Staff Attorney; Attorney IV

Staff Attorney (Attorney IV)

Location:

Austin, Texas. Address: 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. Primary location:
Texas‑Austin.

Employment type:

Regular, Full‑time.

Schedule:

40 hours per week. Salary: $8,356.27–$9,701.80 monthly (B Grade 28). Number of openings:
4. Posting date:
Sep 8, 2025. Closing date:
Ongoing.

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.

• 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.

A Staff Attorney in the Educator Preparation, Certification and Enforcement (EPCE) Law and Policy Division ensures Texas educators are worthy to instruct students and are in compliance with Texas law and administrative rules by bringing contested cases before the State Office of Administrative Hearings on behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education. As a member of the EPCE Law and Policy team, you will work alongside other attorneys and legal assistants to (1) protect the safety and welfare of Texas schoolchildren and school personnel;

(2) ensure educators and applicants are morally fit and worthy to instruct or to supervise the youth of the state; and (3) to fairly and efficiently resolve educator disciplinary proceedings at the least expense possible to the parties and the state. This team works with Educator Investigations to support the Educator Preparation, Certification and Enforcement and Office of Educator Support and Systems divisions.

The Staff Attorney conducts cases against individuals employed in schools, certified educators, and applicants for educator certification who are alleged to have abused students or minors, engaged in inappropriate relationships with students or minors, committed crimes related to the teaching profession, or violated the Educators’ Code of Ethics. This position reports to the Managing Attorney.

• Written Work Product: Prepares legal documents including pleadings, discovery, and briefs; interprets laws and regulations. Effectively and accurately writes legal documents for contested cases.
• Oral Presentations: Interacts with the public, peers, opposing counsel, school district personnel, agency investigations staff and law enforcement authorities. Effectively, persuasively, and efficiently presents cases to SBEC and at SOAH.
• Efficient Docket: Performs senior‑level…