Data Governance Attorney

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 96,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is seeking a Data Governance Attorney (Attorney III) to provide expert legal guidance on data governance, privacy, and information management across HHS system agencies.

The role includes advising on state and federal compliance, reviewing data sharing agreements, and supporting system policies within the OCC Legal Services Division as a journey-level attorney.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Experience in legal work.

Responsibilities

• Advises HHS system on legal matters related to privacy, data usage, sharing, and management.
• Reviews and negotiates data sharing and data security agreements.
• Provides legal support to HHS system response to data breaches or security incidents.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

privacy

data governance

legal research

writing

analysis

communication

supervise

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Job Posting Information

Date: Sep 14, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Posting Number: 20693

Closing Date: 10/14/2026

Job Details

Functional Title: Data Governance Attorney

Job Title: Attorney III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: OCC Legal Services Division

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Legal

Salary Range: $8,581.66 - $10,785.83 (Monthly)

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26

Shift: Day

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

MOS Codes: 4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,51JX,92J0,LGL10,LGL11

Nearest Major Market: Austin

Benefits

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.

Brief Job Description

The data governance attorney provides expert legal guidance and support to Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system agencies on matters related to data governance, compliance, privacy, and information management. This role includes advising on state and federal regulatory compliance, reviewing and advising on data sharing agreements and other contracts, and supporting HHS system policies and initiatives to ensure ethical, legal, and secure data handling practices.

This position is in the Open Records and Data Governance Department of the Legal Services Division within the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The HHS Office of Chief Counsel and its Legal Services Division provide legal services to the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services. This position would provide legal advice to the Privacy Division in the Office of Chief Counsel.

The attorney would perform moderately complex (journey-level) attorney work involving rendering legal advice and counsel, interpreting laws and regulation, overseeing and planning legal activities, and preparing legal documents.

Essential Job Functions

• (60%) Advises HHS system on legal matters related to privacy, data usage, sharing, and management.
• (25%) Reviews and negotiates agreements involving data sharing and data security.
• (10%) Provides legal support to HHS system response to data breaches or security incidents.
• (5%) Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of: privacy; data governance; legal principles, practices, and proceedings; and of laws, regulations, and rules related to the health and human services agencies.
• Skill in: legal research, writing, and analysis; using a computer and applicable software; using reasoning and logic; identifying and solving complex problems; prioritizing workloads; and using judgment to identify courses of action.
• Ability to: study and evaluate processes and make recommendations, prepare opinions and briefs, conduct research, summarize findings, interpret and apply laws, use legal reference materials, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Experience in legal work.
• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

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 to those 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 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.