Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting in the CAPPS Career Section: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=00039274You may apply to the job directly through the CAPPS Career Section. It is not necessary to apply both through Work In Texas and CAPPS Career Section

　　ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSELSalary Information: $6,500.00 - $7,425.00/MO B25State Classification: Attorney III - 3504FLSA Status: ExemptPosting Number: 24-58798-3RLocation: Austin, TXHOW TO APPLYApply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.WHO ARE WEThe Texas Department of Agricultures Legal Services Division provides legal counsel to TDA executive staff, divisions and programs,and a variety of boards and advisory committees.WHAT YOULL DOThe Assistant General Counsel will provide highly complex legal support for the Trade and Business Development (TBD) Division of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and on special projects, to include: providing legal advice to TDA staff administering the programs; drafting and/or reviewing correspondence, contracts and rules; and, implementing legislation regarding the programs and handling appeals of adverse actions taken by the program. You will provide oversight of the Public Information Office, working with assigned boards, and providing legal guidance to agency staff regarding public information requests. You will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESProvide legal support for TBD and other TDA divisions, as assigned, to include providing legal advice to TDA staff administering the program; drafting and/or reviewing correspondence, contracts and rules; and assisting the division in carrying out legislation regarding the program, including new programs.Oversee operations of TDAs Public Information Office, including reviewing public information requests and responsive information to ensure timely processing of such requests in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Texas Public Information Act, and drafting required correspondence and briefs to the Office of Texas Attorney General to request rulings on whether information must be disclosed; propose and update new procedures for efficient processing; and provide legal advice and training to TDA staff regarding public information requests.Serve as the staff attorney support in the area of the Texas Open Meetings Act and, in cooperation with the assigned program attorney, review all agendas and documents for open meetings prior to posting with the Texas Register; attend open meetings to ensure compliance, as necessary.Review agency contracts and give legal advice and support concerning such contracts.Provide legal advice and support to TDA programs to aid in rulemaking, including rule reviews, editing proposed rules, developing schedules to ensure the timely filing of proposed rules, assisting program and executive staff with reviewing public comments and analyzing same, and overseeing or handling the filing of all agency rules with the Texas Register.Compile a post legislative session list of new statutes or other legislative changes that affect TDA business and programs, including areas of general government, and assist with implementation.Research and draft agency correspondence and legal memoranda, as assigned.Serve as back up to other general counsel attorneys.Follow all TDA safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.Perform other duties as assigned.Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSJ.D. or LL. B. Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a license to practice law in the State of Texas.Minimum three (3) years work experi nce as a licensed attorney analyzing legal problems, preparing sound opinions and interpreting laws and/or regulations.Recent in-depth experience handling all aspects of PIRs, including receipt, processing, preparing and submitting requests for open record rulings to the Office of the Attorney General, and follow up work as required.Recent in-depth work experience practicing administrative law in a Texas state agency or subdivision of the state.Experience making presentations to groups.PREFERREDMinimum five (5) years work experience as a licensed attorney analyzing legal problems, preparing sound opinions and interpreting laws and/or regulations.Recent in-depth legal experience involving reviewing and drafting complex legal documents, including contracts and grant agreements.Recent experience in providing legal advice relating to the administration of state grant and/or marketing or outreach programs.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ABILITIESKnowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings.Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.Ability to conduct hearings, to prepare opinions and briefs, to prepare cases for trial, to conduct research, to summarize findings, to interpret and apply laws, to use legal reference materials, to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS WORKING CONDITIONSNormal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer, and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, (up to15%*)of the work period, and some occasionally overnight.BENEFITSThe State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:Retirement PlanPaid Group Health Basic Life Insurance for employeesPaid HolidaysPaid Vacation LeavePaid Sick LeaveLongevity PayDentalVisionDependent Optional Life InsuranceVoluntary ADD InsuranceDependent Health Life InsuranceHealth Dependent care flexible spending accountsA skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes. Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted.Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through theCAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile