Attorney III

Job title:  Attorney III (2 positions)       

Prosecutor

Posting: 1203-25                                     

Opening Date: December 17, 2024

Closing Date: Until filled

Location: North Campus- 1106 Clayton Ln. Austin, TX 78723
Yearly Salary: B26- $94,500- $99,225
Division: Enforcement/Prosecutor
Remote Work: Hybrid

PO BOX 12157, Austin, TX 78711              

PH: 512. 463.7184                                         

FAX: 512.475.3377                                        

Job Description

The Prosecutor is selected by and responsible to the Chief Prosecutor and performs highly complex attorney work, enforcing the statutes and rules of the agency.  Work involves reviewing investigative reports, indicators of human trafficking, and making decisions about case resolutions; preparing and supervising the preparation of legal documents; prosecuting violators in administrative proceedings before an administrative law judge; negotiating settlements; and overseeing the work of legal assistants assigned to the section.  Provides assistance and training in the department’s efforts to combat Human Trafficking. Work is performed under limited supervision of the Chief Prosecutor with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  The attorney will perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain agency operations.

Essential Duties

  • Manages a high-volume caseload that includes cases under all of the statutes administered by TDLR.
  • Reviews investigative reports, initial applications, and license renewal applications that come into the prosecution section and decides the manner in which cases will be resolved including identifying possible indicators of human trafficking.  Brings cases to final resolution as expeditiously as possible.
  • Researches and interprets statutes, rules, regulations, codes, indicators of human trafficking, and administrative records, and analyzes their applicability and significance in specific fact situations presented in complaints.  
  • Advises investigators regarding evidentiary analysis and avenues of investigation to be pursued, and provides guidance to all Enforcement staff regarding statutes, rules, and enforcement policies.
  • Negotiates settlements of enforcement cases.
  • Represents TDLR in the formal prosecution of enforcement cases in administrative hearings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).  Presents the testimony of witnesses and documentary evidence in accordance with the Texas Rules of Evidence and makes legally-sound oral arguments.
  • Prepares notices of alleged violation, notices of hearing, letters of proposed license denial, motions, legal briefs, case closing letters, agreed orders, emergency orders related to human trafficking, and other appropriate legal documents and correspondence related to enforcement cases.
  • Prepares exceptions to Proposals for Decision as needed and presents oral argument on contested cases to the Commission.
  • Performs duties in accordance with the Complaint Resolution Procedures Manual, the Enforcement Plan and the Criminal Conviction Guidelines. 
  • Consults regularly with other attorneys to ensure consistency in the application of laws, rules, and enforcement policies.  Reviews work of other attorneys through a peer review process.
  • Reviews drafts of laws, rules, policies and regulations affecting agency operations.
  • Assists in educating the regulated industries and the public by making appearances before groups and speaking about laws, rules, agency policies, enforcement actions and indicators of human trafficking affecting the subject industries.
  • Attends advisory board meetings and presents information about the activities of the Enforcement Division.
  • Complies with division and/or agency training requirements.
  • Demonstrates a spirit of teamwork, offering positive and constructive ideas, encouragement and support to other members of the staff and team, while upholding the agency’s core values.
  • Keeps management appropriately informed of ongoing activity and critical matters affecting the operation and well-being of the agency.
  • Adheres to all TDLR Personnel Policies and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school with an L.L.B. or J.D. degree.  Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.  Three years of litigation experience required.  Experience with regulatory enforcement or criminal prosecution preferred.

Military Occupation Specialty Code:

Army 27A, Navy 250X, Marine 4402, Air Force 51JX or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:  Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category – Legal

Remarks

The successful candidate will have: Knowledge of administrative law proceedings and concepts such as jurisdiction, notice, and due process, knowledge of the Administrative Procedures Act, the Texas Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure, the Public Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, and the laws administered by TDLR.  Skill in the use of computer and applicable software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, and e-mail; and the ability to use a computer to produce legal documents, correspondence, presentations, statistical reports, and other complex documents. Skill in the use of standard office equipment. Ability to interpret, apply, and explain, orally and in writing, statutes, rules, codes, procedures, and policies; to perform legal research; and, to plan and manage multiple tasks or courses of action simultaneously and respond effectively to rapidly changing priorities in a highly visible setting. Excellent writing skills; excellent communication skills in the contexts of telephone contacts, in-person contacts, presenting cases in court, and public speaking; and, the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide professional, friendly, and caring customer service to all customers.

How to Apply

Applications may be downloaded through TDLR’s website https: www.tdlr.texas.gov/employ.htm. Only Email or fax applications accepted. Email [email protected] or fax 512.475.3377. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume in lieu of application will be rejected. Additionally, an application with “see resume” within the summary of experience is considered incomplete and will be rejected. Submit a copy of degree if in lieu of experience/skills requirement. To receive Military Employment Preference for any position, submit a copy of the DD214 or DD1300 with application. 

This job is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

TDLR provides a total compensation package that enables us to attract, motivate, and retain highly skilled and talented employees, including a merit system, full use of salary ranges, performance awards, retention and recruitment bonuses. TDLR participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TDLR will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the application, contact TDLR Human Resources at 512-463-7184. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation