Litigation Attorney IV

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission in Austin seeks an Attorney IV to support the LSD Litigation 3 unit. The role defends HHSC in employment and related litigation, advising executives and coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General to shape litigation strategy.

Requires a JD/LLB and at least five years of litigation experience. Telework is eligible within Texas; travel up to 15%; full-time exempt position with a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in Texas in good standing.
• Minimum five years of litigation experience.
• Experience handling employment law matters preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and prepare briefs, motions, and pleadings.
• Develop litigation strategy with coordination with the Attorney General's office.
• Represent the agency at hearings and depositions; manage casework.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Analytical reasoning

Relationship building

Communication

Litigation management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB

Job description

Date: Sep 14, 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 IV

Job Title: Attorney IV

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: LSD Litigation 3

Posting Number: 21440

Closing Date: 03/15/2027

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Legal

Salary Range: $10,383.83 - $10,680.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28

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 serves as an Attorney IV with the Litigation Department in the Legal Services Division (LSD) of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Litigation Department is responsible for providing legal advice and support for pending or threatened litigation against HHS or HHS employees in their official or individual capacities. The Department serves as the primary point of contact with the Office of the Attorney General to defend lawsuits and administrative actions filed against HHSC or DSHS concerning employment decisions, tort claims, agency rules and policies, alleged constitutional deprivations, contract and procurement disputes, federal and state statutes, including the Medicaid Act, and to prosecute cases of Medicaid fraud. This position primarily handles employment litigation, collaborates with other LSD departments and areas of OCC, and appropriately and effectively communicates with HHS system clients, executives, and state and federal partners. The position performs highly advanced legal work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Reviews, analyzes, and advises on the interpretation, application, and implementation of laws, rules, and policies affecting the HHS system and its operation and administration.
• Reviews, analyzes, and advises on the claims and defenses in litigation, and uses sound judgment to devise litigation strategy in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General.
• Provides legal advice to HHS system staff and decision-makers.
• Provides legal briefings and reports to HHS system executives and decision-makers.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, regulations, and rules, including civil procedure and evidence, and specifically within the area of labor and employment law; HHS system administrative rules and regulations; and HHS system operational policies.
• Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and legal of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skill in building and maintaining positive working relationships within OCC, across the HHS system, and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare legal documents, to prepare policies and procedures, to conduct research, to interpret and apply laws, to summarize findings, to prepare legal issues for presentation to executive, legislative, judicial and/or other audiences, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to effectively represent the agency at hearings and depositions, to prepare motions and briefs, and to prepare cases for trial.
• Ability to use and train staff on current technology and identify, implement, and train staff on new technology.

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

Initial Screening Criteria

• Required: Must have graduated from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Required: At least five years’ experience in litigation.
• Preferred: At least three years’ experience handling employment law matters.

The Attorney IV will be responsible for handling a variety of litigation activities involving the agency, assisting in the preparation of cases for hearings and trial, including discovery and motion practice, preparing witnesses for deposition and trial, and attending hearings. The Attorney IV will defend the agency against employment and civil rights claims, including discrimination and retaliation claims arising under the Texas Labor Code, Title VII, the ADA, FMLA, Equal Pay Act, and the Texas and U.S. Constitutions. The position requires a general understanding of defenses unique to governmental agencies, including sovereign and Eleventh Amendment immunities and official/qualified immunity. The Attorney IV is expected to attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. This position may be eligible for teleworking within the State of Texas. Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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