Administrative Law Judge III

Overview

This role involves serving as an Administrative Law Judge III within the Office of General Counsel, providing legal assistance and counsel on matters related to the Texas Education Code, state law, and federal law governing primary and secondary education. The position primarily handles contested cases assigned by the Commissioner of Education, ensuring fair proceedings in accordance with Texas law. Additionally, the role provides legal counsel to the Human Resources Division and agency leadership on personnel matters.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned contested cases, including docket management, considering motions, issuing orders, conducting hearings and conferences.
• Conduct legal research, analyze evidence and records, address disputes, oversee discovery, draft proposals for decision, and finalize decisions for the Commissioner.
• Review motions for rehearing and perform other duties related to hearing appeals.
• Review statewide independent hearing examiner recommendations and prepare/present continuing legal education training annually.
• Consider and recommend on complaints against hearing examiners and review applications for certification and recertification.
• Review and issue subpoenas for the agency and the State Board for Educator Certification, coordinate with stakeholders to ensure timely issuance.
• Advise the Human Resources Division on personnel issues including disciplinary actions, employee grievances, and employment matters.
• Manage assigned employment cases focusing on early conflict resolution and liability prevention.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and policies.
• Provide legal advice to agency stakeholders on other matters as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• At least six (6) years of legal practice experience, including administrative proceedings, civil litigation (trial or appellate), and employment law.

Other Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Texas by the Texas State Bar.
• Knowledge of trial and administrative hearing procedures, applicable laws, government regulations, and agency rules.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured legal documents.
• Proficiency in legal research and writing.
• Ability to apply reasoning and logic to identify solutions and make rulings.
• Ability to determine and apply relevant rules and statutes, comply with ethical standards, and communicate effectively.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness to self-reflect, receive and provide feedback, and pursue continuous improvement.
• Employment law experience is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a results-oriented team environment.
• Ability to independently plan and organize work, adapt to shifting demands, and work cooperatively with a team.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary typically falls between the posted minimum and the average pay for employees in the same classification, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• The top half of the salary range is generally reserved for candidates exceeding requirements; the maximum salary is for those far exceeding qualifications.
• A legislatively approved 6% salary increase for licensed attorneys is included in the posted salary range for new hires.

Location

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

Additional Information

• A resume is required to apply; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Candidates strongly considered for employment must undergo a national criminal history background check.
• This position reports directly to the Deputy General Counsel of Hearings and Appeals.
• The employer is an equal opportunity employer and hires without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status, except where military employment preference applies.
• Applicants must meet agency standards, including passing a pre-employment criminal background check.

Application Process

• Due to high application volume, phone calls and emails are not accepted.
• Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.