SOS General Counsel II (JP26-025) - Executive

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Secretary of State is one of six state officials named by the Texas Constitution to form the Executive Department of the State. The Secretary is appointed by the Governor, with confirmation by the Senate. The Secretary serves as Chief Election Officer for Texas, provides a repository for official and business and commercial records required to be filed with the office; publishes government rules and regulations and commissions notaries public; and also serves as keeper of the state seal and attestor to the Governor's signature on official documents.

The Secretary of State seeks an Assistant General Counsel (General Counsel II) to perform complex (journey-level) legal work in the agency’s Legal Division. The Assistant General Counsel would serve a critical role in rendering legal advice and strategic guidance on multiple agency functions, with an emphasis on public information requests and records management. The Assistant General Counsel is also expected to provide legal advice to the agency on the drafting and review of administrative rules, the development of agency policies and procedures, employment issues and other human resources questions, procurement and contracting matters, and the implementation of new laws and regulations affecting the agency.

The position would operate in a fast-moving environment involving a wide range of projects across the agency, often with competing objectives, varying levels of complexity, and multiple types of work product. The Assistant General Counsel thus needs to have the requisite skill and ability to effectively handle multiple work assignments at any given time and adjust appropriately to unexpected changes in those assignments. The Assistant General Counsel would communicate and collaborate with staff throughout the Secretary of State’s office and operate under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Processes public information requests submitted to the Secretary of State, including drafting correspondence to requestors, coordinating with agency staff to review and produce responsive records, preparing requests for Attorney General open records rulings, and communicating with third parties and other governmental bodies.

Recommends, and oversees the implementation of, changes to agency policies and procedures regarding public information requests to ensure compliance with federal and state law.

Assists in the processing of subpoenas issued to the Secretary of State.

Provides legal advice to agency staff on records and information management, including the creation and classification of records, the transfer and disposition of inactive records, and the implementation of the agency’s records retention schedule and other policies for the management of records.

Reviews and drafts administrative rules, and consults with agency staff on the development of new rules and revisions to existing rules.

Drafts and advises on agency policies, reports, strategic plans, and other documents related to agency operations.

Prepares orders and determination letters for agency actions such as the revocation of notary public commissions, denial of notary public applications, and administrative actions involving professional registrations issued by the Secretary of State.

Provides legal support for the development and drafting of procurements and in the negotiation, management, and implementation of contracts, including the agency’s ongoing modernization efforts.

Provides guidance to agency management on employment issues, personnel actions, and other human resources-related matters.

Advises agency management and staff on the interpretation and application of laws and regulations, and provides updates regarding legal developments arising from the adoption of new federal or state laws or regulations.

Coordinates with the agency’s legal staff to manage the civil litigation brought by or against the agency, including reviewing draft filings, assisting with discovery requests, and communicating with assigned Office of the Attorney General attorneys.

Performs other duties as assigned.

A DETAILED AND COMPLETE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE HOW YOU MEET THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS BELOW.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Minimum of three (3) years of legal experience, preferably with a state agency.

Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

4-7 years of legal experience, preferably with a state agency.

Experience or knowledge relating to Public Information Act requests.

Experience with providing legal advice on records retention or records management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and procedures; relevant state and federal laws and regulations; and administrative rules and regulations impacting the agency.

Skill in identifying problems and reviewing information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; using legal reasoning and logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; and reconciling differences.

Skill in examining and analyzing complex legal situations and translating the information into concise, understandable advice in a manner that can be acted upon by agency management and staff.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Skill in providing legal advice to, and collaborating with, individuals across multiple divisions, departments, or functions of an agency or company.

Demonstrated ability to prepare legal documents; develop and prepare policies and procedures; conduct legal research; and evaluate, interpret, and apply statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.

Ability to provide legal advice in a clear, confident, and professional manner on a wide range of issues affecting a state agency or company.

Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in providing advice and making critical decisions.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, operate independently on assignments with limited supervision at times, and effectively manage competing objectives to achieve results.

Ability to prioritize time and adapt successfully to unexpected changes in the scope or timing of work assignments.

Consciously foster a workplace environment that is consistent with the Secretary of State’s culture and emphasizes the identified mission, vision, guiding principles, and values of the agency.

Ability to work as a member of a team and be an effective team player in a pleasant, professional, and respectful manner.

Ability to appropriately handle confidential or sensitive information.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE

Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Perform duties in a stationary (seated) position with occasional periods of walking.

Lift and carry boxes weighing up to thirty (30) pounds.

Information for Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen

The following MOS codes are generally applicable to this position: 15P, 36B, 42A, 56M, 68J, 88H, 88N, 89A, 89B, 92A, 92Y, AZ, LS, MC, PS, RP, SN, YN, 641X, 741X, 360, 018, 0100, 0111, 6046, 0102, 0170, 4430, 3A1X1, 8A200. Please include any of these codes in the State of Texas application to better determine whether the minimum qualifications for this posting have been met.