TCEQ - Attorney I

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid holidays

Professional development

Longevity pay

Wellness program

Onsite nurse practitioner

Job summary

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is seeking attorneys to join the Litigation Division to develop enforcement cases through administrative litigation and contested hearings. The role includes advising staff on investigations and enforcement matters, supporting the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, and performing comprehensive legal research for complex issues.

Admission to the Texas State Bar is required; candidates awaiting admission may be considered for non-Attorney roles.

Qualifications

• Experience and/or coursework in environmental law (transcript required).
• Experience conducting legal research and writing (briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and/or law review articles).

Responsibilities

• Develop enforcement cases through administrative litigation and hearings.
• Advise agency staff on legal matters and investigations.
• Provide legal support to Compliance and Enforcement programs.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions for lengthy matters.

Skills

Environmental law

Legal research

Legal writing

Education

Admission to the Texas State Bar

Job description

Job Description

Are you an Attorney passionate to help protect the environment in the State of Texas? Join TCEQ's Litigation Division! We are looking for attorneys to join our Enforcement Teams.

Job Description

Are you an Attorney passionate to help protect the environment in the State of Texas? Join TCEQ's Litigation Division! We are looking for attorneys to join our Enforcement Teams.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

TCEQ's Office of Legal Services (OLS) manages legal services for the agency in environmental law, enforcement litigation, bankruptcy, and general agency operations. The office gives legal counsel and support to the executive director and agency programs, and along with the general counsel and the public interest counsel, the office also supports the commissioners. This position is a member of OLS's Litigation Division, in one of its enforcement sections. See details about what we do.

Here's What You'll Be Doing...

• Develop enforcement cases through administrative litigation. Negotiating settlement agreements and participating in contested case hearings, agency agenda meetings, and sometimes alternative dispute resolution.
• Advise TCEQ staff on legal matters and projects related to investigation and enforcement, including how to apply relevant state laws and regulations. May also respond to questions from public officials and the general public about TCEQ enforcement.
• Provide legal support to TCEQ's Office of Compliance and Enforcement, and agency programs as assigned.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions and briefs for longer term projects or matters involving novel legal issues.
• Contribute to TCEQ's development of basic agency rules and policies.

Key Qualifications

• Experience and/or coursework in environmental law (transcript required).
• Experience conducting legal research and writing (i.e., legal briefs, memoranda, pleadings, settlement agreements, and/or law review articles).

Required Education & Experience

Admission to the State Bar of Texas.

NOTE:

Applicants who have taken the Texas Bar Exam and are awaiting admission may still be considered for employment in a non-Attorney position.

• Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

TRANSCRIPTS / COLLEGE HOURS or COURSE WORK

See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
• Paid days off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
• Professional development opportunities
• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
• Wellness Program and Activities
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment. In compliance with ADA, if you need any special accommodations during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at [phone].

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (M.O.S.) CODES

M.O.S. codes can be found here. Please click the hyperlink under `Occupational Category` for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.