Attorney (Austin)

Are you a proactive, analytical attorney who thrives on improving processes and supporting leadership? Do you excel at managing multiple projects and adapting to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment?

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking a Departmental Support Attorney to join our Commission Appeals leadership team in Austin. This is a critical, project-based role where you will act as a key partner helping to drive departmental efficiency, manage special projects, and ensure operational excellence.

Unlike a traditional case-review position, this role is focused on the strategic and operational needs of the department. You are a great fit if you enjoy a "jack-of-all-trades" environment where your day may include analyzing performance data, developing training materials, representing the department in high-level meetings, and providing quality control for legal work product.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. Commission Appeals is a highly specialized, non-traditional legal practice at TWC, providing essential support to TWC’s three Commissioners by summarizing informal, administrative hearings and making recommendations for case resolution. Our summaries and recommendations in hundreds of cases per month facilitate the administration of Unemployment Benefits, Wage Claims and other programs, as part of TWC’s mission to promote and support the workforce system of Texas. This position is located at 101 E. 15th St., Austin, TX.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The Departmental Support Attorney (Attorney II) performs highly complex (senior-level) legal and administrative work in a dynamic, fast-paced in-office environment. Acting as a vital operational partner to the Commission Appeals leadership team, you will step away from traditional high-volume case review to focus on departmental strategy, process improvement, and special projects. In this highly versatile role, you will analyze performance data, oversee quality control for legal work product, develop training materials, and more. The Support Attorney works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment to solve problems and drive the department's objectives.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
- Assist leadership in developing and implementing departmental policies and procedures.
- Analyze performance data to identify trends and make recommendations for improvement.
- Develop and maintain departmental training materials and SharePoint resources.
- Conduct quality review of legal work product to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Serve as a backup for department supervisors and attend meetings on behalf of the Director.
- Draft reports, memoranda, charts, and graphs for executive leadership.
- Handle complex legal and procedural questions from staff and management.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
- Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association and admission to the State Bar of Texas plus one year of experience in the full-time practice of law, or one year of full-time experience in a responsible position involving legal work as a primary duty, or one year of full-time experience involving the legal aspects of administration in the fields of industrial or labor relations.
- Six months of full-time in-service experience classified as an Attorney I with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications.

Licensure: Active, in-good-standing license to practice law in the State of Texas.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
- At least two (2) years of active practice as a licensed attorney, with demonstrated expertise in the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act and Texas Payday Law.
- A proven ability to manage multiple, competing projects and deadlines without sacrificing quality, often under tight turnaround times.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Exceptional diplomacy and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with executive leadership and team members.
- A proactive, self-starter mentality and the ability to work with moderate to limited supervision.
- Experience in process improvement, training, or a prior role supporting management is highly desirable.

YOU GAIN:
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace. 
- Competitive salary: $7,883.92 per month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits 

Duty involves up to 10% travel within the state of Texas.

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf 

HOW TO APPLY: 
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment on Taleo. TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.