General Counsel (Austin)

Texas Workforce Commission; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family friendly workplace

Defined retirement benefit plan

Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts

Medical Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Texas Workforce Commission, based in Austin, seeks a General Counsel II with 2–3 years of full‑time legal practice or equivalent experience. The role involves interpreting laws, drafting and negotiating contracts, and providing legal guidance across agency operations.

Located at 101 E. 15th St., Austin, TX, the position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off. Travel up to 10% within Texas may be required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA‑accredited law school and admission to the State Bar of Texas.
• Three years of full‑time experience in the practice of law or in a role with legal work as a primary duty.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal review of contracts, leases, grants and procurements; communicate orally and in writing with staff and the public.
• Research and write on state and federal matters before the Texas Workforce Commission.
• Draft contracts, MOUs and RFAs/RFPs.
• Coordinate with other agencies to develop interagency MOUs and contracts.
• Provide guidance on legal matters including ethics, contract and grant requirements.
• Assist with agency team plans and contracts.
• Represent the Commission and provide legal advice in meetings with clients, staff, and the public.
• Provide legal advice on complex issues for WIOA programs and operations.
• Perform other related work and provide training to staff as needed.

Job description

Job Description - General Counsel (Austin) (827486)

Job Description

General Counsel (Austin) - ( 827486 )

Description

WHO WE ARE:

Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits.This position is located at 101 E. 15th St., Austin, TX in the Office of General Counsel.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:

A graduate from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association who has been admitted to the State Bar of Texas and has two to three years of experience in the full-time practice of law, or two to three years of full-time experience in a responsible position involving legal work as a primary duty.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The General Counsel II performs moderately complex to complex (journey-level) legal work. Work involves interpreting laws, regulations and rules; preparing legal documents; rendering legal advice and counsel; consulting with attorneys; assisting in preparing cases for hearings and trial; assisting in drafting and negotiating contracts; and drafting bills for legislative consideration for the agency. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude to moderate for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:

• Provide legal review of contracts, leases, grants and procurements; communicates orally and in writing with staff and the public.
• Research and write on state and federal matters before TWC.
• Draft contracts, memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and requests for applications/proposals(RFAs/RFPs).
• Coordinate with other agencies to develop interagency MOUs and contracts.
• Provide guidance on TWC, state and federal financial management matters, including ethics, contract and grant legal requirements.
• Participate in agency team, Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) plans and contracts.
• Assist with contact monitoring on audit resolution and monitoring questions.
• Represent TWC and provides legal advice to TWC representative in meetings with clients, staff, and the public.
• Provide legal advice on complex legal issues for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Programs and operations.
• Perform routine to moderately complex legal work related to legislation or administrative law and other TWC programs.
• Provide back up for other attorneys.
• Provide training and guidance to Commission attorneys and other staff relating to TWC procedures and providing legal services to program staff.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:

• Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association and admission to the State Bar of Texas plus three years of experience in the full-time practice of law, or three years of full-time experience in a responsible position involving legal work as a primary duty.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:

• Excellent oral and written skills needed. A writing sample will be requested at the time of interview.
• Strong preference for two to three years' experience in legal work drafting and reviewing government contracts.
• Experience in legal work with governmental entities providing guidance and briefing on federal and state laws.
• Must be licensed to practice Law in Texas. Position is open to attorneys statewide and not limited to the Austin geographic area. However, attorney must reside in Texas.

YOU GAIN:

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
• Competitive salary: $8,971.44 - $9,509.73/month
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
• Medical Insurance
• Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
• Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

Duty involves up to 10% travel within the state of Texas.