Attorney
Apply NowCompany: Health and Human Services Commission of Texas
Location: Austin, TX 78745
Description:
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Attorney
Job Title: Attorney IV
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: LSD Litigation
Posting Number: 4895
Closing Date: 05/16/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Legal
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28
Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $10,023.59
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes:
4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,51JX,92J0,LGL10,LGL11
Brief Job Description:
Attorney IV: This position is an Attorney in the Litigation Department. The Litigation Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Litigation Department provides legal advice and support for all pending or threatened litigation against HHS or HHS employees in their official or individual capacities. The Department serves as the primary point of contact with the Office of the Attorney General to defend lawsuits and administrative actions filed against HHSC or DSHS concerning employment decisions, tort claims, agency rules and policies, alleged constitutional deprivations, contract disputes, federal and state statutes, including the Medicaid Act, and to prosecute cases of Medicaid fraud.
The Attorney IV performs complex legal work and will be primarily responsible for oversight of class action lawsuits involving programs and services administered by HHSC in addition to other lawsuits and legal matters involving the agency as needed. The attorney will be responsible for interpreting state and federal laws and rules related to programs administered by the agency, drafting documents, rendering legal advice and counsel to agency management and program staff, working with the Office of Attorney General (OAG) to defend lawsuits involving the agency, assisting in the preparation of cases for trial and hearings, including assistance with discovery and other duties as assigned. The Attorney IV has latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
The Attorney IV attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (10%)
The Attorney IV will be primarily responsible for class action lawsuits involving programs and services administered by HHSC in addition to other lawsuits and legal matters involving the agency as needed. The Attorney IV will draft summaries of ongoing litigation identifying parties, claims, and defenses, and evaluating potential risks to the agency and its employees. The Attorney IV will keep agency staff, including executive staff, apprised of lawsuit developments and updates. The Attorney IV will organize and coordinate legal and administrative activities. The Attorney IV will communicate regularly with agency staff to provide advice and support in relation to agency efforts to comply with court orders. The Attorney IV will formulate and establish policies and procedures. The Attorney IV will draft timely, accurate, and concise updates for the Director of Litigation and Chief Counsel concerning the status of, and new developments in, agency lawsuits. The Attorney IV will research legal issues related to litigation and provide timely, accurate and concise analysis and advice. (25%)
The Attorney IV will draft letters to the OAG requesting representation in litigation. The Attorney IV will work with the assigned Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and agency staff to respond to complaints, petitions, and relevant motions. The Attorney IV coordinates case preparation for interviews, depositions, hearings and trials. The Attorney IV will review discovery requests and work with agency staff to identify responsive information and documents. The Attorney IV will draft or review discovery responses and objections. The Attorney IV will use e-Discovery software to review documents and other information for production. The Attorney IV will research claims and defenses and ensure appropriate motions are filed timely by the OAG. The Attorney IV will draft and review briefs and motions as needed. (45%)
The Attorney IV will draft recommendations for review by the Director of Litigation and Chief Counsel on whether to appeal court rulings. The Attorney IV will draft or review appellate briefs and arguments and work with the OAG to ensure appeals are timely filed. (10%)
The Attorney IV will review settlement recommendations from the OAG and draft settlement recommendations for review by the Director of Litigation and the Chief Counsel. The Attorney IV will participate in settlement negotiations and ensure that all settlement documents adequately protect the agency's interests. (10%)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of federal and state rules of civil evidence and procedure and of agency administrative rules and regulations.
Skill in researching, reviewing, analyzing, interpreting and applying federal and state laws, rules, and other regulations affecting the agency. Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; in mediation and negotiations; and in using sound judgment to identify courses of action.
Ability to represent the agency at 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 and to communicate effectively and professionally (both verbally and in writing). Ability to plan and organize work and to supervise the work of legal assistants and others.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
A minimum of 3 years of civil litigation experience required.
Additional Information:
N/A
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Functional Title: Attorney
Job Title: Attorney IV
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: LSD Litigation
Posting Number: 4895
Closing Date: 05/16/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Legal
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28
Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $10,023.59
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes:
4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,51JX,92J0,LGL10,LGL11
Brief Job Description:
Attorney IV: This position is an Attorney in the Litigation Department. The Litigation Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Litigation Department provides legal advice and support for all pending or threatened litigation against HHS or HHS employees in their official or individual capacities. The Department serves as the primary point of contact with the Office of the Attorney General to defend lawsuits and administrative actions filed against HHSC or DSHS concerning employment decisions, tort claims, agency rules and policies, alleged constitutional deprivations, contract disputes, federal and state statutes, including the Medicaid Act, and to prosecute cases of Medicaid fraud.
The Attorney IV performs complex legal work and will be primarily responsible for oversight of class action lawsuits involving programs and services administered by HHSC in addition to other lawsuits and legal matters involving the agency as needed. The attorney will be responsible for interpreting state and federal laws and rules related to programs administered by the agency, drafting documents, rendering legal advice and counsel to agency management and program staff, working with the Office of Attorney General (OAG) to defend lawsuits involving the agency, assisting in the preparation of cases for trial and hearings, including assistance with discovery and other duties as assigned. The Attorney IV has latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
The Attorney IV attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (10%)
The Attorney IV will be primarily responsible for class action lawsuits involving programs and services administered by HHSC in addition to other lawsuits and legal matters involving the agency as needed. The Attorney IV will draft summaries of ongoing litigation identifying parties, claims, and defenses, and evaluating potential risks to the agency and its employees. The Attorney IV will keep agency staff, including executive staff, apprised of lawsuit developments and updates. The Attorney IV will organize and coordinate legal and administrative activities. The Attorney IV will communicate regularly with agency staff to provide advice and support in relation to agency efforts to comply with court orders. The Attorney IV will formulate and establish policies and procedures. The Attorney IV will draft timely, accurate, and concise updates for the Director of Litigation and Chief Counsel concerning the status of, and new developments in, agency lawsuits. The Attorney IV will research legal issues related to litigation and provide timely, accurate and concise analysis and advice. (25%)
The Attorney IV will draft letters to the OAG requesting representation in litigation. The Attorney IV will work with the assigned Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and agency staff to respond to complaints, petitions, and relevant motions. The Attorney IV coordinates case preparation for interviews, depositions, hearings and trials. The Attorney IV will review discovery requests and work with agency staff to identify responsive information and documents. The Attorney IV will draft or review discovery responses and objections. The Attorney IV will use e-Discovery software to review documents and other information for production. The Attorney IV will research claims and defenses and ensure appropriate motions are filed timely by the OAG. The Attorney IV will draft and review briefs and motions as needed. (45%)
The Attorney IV will draft recommendations for review by the Director of Litigation and Chief Counsel on whether to appeal court rulings. The Attorney IV will draft or review appellate briefs and arguments and work with the OAG to ensure appeals are timely filed. (10%)
The Attorney IV will review settlement recommendations from the OAG and draft settlement recommendations for review by the Director of Litigation and the Chief Counsel. The Attorney IV will participate in settlement negotiations and ensure that all settlement documents adequately protect the agency's interests. (10%)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of federal and state rules of civil evidence and procedure and of agency administrative rules and regulations.
Skill in researching, reviewing, analyzing, interpreting and applying federal and state laws, rules, and other regulations affecting the agency. Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; in mediation and negotiations; and in using sound judgment to identify courses of action.
Ability to represent the agency at 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 and to communicate effectively and professionally (both verbally and in writing). Ability to plan and organize work and to supervise the work of legal assistants and others.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
A minimum of 3 years of civil litigation experience required.
Additional Information:
N/A
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.