Litigation Attorney IV (DSHS)

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

Benefits offered by this job

100% health insurance

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin seeks an Attorney IV to support the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in the General Litigation Team.

The role requires complex legal work including research, briefs, motions, discovery, and coordination with the Office of the Attorney General; telework is eligible and compliance with court orders is essential. Must be licensed in Texas and have at least five years of litigation experience.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.
• JD from an accredited law school; at least five years in litigation.
• Experience advising on legal matters and handling complex litigation.
• Ability to interpret federal and state laws and draft briefs and motions.
• Coordinate with OAG and manage discovery and trial preparation.

Responsibilities

• Draft summaries and pleadings; identify defenses and litigation strategy.
• Respond to complaints and petitions; coordinate with AAG and agency staff.
• Review discovery requests and prepare responses, including e-discovery tasks.
• Evaluate settlement proposals and participate in negotiations.
• Assist appellate briefs and arguments; ensure timely filings.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Oral communication

Multitasking

Judgment and decision-making

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Bar license in Texas

Job description

Date: Jul 29, 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 (DSHS) Job Title: Attorney IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: OCC DSHS General Counsel Posting Number: 19425 Closing Date: 08/28/2026 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 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 IV in the Litigation Department on the General Litigation Team and will be primarily supporting the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). 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 IV 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 DSHS General Counsel, 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 IV has latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• The Attorney IV will draft summaries of new litigation identifying parties and claims, identify defenses, evaluate potential risks to the agency and its employees, and develop litigation strategy. (30%)
• The Attorney IV will draft letters to the OAG requesting representation in litigation. The Attorney IV will work with the assigned Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and agency staff to respond to complaints and petitions. The Attorney IV will research claims and defenses and ensure appropriate motions are filed timely by the OAG. The Attorney IV will draft, review and edit briefs and motions as needed. (25%)
• The Attorney IV 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 IV will use e-discovery software to review documents and other information for production. The Attorney IV will draft and review discovery requests as needed. The Attorney IV will ensure the OAG pursues offensive discovery as needed. (25%)
• The Attorney IV will review settlement recommendations from OAG and draft settlement recommendations for review by the Associate Director, Director of Litigation, DSHS General Counsel, HHS Deputy Chief Counsel, and HHS Chief Counsel. The Attorney IV will participate in settlement negotiations and ensure that all settlement documents adequately protect the agency's interests. The Attorney IV will work with OAG and agency staff to ensure appropriate compliance with and implementation of court orders. (10%)
• The Attorney IV will draft recommendations for review by the Associate Director, Director of Litigation, DSHS General Counsel, HHS Deputy Chief Counsel, and HHS Chief Counsel on whether to appeal court rulings. The Attorney IV 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 and to supervise the work of others as necessary.

Regsitrations, 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.

Initial 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 five 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