Description:

The Railroad Commission of Texas is seeking Attorney candidates (With a Class Title of either: Attorney I or II) to perform complex legal work as a member of the Office of General Counsel-Legal Enforcement Section. Attorneys independently provide legal services, interpret laws and regulations, prepare legal documents, prepare Legal Enforcement cases for agency hearings, and provide legal advice and counsel. The positions involve interaction with Commission staff to gather and evaluate evidence to develop cases. Attorneys appear at hearings before Administrative Law Judges to represent staff in administrative proceedings. Works under general supervision, with responsibility for initiative, independent judgment, and collaboration with other staff. Below is a detailed list of the salary and years of experience requested for

Job Duties:
  • Evaluates, prepares, and prosecutes Legal Enforcement cases;
  • Advises staff on legal matters and on the interpretation and application of agency regulations, and state and federal laws;
  • Prepares legal opinions and memoranda;
  • Represents staff, prepares and examines witnesses, and reviews decisions rendered by the Administrative Law Judges;
  • Participates in administrative and regulatory meetings and hearings;
  • Prepares training materials and presentations to staff and public;
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.
  • Note: This position may require occasional travel.

Work Environment:
Primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated in a general office environment; the noise level in the work environment ranges from low-to-moderate.

Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college/university
  • J.D. degree from an accredited law school (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION)
  • Licensed to practice law by the state of Texas, with active membership in good standing
  • Years experience practicing law in private sector and/or government;
  • Attorney I – Zero (0) to two (2) years experience
  • Attorney II – Two (2) to three (3) years of experience
  • Ability to effectively present cases before an Administrative Law Judge;
  • Ability to prepare evidence and witnesses for administrative hearings;
  • Ability to produce high-quality legal documents using word processing software;
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with Commission staff and the public; and
  • Valid Texas Driver's License and good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Highly motivated self-starter with willingness to handle a large caseload and exercise sound judgment;
  • Ability to analyze complex legal problems and present sound arguments both orally and in writing;
  • Experience with oil and gas and administrative law, preerably with experience practicing before the Commission; and
  • Ability to interact effectively with the public.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Working knowledge of Texas's statutory and regulatory requirements for energy companies
  • Working knowledge of the Texas Administrative Code, the Texas Natural Resources Code, the Texas Water Code, the Administrative Procedures Act, the Open Meetings Act, and/or the Public Information Act;
  • Experience with administrative, energy, environmental and/or gas utility law ;
  • Experience in contested case hearings and/or litigation matters;
  • Experience working in a government/private law office;
  • Ability to interact effectively with the public;
  • Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, as well as agency administrative rules and regulations;
  • Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; identifying and solving complex problems; interpreting and applying laws and regulations; and using judgment to identify courses of action;
  • Ability to manage and prioritize a complex workload to meet applicable goals, objectives, and performance metrics ;
  • Ability to analyze complex legal problems and present sound opinions orally and in writing;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently;
  • Ability to work effectively on a team;
  • Ability to address issues/concerns in a professional manner;
  • Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with internal/external stakeholders
  • Ability to effectively manage time, respond to high pressure situations, prioritize workloads and meet deadlines;
  • Ability to understand and explain complex issues, regulations, and standards;
  • Demonstrate excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills;
  • Proficient in the use of standard systems utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and database systems;
  • Ability to work Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM with possibility of flexible hours, and weekends.