TVC - General Counsel; General Counsel II

TVC - General Counsel (General Counsel II)

Texas Veterans Commission

The General Counsel reports to the Executive Director and represents the Commission performing complex legal and analytical work. Work involves planning and coordinating a variety of legal activities to ensure prompt and effective actions involving the provision of legal services within the agency. Telework is available and determined by the division based on performance and can be terminated at any time.

• Serves as chief legal counsel to the Texas Veterans Commission.
• Provides legal advice, training and guidance to commissioners, executive staff, and agency personnel.
• Reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration.
• Advises on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of government code and agency rules including Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and Texas Administrative Code.
• Reviews and edits legal documents, bills, administrative rules, grants, contracts, memorandums of understanding, and related documents.
• Serves as the agency liaison to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for pending and anticipated litigation, public information requests, and other agency matters.
• Assists in representation of the agency with the OAG in civil and criminal actions brought by or against the agency, supporting written and oral discovery matters.
• Coordinates requests for legal opinions from the OAG.
• Serves as the agency’s Ethics Officer and Records Management Officer.
• Advises agency management on employment actions, ensuring compliance with all employment discrimination statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Provides legal advice to the agency on policy decision making and identifies appropriate legal solutions.
• Provides updates on pertinent legal issues affecting the agency.
• Attends various meetings on behalf of the agency and its governing body.
• Assists in the agency’s strategic planning process.
• May train, coordinate, and lead the work of others.
• Work hours beyond 8‑5 may be required for work‑related functions.
• Travels as needed to perform legal and training duties.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Experience and Education

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Five years of extensive legal experience.

Additional Requirements

• Provide a current Certificate of Good Standing from the State Bar of Texas.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Recent legal writing sample.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.
• Available to work over 40 hours as needed.
• Valid Texas driver’s license provided within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Experience advising a state agency or government entity.
• Experience in employment law.
• Experience drafting and revising contracts and memoranda of understanding.
• Experience with grant agreements, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of state contracting authority and processes.
• Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act and Open Meetings Act.
• Knowledge of administrative and government law with emphasis on rule making.
• Honorably discharged veteran.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to prepare legal documents, conduct research, and summarize findings.
• Interpret and apply laws and administrative rules affecting the agency.
• Competence in using legal databases.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional and positive working relationships.
• Ability to multi‑task and adapt to changing demands.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Normal office work environment, mostly sedentary. Illness may involve walking; standing; remaining stationary for long periods; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, bending; lifting and carrying items up to 30 pounds. Extensive telephone usage and repetitive hand/wrist/finger motions while using the computer.

To receive military employment preference, applicable source documents (DD Form 214, NA…