Litigation Attorney III

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 96,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health insurance for full-time

Defined benefit pension

Generous paid time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking an Attorney III in the Litigation Department to provide complex legal work for the General Litigation Team. The role involves research, drafting, and advising agency management on federal and state laws related to programs administered by the agency, with coordination with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

The Attorney III handles discovery, motions, settlements, and potential trial preparation, offering independent judgment

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in Texas.
• At least three years of experience in litigation.
• JD or LLB from an accredited law school.
• Ability to draft briefs and manage discovery with the OAG and agency staff.

Responsibilities

• Draft summaries of new litigation, identify parties, claims, and defenses.
• Draft letters to the OAG seeking representation and respond to complaints.
• Review discovery requests and prepare responses and motions; use e-discovery tools.
• Review settlement recommendations and participate in negotiations to protect agency interests.
• Draft appellate briefs and arguments; coordinate with OAG to ensure timely filings.
• Attend hearings and manage cases for trial; maintain timely updates to leadership.

Skills

Legal research

Writing

Multi-tasking

Communication

Judgment

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB

Tools

e-discovery software

MS Office

Job description

Date: Jul 28, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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:

Litigation Attorney III

Job Title:

Attorney III

Agency:

Health & Human Services Comm

Department:

LSD Litigation 3

Posting Number:

19424

Closing Date:

08/27/2026

Posting Audience:

Internal and External

Occupational Category:

Legal

Salary Range:

$8,581.67 - $9,460.50

Pay Frequency:

Monthly

Salary Group:

TEXAS-B-26

Shift:

Day

Additional Shift:

Telework:

Eligible for Telework

Travel:

Up to 15%

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:

Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City:

AUSTIN

Job Location Address:

4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:

MOS Codes:

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

Brief Job Description

This position is an Attorney III in the Litigation Department on the General Litigation Team. The Litigation Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Litigation Department provides legal advice and support for pending or threatened litigation against HHS or HHS employees in their official or individual capacities. The Litigation Department serves as the primary point of contact with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to prosecute and defend lawsuits and administrative actions filed against HHSC or DSHS concerning employment decisions, tort claims, agency rules and policies, alleged constitutional violations, federal and state statutes, and contract and procurement disputes. The Attorney III performs complex legal work as part of the General Litigation Team. The job involves legal research, interpreting state and federal laws and rules related to programs administered by the agency, drafting legal documents and informational memoranda, responding to third party subpoenas, and rendering legal advice and counsel to agency management and program staff. The position also requires managing litigation and coordinating with the OAG to defend and prosecute lawsuits including discovery and motion practice, attending hearings, and preparing cases for trial. The Attorney III has latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• The Attorney III will draft summaries of new litigation identifying parties, claims, and defenses, evaluate potential risks to the agency and its employees, and develop litigation strategy. The Attorney III will draft timely, accurate, and concise updates for the Associate Director, Director of Litigation, HHS Deputy Chief Counsel, and HHS Chief Counsel concerning the status of and new developments in agency lawsuits. The Attorney III will research legal issues related to litigation and provide timely, accurate, and concise analysis and advice. (30%)
• The Attorney III will draft letters to the OAG requesting representation in litigation. The Attorney III will work with the assigned Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and agency staff to respond to complaints and petitions. The Attorney III will research claims and defenses and ensure appropriate motions are filed timely by the OAG. The Attorney III will draft, review and edit briefs and motions as needed. (25%)
• The Attorney III will review discovery requests and work with agency staff to identify responsive information and documents. The position will draft, review and edit discovery responses and objections. The Attorney III will use e‑discovery software to review documents and other information for production. The Attorney III will draft and review discovery requests as needed. The Attorney III will ensure the OAG pursues offensive discovery as needed. (25%)
• The Attorney III will review settlement recommendations from OAG and draft settlement recommendations for review by the Associate Director, Director of Litigation, HHS Deputy Chief Counsel, and HHS Chief Counsel. The Attorney III will participate in settlement negotiations and ensure that all settlement documents adequately protect the agency's interests. The Attorney III will work with OAG and agency staff to ensure appropriate compliance with and implementation of court orders. (10%)
• The Attorney III will draft recommendations for review by the Associate Director, Director of Litigation, HHS Deputy Chief Counsel, and HHS Chief Counsel on whether to appeal court rulings. The Attorney III will draft, review and edit appellate briefs and arguments and work with OAG to ensure appeals are filed timely. (10)
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings.
• Knowledge of federal and state rules of civil procedure and evidence.
• Knowledge of agency administrative rules and regulations.
• Skill in legal research, writing and analysis.
• Ability to apply federal and state laws, rules, and other regulations affecting the agency.
• Skill in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
• Skill in demonstrating sound judgment.
• Ability to effectively multi-task.
• Skill in identifying and analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions using sound reasoning and logic.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of audiences both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff and the public.
• Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws.
• Ability to use computer applications and databases related to essential functions of the job, including computer‑assisted legal research, word processing software, and Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to effectively represent the agency at hearings and depositions, to prepare motions and briefs, and to prepare cases for trial.
• Ability to plan and organize workloads.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Intial Screening Criteria

Must have graduated from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Must have at least three years of experience in litigation.

Additional Information

N/A

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 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.

Nearest Major Market:

Austin