Deputy General Counsel

TxDOT's General Counsel Division is looking for a Deputy General Counsel . We have a diverse workforce of over 12,000 employees statewide. If you want to build an exciting career, let’s talk!

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans

• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules

• Paid Leave and Holidays

• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees

• On-the-Job Training

• Tuition Assistance Program

• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives

• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities

• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Oversees and coordinates General Counsel Division functional responsibilities and provides highly advanced legal services for the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Transportation Commission. Work requires contact with high-level executives, governmental officials, and private entities. Reports to the General Counsel. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties: 

• Manages, oversees and directs the staff attorneys in the office. Makes determinations on assignments and responsibilities. 
• Accomplishes special assignments by the General Counsel and the Administration.
• Advises the Administration and Department managers on legal aspects of personnel issues, including conflict of interest, ethics, complaints, and grievances.
• Attends to management responsibilities of the Office of General Counsel at the direction of the General Counsel.
• Researches complex legal issues and renders oral/written opinions, briefs, interpretations and counsel for department programs.
• Reviews and provides legal guidance on policies and policy implementation.
• Conducts or presides over public hearings pursuant to the provisions for agency rulemaking proceedings under the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Coordinates and consults with operating districts/divisions/offices and the Administration in drafting and reviewing contractual agreements involving the Department.
• Coordinates and oversees the department's administrative rulemaking including scheduling, research, drafts, hearings, impact statements, Texas Transportation Commission (Commission) presentation and coordination with the Governor's office.
• Coordinates and oversees the implementation of legislation including the review of final reports, summaries, and impact statements.
• May serve as the General Counsel in their absence.
• Furnishes administrative legal support/liaison for Attorney General in Department related cases.
• Researches, frames issues, and prepares briefs for formal Attorney General's opinion request to be submitted by the Texas Transportation Commission or the Executive Director.
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets proposed legislation affecting TxDOT projects/programs and composes or edits response for the Administration.
• Analyzes and drafts legislation and regulations pertaining to the Department, including analysis of federal legislation, regulations, and actions.
• Serves as liaison with Attorney General's Office in selected matters.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
 

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education:

Mandatory: Juris Doctor (JD) in from an accredited law school

Experience:

• 8 years of experience in litigation, governmental, administrative, real estate, contract, civil procedure, or related legal experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent)
• Must have three (3) years supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle. 

• Mandatory: TX Attorney

• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas

Preferred Qualifications: 

Competencies: 

Extensive knowledge of
• Arbitration, mediation, and negotiation
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Legislative process
• Civil procedures
Considerable knowledge of
• Contract development and oversight
Expert skill in
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Persuasion and negotiation of critical issues
• Conducting hearings, interviews, and investigations
• Interpreting and applying laws, rules, and regulations
• Interpreting and analyzing legislation, rules, and regulations
Proficient skill in
• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others
• Communicating complex ideas and information clearly, concisely, and effectively
• Developing and giving presentations
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

· Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools

· Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs

· Sitting - prolonged periods of time

· Standing-prolonged periods of time

· Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment: 

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

Click on the appropriate occupational category to view the MOS codes.

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Additional Applicant Information for applicants