SORM | Deputy General Counsel | 26-0565

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The State Office of Risk Management is seeking a Deputy General Counsel to serve as a key leader within the Legal Services Division. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this position will be the division’s second-in-command and play a critical role advising agency leadership on complex legal, regulatory, and operational matters.

The Deputy General Counsel will provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and agency personnel on issues involving risk management, insurance programs, workers’ compensation, administrative law, governance, and statutory compliance. Responsibilities include conducting legal research; drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal documents; and advising on the Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, employment law, legislation, procurement, contracting, and administrative procedures.

This position oversees legal operations and workflows, supervises legal staff, manages litigation and administrative proceedings, and leads or supports rulemaking and policy development. Additional duties include drafting governance standards, preparing statutory and regulatory reports, and ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws. The Deputy General Counsel may also represent the agency in legal, regulatory, and policy matters as assigned.

This role requires sound legal judgment, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across divisions and leadership levels.

As a state employee, you are automatically enrolled in the state’s retirement plan and are eligible for additional health insurance benefits.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Acts on behalf of the General Counsel in their absence; supervises legal staff and manages day-to-day legal operations and workflows within the Legal Services Division.
• Provides expert legal advice and guidance to the Board of Directors, Executive Director, General Counsel, and other agency stakeholders on statutory, regulatory, governance, and operational matters.
• Reviews, drafts, revises, and approves contracts, administrative rules, agency policies, and other legal documents; monitors procurement and contract compliance.
• Represents the agency in litigation and administrative proceedings; coordinates with the Office of the Attorney General; serves as a management resource on labor and employment law matters.
• Monitors and analyzes legislation; supports preparation of statutory reports, strategic planning documents, and legislative submissions.
• Identifies and responds to legal risks affecting agency operations; advises leadership on open government requirements, applicable legal precedent, ethical considerations, and regulatory guidelines.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions.
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule.
• Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity.