General Counsel I

Job Summary Performs moderately complex legal work. Work involves interpreting laws, rules, and regulations; preparing legal documents; rendering legal advice and counsel; consulting with attorneys; assisting in preparing cases for trial; assisting in drafting and negotiating contracts; and drafting bills for legislative consideration. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Functions Plans and organizes litigation support activities for agency civil cases; reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration; provides legislative consultation, guidance, and analyses; provides legal advice on policy decision making; advises on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of agency laws and regulations; assists in the strategic planning process; develops, implements, coordinates, and evaluates policies, procedures, goals, and objectives; and ensures compliance with laws pertaining to the program areas. Drafts legal opinions, briefs, documents, reports, and responses; assists in the preparation, development, and review of legislation; and assists in developing the agency’s position regarding legislative impact. Interacts with the Office of the Attorney General on impact of litigation involving the agency; monitors litigation impact on policies and procedures; prepares litigation summary reports providing litigation case statistical information, progress, and judgment; and coordinates management review of settlement activities. Provides liaison with agency staff and administrators, other local, state, and federal agencies and organizations, legislative staff, and the public; represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences and seminars and on boards, panels, and committees; and testifies at hearings, trials, and legislative meetings. Trains, coordinates, and supervises the work of others. * Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education, Experience, and Training Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Two years full-time, wage-earning experience as a licensed attorney. Experience as a legal counsel in a governmental agency preferred. Experience in administrative, contract, criminal, or labor/employment law preferred. Program development experience in a legal field preferred. Litigation experience in state or federal court preferred. Experience in the supervision of employees preferred. Must maintain a current active license to practice law in the State of Texas during employment with Texas Department of Criminal Justice through the State Bar of Texas. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations affecting the Texas Department of Criminal Justice agency operations. Knowledge of legal principles and practices of litigation program administration and management. Knowledge of state government operations and the functions of criminal justice systems. Knowledge of agency and departmental organizational structure, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations preferred. Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely. Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the public. Skill in administrative problem-solving techniques. Skill to review technical data and prepare technical reports. Skill in public address. Skill to analyze and solve legal problems and interpret laws and regulations affecting the agency. Skill to review and evaluate the impact of procedures, statutes, rules, regulations, policies, judgments, and litigation on the agency. Skill to plan and organize a legal services program. Skill to prepare legal documents. Skill to train and supervise the work of others. Additional Requirements With or Without Reasonable Accommodation A. Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb stairs, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry under 15 lbs., perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate motor equipment. B. Conditions include working inside, working around machines with moving parts and moving objects, radiant and electrical energy, working closely with others, working alone, working protracted or irregular hours, and traveling by car, van, bus, and airplane. C. Equipment (machines, tools, devices) used in performing only the essential functions include computer and related equipment, calculator, copier, fax machine, telephone, dolly, and automobile. Application Instructions Please note that applications submitted via handwritten forms, email, mail, or fax will not be accepted. Your job application must be completely filled out and include all employment history, which includes job titles, name of employer, dates of employment, supervisor’s name and phone number, and a description of duties performed, and whether it was full-time or part-time and hours per week. If any of this information is not provided, your application may be rejected as incomplete. If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who contacts you to schedule your interview. Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. *Outside applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment.* Contact Shenesia JenkinsHuman Resources Headquarters2 Financial Plaza, STE 600Huntsville, TX 77340PH (936) 437-3069EMAIL HR.selectionsteam1@tdcj.texas.gov Military Occupation Specialty Code 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. Military Crosswalk Guide Prepared by the State Auditor's Office Closing Date Jan 23, 2026 Salary $6,377.50 per month (ret 2.5% less) To Apply This State of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. You may make copies of this application and enter different position titles, but each copy must be signed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of applications, unless specifically stated in the job vacancy notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr