Associate Counsel

Health & Human Services Comm; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (100% paid for full‑t

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Telework eligibility

Job summary

Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks an Associate Counsel (Attorney II) to manage a docket of moderate civil enforcement matters within the Office of Inspector General. This role involves developing audits and investigations, preparing pleadings, and litigating with opportunities to serve as second chair in trials.

The ideal candidate is admitted to practice in Texas, has strong research/writing skills, and can handle multiple matters with tight deadlines in a dynamic government

Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school approved by the Supreme Court of Texas with a J.D.
• Licensed in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• One year or more of legal experience preferred, including internships or clerking.
• Experience with oral argument, administrative hearings, and litigation workflows.

Responsibilities

• Manage a docket of moderately complex civil administrative enforcement cases.
• Assist with audits and investigations development.
• Litigate matters before administrative tribunals and courts, drafting motions, briefs, and discovery demands.
• Take and defend depositions; serve as second chair in trials when assigned.
• Maintain communication with management regarding case progress and status.

Skills

Litigation

Legal research

Case management

Written and oral communication

Trial preparation

eDiscovery

Education

J.D. from a Texas-approved law school

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

PACER

Microsoft 365

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Job description

Career Opportunities: Associate Counsel (22569)

Posting ID22569-Posted10/22/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-Chief Counsel HB500-Legal-c. $5000 - $6999 per month

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

Functional Title:Associate CounselJob Title:Attorney IIAgency:Health & Human Services CommDepartment:Chief Counsel HB500Posting Number:22569Closing Date:11/21/2026Posting Audience:Internal and ExternalOccupational Category:LegalSalary Range:$5,425.33-$8,886.16Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group:TEXAS-B-24Shift:DayAdditional Shift:NoneTelework:Travel:Regular/Temporary:RegularFull Time/Part Time:Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:ExemptFacility Location: Job Location City:AUSTINJob Location Address:4601 W GUADALUPE STOther Locations:NoneMOS Codes: 4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,51JX,92J0,LGL10,LGL11

**Newly licensed attorneys are encouraged to apply**

Make an impact with a career at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of Inspector General! The Office of Inspector General (OIG) combats fraud, waste, and abuse in publicly funded state Health and Human Services programs. The OIG’s Chief Counsel Division seeks a motivated, talented attorney to join the Litigation section.

Brief Job Description:

The Associate Counsel (Attorney II) is responsible for a case load of 15-20 moderately complex civil administrative enforcement cases. The attorney will also assist with the development of audits and investigations. Once a case moves into the litigation phase, the attorney will be responsible for all aspects of preparing and litigating the case either solo or as part of a team. These activities include, but are not limited to development of evidence through contact with witnesses and review of documents and policies, rules, regulations, and statutes and preparation of pleadings, written discovery, motions, trial briefs, exhibits, and necessary orders. The attorney will take and defend depositions and examinations under oath and may assume second chair trial responsibilities. The trial phase may include mediation and/or informal resolution conferences. The attorney will be required to keep management advised of all aspects of the case.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Case evaluation, assessment, and preparation for litigation while keeping the options open to explore and negotiate settlement. (50%)

Litigate matters before the State Office of Administrative Hearings or the Health and Human Services Appeals Division, including drafting legal memoranda, motions, briefs, pleadings, and written discovery; preparing exhibits; witness preparation; and participation in hearings. (15%)

Resolve matters by agreement via informal resolution meetings (IRMs) or mediation. (10%)

Assist with the development of audits and investigations. (10%)

General legal research. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of trial and/or administrative hearings procedures

Knowledge of the Texas Administrative Procedure Act

Knowledge of federal and state court rules of procedure and evidence

Knowledge of discovery rules and procedures

Knowledge of eDiscovery principles, processes, and requirements

Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis

Skill in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines

Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making

Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups.

Skill in performing research using resources including, but not limited to Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, administrative agency and court case management systems, and legislative reference sources

Skill in use of computer software applications including, but not limited to Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams), Adobe Acrobat Pro, and database programs

Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both orally and in writing

Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws

Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities, make efficient use of time and resources, and meet deadlines

Ability to utilize legal technology platforms, eDiscovery tools, and document management systems

Ability to use common office technology including, but not limited to computers, printers, scanners, copiers; videoconferencing tools; audio and visual presentation equipment

Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff, and the public

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications :

Licensed in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a law school approved by the Supreme Court of Texas with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Preferred:

One year or more of legal experience preferred, including internships, judicial clerkships, or prior litigation or advisory experience

Participation in mock trial, moot court, or similar law school advocacy programs.

Additional Information:

All applicants selected to interview will be required to submit a legal writing sample and references.

The OIG is responsible for preventing, detecting, auditing, inspecting, reviewing, and investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in the provision of HHS in Medicaid and other HHS programs. Potential employees of OIG are subject to criminal background checks in accordance with the HHS Human Resources policy. Selected applicants must complete a national fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to determine if they have criminal history record information that constitutes a bar to employment.

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited tothose listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions .

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.