules of Evidence and/or Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedures, Texas, Penal Code, Transportation Code, and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. 6. Travel throughout the state as required. 7. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies. 8. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS: Education – Graduation from an accredited school of law with a J.D. or L.L.B is required. Experience – No experience required. Licensure and/or Certification – Must be licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas. Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Regulatory Knowledge – Knowledge of driver license law, DWI statutes, traffic laws, Administrative Procedure Act, Rules of Civil Procedure, and Texas Penal Code. Knowledge of state agency administrative procedures and familiarity with the State Office Administrative Hearings. Interpersonal Skills – Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships. Organizational and Prioritization Skills – Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively manage a case docket; able to prioritize in a fast-paced environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism. Presentation/Communication Skills – Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences. Research and Comprehension – Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis. Knowledge of legal terminology, research methods and techniques, preparation and use of legal documents, administrative and court procedures, law office practices and procedures, and relevant laws. Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail – Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems. Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) – Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Ability to conduct Legal Research utilizing Westlaw/Lexis. Confidentiality and Protected Information – Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information. Travel and/or Schedule – Availability for after-hour and weekend work, and travel as required to attend hearings. PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Environment: Office; Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch; Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity; Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity; Ability to transfer weights of twenty pounds anticipated for this position; Driving requirements: Daily (twenty [20%]).

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