Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System
Staff Attorney (Attorney IV)
Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
Overview
Job Description - Staff Attorney (Attorney IV) (00052507) Description MISSION:
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. Position Overview:
A Staff Attorney in the Educator Preparation, Certification and Enforcement (EPCE) Law and Policy Division ensures Texas educators are worthy to instruct students and are in compliance with Texas law and administrative rules by bringing contested cases before the State Office of Administrative Hearings on behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education. New hires, re-hires, and internal hires
will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role. The 89th legislature approved a 6% salary increase
for licensed attorneys hired into positions with this job classification title. The posted salary range for this position already reflects said increase. Upon hire, the selected finalist will receive a starting salary offer and, as a separate line item, the legislatively approved increase that will become part of their base pay. The sum of both will not exceed the position’s posted salary range. Only new hires are eligible for this increase. Position Details:
TEA/EPCE Law and Policy Division; reports to the Managing Attorney. Location
Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. Posting and Application
Job Posting: Sep 8, 2025; Closing Date: Ongoing. A resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. Essential Functions
Written Work Product:
Prepares legal documents including pleadings, discovery, and briefs; interprets laws and regulations. Effectively and accurately writes legal documents for contested cases. Oral Presentations:
Interacts with the public, peers, opposing counsel, school district personnel, agency investigations staff and law enforcement authorities. Effectively, persuasively, and efficiently presents cases to SBEC and at SOAH. Efficient Docket:
Performs senior-level legal work involving the investigation, assessment, and litigation of educator disciplinary cases concerning Texas educator certificate examinees, applicants, holders, and others over whom the State Board for Educator Certification has jurisdiction and other individuals employed in Texas schools. Effectively and efficiently closes cases using best practices. Efficient Case Processing:
Enforces TEA & SBEC regulatory provisions and prosecutes violations, serving as lead attorney at hearings. Moves cases through the litigation process. Efficient Case Evaluation:
Plans and organizes litigation activities, as well as renders legal advice and counsel. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Experience:
At least two (2) years of full-time legal experience in litigation, including bench trials, as a licensed attorney. At least five (5) years of experience as a licensed attorney. Other Qualifications Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military Licensed to practice law in Texas by the Texas State Bar Knowledge of 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 153, 247 and 249 Knowledge of the Texas Administrative Procedures Act, the Texas Education Code, Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and the State Office of Administrative Hearing Rules Strong legal research and writing skills Excellent skills in written and oral advocacy and communication Highly organized with an ability to prioritize and manage time to organize and complete multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to carefully review and edit professional written work Sound professional judgment and strong decision-making skills, including the ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback Able to handle stressful situations professionally, including working cooperatively with others on the team Excellent customer service skills when responding to inquiries from members of the public, and utmost professionalism when responding to opposing parties or other state agencies A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve Note: This is an equal opportunity employer. We hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference. This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency. No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Please add "capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov" and "@tea.texas.gov" to your safe senders list to ensure you receive email notifications from our talent acquisition team and/or hiring division regarding your candidacy.
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Job Description - Staff Attorney (Attorney IV) (00052507) Description MISSION:
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. Position Overview:
A Staff Attorney in the Educator Preparation, Certification and Enforcement (EPCE) Law and Policy Division ensures Texas educators are worthy to instruct students and are in compliance with Texas law and administrative rules by bringing contested cases before the State Office of Administrative Hearings on behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education. New hires, re-hires, and internal hires
will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role. The 89th legislature approved a 6% salary increase
for licensed attorneys hired into positions with this job classification title. The posted salary range for this position already reflects said increase. Upon hire, the selected finalist will receive a starting salary offer and, as a separate line item, the legislatively approved increase that will become part of their base pay. The sum of both will not exceed the position’s posted salary range. Only new hires are eligible for this increase. Position Details:
TEA/EPCE Law and Policy Division; reports to the Managing Attorney. Location
Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. Posting and Application
Job Posting: Sep 8, 2025; Closing Date: Ongoing. A resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. Essential Functions
Written Work Product:
Prepares legal documents including pleadings, discovery, and briefs; interprets laws and regulations. Effectively and accurately writes legal documents for contested cases. Oral Presentations:
Interacts with the public, peers, opposing counsel, school district personnel, agency investigations staff and law enforcement authorities. Effectively, persuasively, and efficiently presents cases to SBEC and at SOAH. Efficient Docket:
Performs senior-level legal work involving the investigation, assessment, and litigation of educator disciplinary cases concerning Texas educator certificate examinees, applicants, holders, and others over whom the State Board for Educator Certification has jurisdiction and other individuals employed in Texas schools. Effectively and efficiently closes cases using best practices. Efficient Case Processing:
Enforces TEA & SBEC regulatory provisions and prosecutes violations, serving as lead attorney at hearings. Moves cases through the litigation process. Efficient Case Evaluation:
Plans and organizes litigation activities, as well as renders legal advice and counsel. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Experience:
At least two (2) years of full-time legal experience in litigation, including bench trials, as a licensed attorney. At least five (5) years of experience as a licensed attorney. Other Qualifications Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military Licensed to practice law in Texas by the Texas State Bar Knowledge of 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 153, 247 and 249 Knowledge of the Texas Administrative Procedures Act, the Texas Education Code, Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and the State Office of Administrative Hearing Rules Strong legal research and writing skills Excellent skills in written and oral advocacy and communication Highly organized with an ability to prioritize and manage time to organize and complete multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to carefully review and edit professional written work Sound professional judgment and strong decision-making skills, including the ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback Able to handle stressful situations professionally, including working cooperatively with others on the team Excellent customer service skills when responding to inquiries from members of the public, and utmost professionalism when responding to opposing parties or other state agencies A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve Note: This is an equal opportunity employer. We hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference. This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency. No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Please add "capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov" and "@tea.texas.gov" to your safe senders list to ensure you receive email notifications from our talent acquisition team and/or hiring division regarding your candidacy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr