Attorney I-II

Organization: DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES

Primary Location: Texas-Austin

Job: Legal

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

State Job Code: 3503 3502

Salary Admin Plan: B

Grade: 24 B22

Number of Openings: 1

Overtime Status: Exempt

Description Job Posting:

Position Title: Attorney I-II

Class/Group: 3502-3503 / B22-B24

Military Occupation Specialty Code: Coast Guard: LGL10

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt

Number of Vacancies: 1

Division/Section: Executive Administration / Office of the General Counsel

Duration: Regular

Hours Worked Weekly: 40

Travel: Limited

Agency Address: 300 West 15th Street, #1300 / Austin, Texas 78701

Special Instructions:

• Applicants must provide in-depth information in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section to demonstrate how they meet the position qualifications. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.
• Resumes may be uploaded as an attachment but are not accepted in lieu of the information required in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section of the application.

Interview Place/Time:

Candidates will be notified for appointments as determined by the selection committee.

Selective Service Registration:

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25 years, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or proof of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship:

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Department of Information Resources does not exclude anyone from consideration for recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action, or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities, which it sponsors on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability. Please call 512-463-5920 to request reasonable accommodation.

Position Description What We Do

We are a technology agency powered by people.

DIR offers secure, modern, and cost-effective technology to help government entities in Texas serve their constituents.

DIR is a fast-paced and collaborative environment with highly motivated, innovative, and engaged employees dedicated to achieving the best value for the state. We have over 260 professionals working at DIR who are honored to serve as the cornerstone of public sector technology in Texas. By joining DIR, you will be an integral part of transforming how Texas government serves Texans.

Position Summary

This role performs entry-level to routine (journey-level) to moderately complex legal work for the Office of the General Counsel, primarily as an administrative attorney handling open records requests and administrative rulemaking. Work involves planning and implementing legal tasks, preparing legal documents, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. Works under moderate to general supervision with limited to moderate latitude for the use of independent judgement.

• Reviews incoming Public Information Act (PIA) requests and responsive documents for legal sufficiency and applicability of statutory exceptions and coordinate with agency staff regarding requests.

• Drafts and prepares briefing letters for submission to the Office of the Attorney General, including supporting documentation and legal arguments.

• Conducts legal research related to potential and existing administrative rules and assist in drafting, revising, and analyzing proposed and adopted rules.

• Research and analyze bills and amendments relevant to agency operations, programs, and statutory authority and advise agency on impact.

• Research legal issues and advise staff on issues related to contract terms and conditions, procurement, rulemaking, privacy, confidentiality, security, open records, and relevant federal laws and rules.

• Drafts, reviews, and revises interagency contracts, inter-local contracts, and memoranda of understanding and provide counsel to agency staff regarding same.

• Serves as an assistant ethics officer for the agency by providing advice and counsel to agency staff and Board.

• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education

• Graduation from an accredited law school with an LL.B. or a J.D. degree
• Must be licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.

Experience and Training Required

• Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Experience and Training Preferred

• Experience with open records and open meetings laws
• Experience with administrative rulemaking
• Experience with analyzing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with legislation or regulation
• Experience in litigation and civil procedure
• Familiarity with privacy laws and best practices
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence governance and best practices
• Familiarity drafting and revising information technology contracts
• Familiarity with applicable information technology laws and regulations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Texas state government, state legislative processes, and the state budget process.
• Excellent skill in communicating both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.
• Skill in finding solutions for or to deal proactively with issues or problems.
• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work on concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment while effectively organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating work assignments.
• Ability to act in a self-confident manner to effectively communicate and promote the ideas, goals, and mission of the agency to the public.
• Ability to consult and provide sound advice and recommendations that enable others to make business decisions in the best interest of the project and/or the agency.
• Ability to serve internal agency customers by focusing effort on meeting their needs, understanding their concerns, and effectively resolving issues.
• Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Ability to effectively interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties, including knowledge of negotiation strategies and techniques.
• Ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in all communications, including the ability to exercise discretion when handling confidential information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, internal and external customers.
• Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.
• Ability to comply with all agency policy and applicable laws.
• Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of any critical infrastructure researched, worked on, or accessed for work purposes.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, meetings, and email. (Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook preferred).

Other Requirements

• Regular and punctual attendance at the workplace.
• Criminal background check.
• Occasional overtime.

Working Conditions

• Frequent use of computers, copiers, printers, and telephones.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and talking.
• Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
• Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and climbing.