Staff Attorney

DPS – OGC – Staff Attorney, ALR – 3503 (00039006) 

Organization: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 

Primary Location: Texas-Houston 

Work Locations

1601 TOWNHURST DR 

 Houston 77043

Other Locations:  

Job: Legal 

Employee Status: Regular 

Schedule: Full-time 

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00 

State Job Code: 3503  

Salary Admin Plan: B 

Grade: 24  

Salary (Pay Basis): 6,300.00 – 6,869.00 (Monthly) 

Number of Openings: 1 

Overtime Status: Exempt 

Posting Date: Jan 4, 2024 

Closing Date: Jan 19, 2024 

Description

**Official Law School transcripts are required at the time of application.**

The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking an attorney to represent the agency in administrative license revocation proceedings. The selected candidate will gain immediate litigation experience handling driving while intoxicated related cases. The position involves managing all aspects of an administrative hearing from discovery and working with the defense bar to examining witnesses in an evidentiary hearing. The position is ideal for candidates who are interested in litigation while maintaining a work-life balance.

The department offers a close, collegial work environment with career advancement opportunities. Other benefits of the position include:

  • Flexible work schedules,
  • Hybrid telecommuting options,
  • Comprehensive medical insurance with premiums paid at 100% for full time employees,
  • Generous paid leave and holidays,
  • Qualifying employment for purposes of Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program,
  • Retirement pension, and
  • Comprehensive wellness program

PLEASE NOTE:  All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor’s name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:  Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

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. https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf.

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 (20) pounds anticipated for this position;
  • Driving requirements:  Daily (twenty [20%]).

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/

DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group and state title will be transferred with no salary change.

DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS, ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.