Administrative Law Judge III

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Core Values:
• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
• We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

New hires, re-hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

The 89th legislature approved a 6% salary increase for licensed attorneys hired into positions with this job classification title. The posted salary range for this position already reflects said increase. Upon hire, the selected finalist will receive a starting salary offer and, as a separate line item, the legislatively approved increase that will become part of their base pay. The sum of both will not exceed the position’s posted salary range. Only new hires are eligible for this increase.

Position Overview: ​​The Office of General Counsel provides assistance and counsel to the Commissioner of Education, State Board of Education, and the Agency on an array of legal topics relating to the Texas Education Code (TEC), other state law, and federal law governing primary or secondary education.

​The Administrative Law Judge III is responsible for handling contested cases assigned by the Commissioner of Education fairly and in accordance with Texas law. An ideal candidate has knowledge of trial and administrative hearing procedures, applicable laws, and agency rules. Additionally, highly qualified candidates will be able to write clear, concise, and well-structured legal documents that coherently analyze issues.

​In addition, this position provides legal counsel to the Agency’s Human Resources Division and to agency leadership in personnel matters, including employee discipline, complaints, and other matters as assigned. This is a secondary role; the position’s primary responsibility is handling contested cases.

​This position performs advanced (senior-level) administrative hearing work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

​This position reports directly to the Deputy General Counsel of Hearings and Appeals.​

**Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. **

**Please note that a resume is a required attachment for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. **

Essential Functions
Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Administrative Law Judge: ​Oversees assigned cases and manages own docket; considers motions and issues orders; conducts hearings and conferences; conducts legal research; analyzes evidence, records, and filings; addresses record disputes; oversees discovery where appropriate; drafts proposals for decision and analyzes exceptions to the same; finalizes draft decisions for the Commissioner; reviews motions for rehearing; and performs other duties related to hearing appeals.
2. Independent Hearing Examiner certification: ​Reviews statewide independent hearing examiner recommendations; annually prepares and presents continuing legal education training for hearing examiners; considers and makes recommendations on parties’ complaints against hearing examiners and annually reviews independent hearing examiner applications for certification and recertification.
3. Agency hearings and investigations: ​Reviews and issues subpoenas for the Agency and the State Board for Educator Certification, notifies requestors of any defects in form or substance to be corrected, and coordinates with agency stakeholders to ensure timely issuance of subpoenas.
4. General Counsel: ​Advises the agency’s Human Resources Division on personnel issues, including disciplinary actions, employee grievances, and other employment matters. Effectively manages assigned employment cases with a focus on early conflict resolution and liability prevention. Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and policies. Advises Agency stakeholders for other legal matters, as needed.​