Associate Counsel; Attorney IV

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.

• 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.

The Associate Counsel works in the Office of General Counsel to provide legal counsel, coordination, and advice to the Deputy Associate Commissioner and staff of the Division of Authorizing. This work covers matters related to the application process, renewal applications, complaints process, amendments, and all other legal matters affecting charter schools and related entities and the students they serve. The Associate Counsel also monitors and participates in agency matters.

This includes assisting the Attorney General in court proceedings related to charter property actions and providing support for charter school investigations and interventions. Additional responsibilities include researching and interpreting the law; developing rules and statutory language; providing legal advice related to monitoring, investigations, school financial audits, academic and financial accountability ratings, and accreditation for charters, and recovery of state property held by closed charters.

This position also conducts depositions and hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) throughout the state, if a school district or open‑enrollment charter school challenges the findings of an agency report. This position coordinates with and reports to the Deputy General Counsel for Governmental, Fiscal, and Regulatory Matters and works under limited direction, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

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

Please note that a resume and a tailored cover letter are required attachments 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.

• Legal support for the Authorizing Division and other divisions:
  Provides legal advice and support to the Authorizing Division, the Commissioner, and the State Board of Education regarding charter schools, including rule making and presentations at charter school trainings, as needed. Provides legal support to other agency divisions for matters…