Comptroller - Senior Counsel (ESA)

Applications must be filed at
https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=00053782

Are you ready and make a positive impact? If you are seeking to gain knowledge, build your career, and network among goal-oriented professionals, this is the place for you!

Innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence drive the culture here at the Comptroller’s Office. We take pride in the work we do serving as State’s accountant, tax collector, treasurer, and much more! The Comptroller’s office serves virtually every citizen in the state. The agency is responsible for writing the checks and keeping the books for the multi-billion-dollar business of state government.

Our agency workforce is as diverse as the people of Texas we serve. We value our employees and take our collective commitment to public service very seriously. Personal development opportunities are strongly encouraged through available workshops, teambuilding exercises, and on the job training. We offer flexible scheduling that helps employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.

About the Division

Working in Fiscal and Agency Affairs is not your typical legal government job. If you want to work in an office where no two days are the same, you enjoy the challenge of tackling novel legal questions, and you want to support the agency as it shapes public policy, this is the ideal position for you.

Because nobody does exactly what we do, we find attorneys with: (1) the research skills necessary to dive in and learn new areas, (2) the years of experience needed to spot issues, and (3) the creativity to find solutions. And, because our team genuinely enjoys working together, we want to hire someone who values our collaborative environment.

Monday through Friday, 40 hours a week with occasional evening, weekend hours and holidays. Hours may change based on business need.

General Description

The Education Savings Account (ESA) Program was created by the Texas Legislature in 2025 to give families more choices in their children’s education. Starting in the 2026–27 school year, funds will be made available to eligible students accepted into the program that can be used for tuition, tutoring, home-school educational expenses and other approved education expenses. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will oversee the program to ensure funds are used properly. The attorney selected for this position will help develop the ESA Program, as well as provide ongoing program support for legal issues and questions that arise. The ideal candidate should be excited to be a part of this new chapter for education in Texas!

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D. degree or equivalent degree. (Transcripts are not required – because applicants are required to be licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.)

Experience:

• Nine (9) years of experience practicing as a licensed attorney in a position requiring advanced legal research in a complex area of law.
• Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas
• Must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas by start date

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience:

• Experience researching a complex area of federal law.
• Experience researching federal constitutional law.
• Experience providing legal support to a grantmaking program.
• Experience providing legal support related to education law.
• Experience drafting legislation and administrative rules.

Licenses and Certifications

Possess an active license in good standing to practice law in the State of Texas.

In this role you will:

• Perform legal research, interprets and applies state and federal laws, including, when necessary, review of all applicable statutory context, cases, AG opinions, rules, and legislative history. Provides clear, concise, timely and accurate legal advice to senior- and executive-level agency staff while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Assists with complaints and litigation.
• Draft well-written and well-researched legal memoranda and other complex legal documents. Reviews and revises agency forms, agency publications, and other agency documents to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.
• Draft in collaboration with agency subject matter experts, well-researched, clear and concise legislation and administrative rules.
• Draft clear and concise executive and other taxpayer and citizen correspondence.
• Contribute to special project research, analysis and reviews. Assists with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Maximize Your Earnings!

At the Comptroller's office, we know potential employees are looking for more than just a paycheck. The agency offers a strong benefits package for you and your family. Insurance, retirement plans, and a flexible work schedule are just the start. See our benefits offering

If you are seeking to gain knowledge, build your career, and network among goal-oriented professionals, this is the place for you!

Salary is contingent upon qualifications. If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview. Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

MILITARY PREFERENCE

To receive MILITARY PREFERENCE, you are required to provide proof by attaching the necessary documentation to this job application.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions
Click on the occupational category for the position.

Additional MOS can be found at the State Auditor’s Office,

Military Crosswalk Guide.

The Texas Veterans Commission provides helpful employment information. Go to: http://www.texasskillstowork.com, http://www.onetonline.org, https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/ or www.careeronestop.org for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements and skill sets.

Applications submitted through Work in Texas:

Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile.

The Comptroller’s Office is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed applications. The application must contain the necessary information in the work history for the applicant to qualify for the position.

An applicant must be eligible to work in the United States to be hired at the Comptroller’s office and must remain eligible, without sponsorship or any assurance of financial or other assistance from this agency, during the term of their employment.