Assistant General Counsel (General Counsel III) 2026-68

TSABAA; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Governor in Austin, TX seeks an Assistant General Counsel (General Counsel III) to provide high‑level legal services, draft and negotiate contracts, review legislation, and advise the Governor and staff on criminal law and public safety topics. This senior role directs legal activities and coordinates with state agencies.

The position requires a law degree, Texas bar licensure, and proven ability to research, analyze, and solve complex legal issues while briefing leadership on

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and current Texas bar in good standing.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas for four years, or four years elsewhere with Texas licensure anticipated.
• Ability to research, analyze, and solve legal problems and interpret laws.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to the Governor and staff on a wide range of matters.
• Draft and negotiate contracts, procurement documents, and grant agreements.
• Review bills for legal issues during the legislative session.
• Monitor litigation matters and summarize relevant developments.
• Direct and plan legal activities for the Office of the Governor.
• Coordinate with other state agencies on legal matters.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the Office of the Governor.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Contract negotiation

Legislative communication

Policy advice

Education

Juris Doctor

Texas Bar license

Job description

Office of the Governor

• Job #: 2026-68
• TWC Job #:17018891
• Travel Required:5%
• Monthly Salary:$12,500.00 - $14,166.67
• Position Location:Austin, TX
• Group Step:B30
• Class:3523
• Status:Open

Assistant General Counsel - Austin, Texas

The Office of the Governor is looking for an Assistant General Counsel (General Counsel III) to work in the General Counsel Division.

Who We Are

The Office of the Governor works to build a healthier, safer, freer, and more prosperous future for all Texans. We are located primarily within the Texas State Capitol Complex in Austin.

What You'll Earn

The salary is $12,500.00 - $14,166.67 a month ($150,000.00 - $170,000.00 a year).

This position performs advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) legal work for the OOG. Work involves providing well-researched legal services for the Governor and his staff on a wide range of legal issues, including drafting and negotiating contracts, procurement documents, and grant agreements; preparing other legal documents; interpreting laws, regulations, and rules; and briefing the General Counsel and Governor on executions and other issues. Reviews bills for legal issues during the legislative session.

• Provides legal advice to the Governor and the agency on a wide range of legal matters as assigned with a focus on criminal law and public safety.
• Monitors, reviews, and summarizes litigation matters of interest to the OOG and the State of Texas.
• Directs and plans legal activities for the agency.
• Prepares legal documents, including contracts, procurements, grant agreements, and legal memoranda.
• Provides legal advice relating to the management of OOG programs, including any issues involving legal risks.
• Reviews and advises on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations affecting OOG operations and administration.
• Provides input on the development of OOG programs and the establishment of relevant procedures.
• Provides legal advice to the OOG on policy decision-making and identifies appropriate legal solutions.
• Assists OOG staff, including General Counsel, in legal matters that arise with respect to other state agencies.
• Attends various meetings on behalf of the OOG.
• Coordinates with other state agencies regarding legal matters affecting those agencies or the OOG.
• Monitors, reviews, and analyzes legislation in advance of, and during, the legislative session.
• Communicates effectively with members of the Texas Legislature, advocacy groups, local governmental entities and law enforcement, constituents, and others as authorized on behalf of the OOG.
• Assists OOG's General Counsel Division with management of litigation involving the agency.
• Reviews legal documents and conducts legal research as needed.
• Provides advice and counsel on a wide range of legal matters as assigned.

How You'll Qualify

• Graduation from an accredited law school and current member of the bar in good standing; and
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas for four (4) years; or licensed in another state for four (4) years and able to secure licensure in Texas as soon as practicable; and
• Must be able to research, analyze, and solve legal problems and to interpret laws and regulations.

You're a Great Fit with

• Prior experience practicing criminal law.
• Prior experience drafting and negotiating contracts or grant agreements.
• Prior experience working on state agency procurements.
• Prior experience working in and around the Texas Legislature.

Registration, Certification or Licensure

• Valid Texas driver's license or be willing to obtain a valid Texas Driver's License within 90-days if moving from another state.
• Texas State Bar License in good standing or licensure in good standing in another state with demonstrated ability to obtain Texas licensure soon after joining the office.

Veterans

Veterans, Reservists, or members of the Guard can compare this position to Military Occupations ( MOS ) at the Texas State Auditor's Office.

Submit a separate application and resume for each position that you are qualified.

In Work in Texas, search for Office of the Governor job postings by the "Agency Job ID" listed as "Job #" on the position description - or - using the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) assigned posting ID number, listed as "TWC job number" on the position description.