Associate General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Alternative and/or Flexible work Sched

Paid leave and holidays

Health premiums paid for full-time

On-the-job training

Tuition assistance program

Wellness program with leave incentives

Career development and advancement

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Texas Department of Transportation seeks an Associate General Counsel to join the General Counsel Division. The role involves complex legal work, with responsibilities spanning rulemaking, contract drafting, and legal analysis for compliance with federal and state laws.

The position requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, at least 1 year in governmental or related law, and active Texas licensure. A valid driver’s license is also required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 1 year of governmental, administrative, real estate, or contract law experience or equivalent.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas and possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Draft departmental rules and regulations for incorporation in the Texas Administrative Code.
• Prepare and review legal opinions, briefs, decisions, contracts, and other instruments.
• Handle public information requests under the Texas Public Information Act.
• Draft, negotiate, and administer contracts and amendments.
• Provide legal advice and interpret laws, rules, and regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Policy interpretation

Oral advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Performs complex legal work in the General Counsel Division involving the compliance and interpretation of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations for the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Transportation Commission. Work requires contact with governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties

• Drafts departmental rules and regulations for incorporation in the Texas Administrative Code.
• Prepares and reviews legal opinions, briefs, decisions, orders, contracts, agreements, attorney's certificates and other legal instruments.
• Receives, analyzes and processes requests for public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act.
• Drafts, negotiates and administers contracts and contract amendments.
• Drafts legal positions and confers with general counsel.
• Formulates and recommends rules and policies.
• Researches legal issues, advises on legal questions and interprets laws, rules and regulations.
• Responds to information requests.
• Reviews and renders legal advice on a variety of legal issues.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Juris Doctor (JD) in /from an accredited law school.

Experience: 1 year Governmental, administrative, real estate, or contract law, civil procedure, or related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

Competencies

• Communicate effectively
• Interpreting, analyzing, and applying applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations
• Drafting, interpreting and analyzing complex contracts and agreements
• Legislative process
• Civil procedures
• Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information
• Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Conducting hearings, interviews, and investigations
• Interpreting and analyzing legislation, rules, and regulations
• Preparing legal documents including opinions, case law summaries and legislative impact statements

Position Information

TxDOT's General Counsel Division is looking for an Associate General Counsel. We have a diverse workforce of over 12,000 employees statewide.

Benefits And Perks

• 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)

Job

Exec/Admin/Clerical/Legal

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Level

Non-Management

Job Posting

Sep 29, 2026, 10:18:09 AM

State Job Title/s

General Counsel II

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

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.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

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.