Staff Counsel for LEA Investigations (Attorney III)

Agency Information

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

Core Values

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

Job Description

This is a term position funded through August 30, 2027. Continuation of the position beyond that date is contingent on available funding.

Position Overview

At the Texas Education Agency's Office of Governance (OG), we are driven by a powerful mission: to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Our core workstreams, Field Support and Compliance & Investigations focus, on strengthening governance, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous improvement across Texas schools. By working closely with school systems and agency teams, we help ensure every Texas public school student has access to a safe, high-quality education.

OG is seeking a dedicated Staff Counsel for LEA Investigations to help strengthen accountability and ensure every Texas student has access to a high-quality education. As Staff Counsel, you will support efforts to resolve complex compliance matters and support special investigations that safeguard educational integrity. From supporting investigations in their early stages to drafting preliminary and final reports, you will work closely with the Special Investigations Division and Self-Reported Data Review Unit to bring clarity and resolution to challenging issues. Your expertise will help shape corrective action plans and informal agreements that drive meaningful change.

This position will partner with Local Education Agency (LEA) counsel, school system leaders, and TEA staff to ensure compliance with state and federal education laws. The work will have a direct impact on improving outcomes for Texas students and reinforcing trust in the education system.

Reporting directly to the Associate Counsel of Compliance and Investigations, this is an opportunity to combine legal expertise with a passion for public service.

Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume, cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Essential Functions

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Investigation Reports and Legal Analysis: drafts and reviews statutorily required preliminary and final investigation reports to ensure findings, legal conclusions, and recommended actions are clear, accurate, supported by the evidentiary record, and consistent with applicable law and agency procedures

2. Informal Resolution and Case Closure: develops, drafts, and negotiates informal resolutions, corrective action plans, and related agreements; advises on legally sufficient and practical remedies; and coordinates timely case closure after investigative activities are complete

3. Investigation Guidance and Legal Support: advises investigators regarding agency jurisdiction, statutory authority, investigative scope, evidentiary sufficiency, and legal risk; conducts legal research; supports the development and revision of investigative procedures; participates in witness interviews as needed; and reviews document requests, subpoenas, and other investigative materials

4. Legislative Analysis and Session Support: monitors and analyzes proposed and enacted legislation affecting Governance workstreams; advises leadership regarding operational, legal, and implementation impacts; identifies potential conflicts with agency authority or obligations; and serves as a resource witness or subject-matter resource during legislative proceedings, as requested

5. Legal Counsel and Risk Mitigation: provides legal counsel to agency leadership and staff on compliance, investigative, and administrative matters; interprets applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and agency policies; identifies emerging legal risks; and recommends changes to policies, procedures, and operations to strengthen compliance and mitigate risk

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Required Licenses: Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas in accordance with Texas Government Code, Section 81.102

Experience: At least [3] years of experience in legal work including report writing, complaints, investigations, dispute resolution, or compliance monitoring

Other Qualifications

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military.
• Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; and reconciling differences.
• Superior project and time management skills with a proven track record of performance and successful implementation across multiple concurrent projects and shifting and competing priorities.
• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; and agency administrative rules and regulations, including the Texas Administrative Code and associated rules, Title 19, Public Information Act, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 39.
• Skill in researching local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Texas Education Code, Texas Administrative Code, and FERPA.
• Ability to manage up to leadership while also influencing peers where no direct management lines exist.
• Ability to prepare legal documents; to formulate, coordinate, and establish policies and procedures; to conduct research; to interpret and apply laws; to summarize findings; to prepare cases for trial; to conduct hearings; to communicate effectively; and to review the work of others.
• Demonstrated skill in decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and coaching.
• Desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve.
• Ability to work as a contributing member of a team by establishing and maintaining positive, effective working relationships with all levels of staff.
• Experience working in a regulatory state agency or a local education agency setting and experience in a supervisory or project management position are preferred.

The 89th legislature approved a 6% salary increase for licensed attorneys hired into positions with this job classification title. The posted salary range for this position already reflects said increase. Upon hire, the selected finalist will receive a starting salary offer and, as a separate line item, the legislatively approved increase that will become part of their base pay. The sum of both will not exceed the positions posted salary range. Only new hires are eligible for this increase.

Benefits

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:

• Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application.
• Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.

Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures.

For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.

TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.

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