Staff Attorney (Austin)

The Texas Workforce Commission, a Certified Best Place for Working Parents, is looking for a Staff Attorney to work in a dynamic, fast-paced office on matters that impact the lives of Texans on a daily basis. The job is based in our agency headquarters on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol in Austin. TWC offers competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. The selected candidate will work in- office at 101 E. 15th Street, Austin, Texas.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

Who We Are:
The Commissioner Representing the Public in the Texas Workforce Commission serves as the representative for the public, promoting and supporting the growth of Texas’ world-class employers and talented workforce. The Office of the Public Commissioner supports the Commissioner in work that advances innovative workforce and economic development strategies in collaboration with education partners, local leaders, and industry to preserve Texas’ competitive edge as the best place to work in the world.

Who You Are:
- The Attorney II-III performs moderately complex to highly complex (senior- level) legal work. Primary responsibilities include interpreting laws and regulations, preparing legal documents, and rendering legal advice and counsel in weekly caseload in cases under TWC’s jurisdiction, including unemployment insurance benefits, employer tax liability, wage claims, child labor, and employment and housing discrimination. Works under general to limited supervision, with moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
- Weekly caseload responsibilities will include consulting with attorneys and staff in the Office of the Public Commissioner, program divisions, and Office of General Counsel and may include research and analysis of legal issues that arise in connection with TWC’s policy decisions in the broad range of programs and services available through TWC, summaries of which can be found at: /www.twc.texas.gov/programs
- The Office of the Public Commissioner is comprised of a small but dedicated team that collaborates to best prepare the Commissioner for all of the legal and policy decisions made in the performance of his role, as well as outreach, stakeholder meetings, speaking engagements, and office management. The Attorney II-III will be expected to assist with other duties as assigned in connection with all office responsibilities. Opportunity for advancement will be available for a candidate that demonstrates proficiency and willingness to learn and further support the office’s efforts.

You Will be Trusted To:
- Plan and organize or coordinate legal research and review of unemployment insurance, employer tax liability, wage claim, employment and housing discrimination, and child labor cases based upon applicable sections of the state and federal laws such as the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act, interpret laws and regulations, prepare legal documents, render legal advice, and provide counsel to the Commissioner.
- Support the work of the Public Commissioner’s office by developing case recommendations, conduct legal and legislative research.
- Produce effective correspondence and oral communications.
- Coordinate with other agency employees and legal staff to complete work.
- Provide legal advice to the commissioner on proposed state and federal legislation that may affect the agency.
- Perform related work as assigned.

You Qualify With:
- Attorney II: Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association and admission to the State Bar of Texas plus one year of experience in the full-time practice of law, or one year of full-time experience in a responsible position involving legal work as a primary duty, or one year of full-time experience involving the legal aspects of administration in the fields of industrial or labor relations.
- Attorney III: Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association and admission to the State Bar of Texas plus two years of experience in the full-time practice of law, or two years of full- time experience in a responsible position involving legal work as a primary duty, or two years of full-time experience involving the legal aspects of administration in the fields of industrial or labor relations.

You Are a Great Fit With:
- Ability to work in a team environment, multitask and work well under pressure while meeting deadlines.
- Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing.
- Interpersonal skills to form strong working relationships and achieve goals.
- Knowledge of State of Texas governmental agency structure.
- Knowledge of Laws & Regulations affecting TWC.
- Experience interpreting laws & regulations.
- Ability to organize and maintain complex systems. Experience rendering legal advice and counsel.

You Gain:
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
- Competitive starting salary: $7,155.00-$7,976.00/month (depending on experience)
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo (Job Search). TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.