SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

To apply for this position, complete an on-line application through the Applicant Career Section or through WorkInTexas Select “Apply Online” button. Complete your on-line applicant profile and the State of Texas Application for Employment. TxDMV does not accept paper applications.

• Effective January 23, 2026:
  • You will be required to attach a resume to your application which will be used for screening purposes.
  • Please ensure your résumé is detailed and specific, including a full employment history (full time or part time), education, licenses, and skills.
  • Your résumé must include the month and year for start and end dates for each listed employer.

  • Failure to fully complete the application requirements and pre-screening questions may disqualify you for consideration for this position.

State Title: Attorney IV (3505)

This position is hybrid within the greater area of Austin, subject to approval by management. Employees are required to report to the office as directed (subject to change).

Submission of Application:
Your application must be complete, accurate and reflect all experience and education. Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification. "See Resume" is not accepted in lieu of a completed online State of Texas application but attached resumes may be considered as additional supplemental information. To apply for this position, complete an on-line application either through the Applicant Career Section or WorkInTexas TxDMV does not accept paper applications.

Applicants who require an accommodation for the interview process should contact Human Resources at 512-465-4043 when contacted to schedule an interview.

General Description

Performs advanced (senior-level) attorney work in support of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The attorney researches and renders legal advice and counsel to TxDMV staff on a broad range of legal issues, including laws under the department’s jurisdiction, state and federal laws impacting the department, and administrative law. Drafts administrative rules, pleadings, orders, legal memoranda and correspondence, and prepares other legal documents. Interprets legislation, federal and state laws and regulations. Serves as litigation counsel advising the TxDMV board and staff on lawsuits, contested cases and mediations. Coordinates and directs large projects, including rule reviews and the implementation of legislation, and assigns the work of others. Work requires effective communication with governmental agencies, private entities, stakeholders, and their legal counsel. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties

Researches, drafts legal opinions, and advises TxDMV on a broad range of legal issues. Interprets laws, rules, regulations, case law, opinions, decisions and court orders Drafts legal memoranda or communications reflecting legal positions for both internal and external audiences. Advises department staff and decision-makers on legal matters, both substantive and procedural. Advises and collaborates with agency staff outside of the Office of General Counsel.

Drafts agenda items for board meetings and advises on Open Meetings Act issues.

Coordinates complex rulemaking projects, including implementation of legislation and quadrennial rule reviews. Drafts rules to implement legislation, statutes, or department priorities, consistent with the department’s statutory authority to make rules and charge fees. Works with both internal and external stakeholders to draft rules and policies.Works with both internal and external stakeholders to draft rules and policies. Prepares documents for filing with the Secretary of State.

Reviews and drafts documents, including proposed rules, rule preambles, policy and procedure statements, legal correspondence, proposed Board agenda items, and draft Board orders to ensure legal sufficiency and legal authority for actions.

Oversees and directs the work of other attorneys and legal staff on projects involving statutory implementation, contract drafting or negotiation, or legal research. Assigns the work of paralegal, technical and clerical employees. May assign or direct the work of Attorney IIIs.

Works with attorneys from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) (or other attorneys representing the Department) to prepare for hearings, trials, appeals, mediations and all aspects of pre-trial discovery in cases involving the Department. Attends hearings, trials and mediations to represent the department or to support OAG attorneys or other attorneys representing the Department. Drafts pleadings, motions, discovery responses, correspondence, and final orders. Advises agency staff and decision-makers on litigation issues, including document retention, final orders, motions for rehearing, settlement considerations, and potential liability. Prepares and manages subpoenas requiring the appearance of witnesses, records and document for hearings and civil litigations.

Analyzes proposed legislation, drafts bill analyses, and drafts amendments to or substitutes for pending legislation upon request. Drafts and reviews, or assists in drafting and reviewing, bills or amendments for legislative consideration. Formulates and recommends rules and policies necessary to implement legislation. Analyzes and advises on impact to the agency of legislation.

Researches, frames issues, and prepares formal requests to the Attorney General for written opinions or decisions.

Provides legal advice regarding responses to inquiries, subpoenas, orders, and requests for information. Drafts responses to correspondence from stakeholders and the general public.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

L egal principles, practices and proceedings;

State and federal laws and regulations, particularly those relevant to administrative law, motor vehicles and motor carriers, open meetings, open records, rulemaking, contested cases, contracting, ethics, appropriations, and state procurement;

Rules and statutes related to civil and administrative litigation, including rules of evidence, civil procedure and appellate procedure;

The administrative rules of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; and negotiation practices.

Skill in:

Developing, interpreting, and implementing rules, policies, procedures, and technical information;

Researching, analyzing, interpreting and applying legislation, laws, rules, and regulations;

Analyzing issues, facts and available information to develop logical solutions, researching inconsistencies of facts or data, drawing correct inferences from information and making recommendations that support business decisions;

Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations;

Interpreting and applying laws, rules, and regulations;

Preparing legal documents including opinions, case law summaries, and legislative impact statements;

Speaking to present ideas in a clear, concise, organized and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused;

Leading, assigning, reviewing and monitoring the work of others;

Negotiation of contracts and agreements;

Exercising sound judgement and making effective decisions;

Problem-solving;

Handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines;

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;

Reconciling differences;

Use of a computer and applicable software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat; and

Using judgement to identify courses of action.

Ability to:

Conduct legal research;

Interpret and apply laws;

Summarize findings;

Draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents;

Evaluate and relate findings to cases in question;

Receive and respond positively to constructive feedback;

Communicate effectively;

Plan and organize work;

Prepare legal documents and contracts;

Supervise, train, coordinate, and lead the work of others;

Advise on hearings;

Plan and organize work, communicate effectively, and work cooperatively and effectively as a part of a team; and

Be diplomatic, tasteful, and effective when communicating with others.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills held or performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school plus five (5) years professional legal experience with an emphasis in governmental or administrative law, or litigation. Experience in administrative law, and experience drafting rules and managing rule reviews is preferred. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas. (Experience requirements may be satisfied by full-time experience or the prorated part-time equivalent.)

BENEFITS

The 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:

üRetirement Plan

üPaid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

üPaid Holidays

üPaid Vacation Leave

üPaid Sick Leave

üLongevity Pay

üDental

üVision

üDependent Optional Life Insurance

üVoluntary AD&D Insurance

üDependent Health & Life Insurance

üHealth & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

üTuition Assistance Program

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSURE

A valid Class "C" driver's license is required. If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within 90 days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct department business.

Job offers and continuation of employment is contingent upon:

·Proof of education and experience listed on the application
·Eligibility to work in the United States
·Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check and driver’s record check
·Compliance with Selective Service registration for males ages 18-25
·Required to attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Military

If selected for the position the following must be provided for proof of military employment preference:

·Veteran must provide form DD 214
·Surviving Spouse or Orphan must provide DD 1300 or DD 214.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes that may correspond to the state classification title for this position are listed on the State Auditor’s Office Job Descriptions; click on the occupational category for the position. Additional MOS can be found at the State Auditor’s Office Military Crosswalk Guide

The Texas Veterans Commission provides helpful employment information.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

Your application must be complete, accurate and reflect all experience and education Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification. "See Resume" is not accepted in lieu of a completed online State of Texas application but attached resumes may be considered as additional supplemental information.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, pregnancy, disability, military status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. The TxDMV provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance on 512-465-4043.