OPEN: January 7, 2025
CLOSE: Until Filled
SPECIAL COUNSEL – 25-04
(ATTORNEY V)
Monthly Salary: $9,338 – $12,084
(Commensurate with Qualifications)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Performs highly advanced (senior-level) legal work under the direction of the Chief Executive & Public Counsel. Work involves interpreting laws, regulations, and rules; rendering legal advice and counsel; preparing legal documents; consulting with experts; preparing cases for hearing or trial; and coordinating the drafting and negotiation of contracts. Performs complex legal duties with respect to the development and implementation of the agency’s budget, procurement, contracting, and performance measures and ensures agency compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Represents the agency in hearings, negotiations, disputes, rulemakings, and other matters as requested by the Chief Executive & Public Counsel. Participates in assigned projects, including the development of policies, rules, standard procedures and forms, review and implementation of legislative changes and similar projects. Represents the interests of the residential and small commercial consumers in administrative agency proceedings, including contested cases, rulemaking proceedings, projects, and appeals. Assists the Chief Executive & Public Counsel in legislative matters. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Advises agency management on programs, processes, and issues involving legal risks.
- Reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration to ensure agency compliance with appropriate state and federal laws.
- Provides legal advice and opinions to the Chief Executive & Public Counsel and identifies appropriate legal solutions.
- Provides updates on pertinent legal issues affecting the agency.
- Consults with the Chief Executive & Public Counsel to develop appropriate solutions to the legal needs of the agency.
- Assists Chief Executive & Public Counsel in pursuit of the goals, objectives, and mission of the agency.
- Participates in the agency’s strategic planning process, including the development and management of performance measures.
- May formulate, coordinate, and establish agency policies and procedures at the direction of the Chief Executive & Public Counsel.
- May assist in negotiating and managing contracts.
- May attend and participate in legislative committee hearings and meetings.
- Responds to utility and regulatory related calls from the legislature, the public, and the press when appropriate.
- Assesses cases, rulemakings, and projects and recommends to the Chief Executive & Public Counsel appropriate intervention or action.
- Provides representation in administrative hearings, rulemakings, projects, and appeals on behalf of residential and small commercial consumers.
- Represents the Office and participates in business meetings, hearings, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels and committees.
- Assists the Chief Executive & Public Counsel and performs special projects, related work, and other duties as directed by the Chief Executive & Public Counsel.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D. degree.
- Licensed and eligible to practice law in Texas. Must be a member in good standing of Texas State Bar.
- Five years of experience directing legislative and legal activities of a Texas state agency.
MILITARY OCCUPATION CODES:
http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf
Remarks:
- Candidates invited to interview may be required to submit a transcript and/or a writing sample.
- License to practice law in Texas of the selected candidate will be verified through the State Bar of Texas.
- The position may require additional work hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to meet critical deadlines.
- OPUC participates in E-verify and will provide to 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.
- A satisfactory driving record may be required for driving a state or personal vehicle to conduct agency business. Employees may have their driving record evaluated.
- Employees are required to comply with Office policies and provisions outlined in the employee handbook.
- The Office of Public Utility Counsel has a Post-Employment Restriction – details furnished upon request.
| The Office of Public Utility Counsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. A disabled individual requiring reasonable accommodation shall not be denied opportunity due to the disability. The applicant should communicate requests for reasonable accommodation. |
APPLICATION: Send a completed State of Texas Application and references via “Fill The Form” Link below.
You can also send it to:
Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel
ATTN: Human Resources
P.O. Box 12397
Austin, TX 78711-2397
Phone: 512-936-7500
Fax: 512-936-7525
Email: hr_opuc@opuc.texas.gov
State of Texas applications entered via the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) website will also be accepted.
