Description:
Description:Do you have a passion for public service and enjoy making a difference? Don't miss out on this opportunity. The Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) is hiring! Apply now if you're looking for a rewarding career in public service.
You'll love the Benefits of Working at OIEC:
- 96 hours of accrued vacation a year
- 96 hours of accrued sick leave a year
- 20+ holidays every year
- Career advancement opportunities
- Free parking
- Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees and 50% off premium costs for dependents (state pays other 50%)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
- OIEC is the state agency that helps injured employees with their Texas workers' compensation claims. The agency assists, educates, and advocates on their behalf. OIEC provides services in 20 offices across the state. Agency services include advocacy, customer service, and dispute assistance through OIEC's Ombudsman Program.
Research Attorney (Attorney I) – Austin
The Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) is seeking a detail‑oriented Research Attorney with a strong passion for legal research and analysis. This is an entry-level role ideal for someone who enjoys exploring complex topics, providing high‑quality written work, and contributing to meaningful agency initiatives. As a Research Attorney, you will work closely with OIEC's leadership team—including the Public Counsel, Deputy Public Counsel, General Counsel, Director of Legal & Staff Services, and staff attorneys—to deliver timely, accurate, and well‑supported legal research. Assignments may require quick turnaround times and close collaboration with colleagues across the agency. You will play a key role in helping OIEC address complex legal issues, support agency operations, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and standards. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position:
- provides comprehensive legal research and support to agency leadership
- delivers clear, accurate, and timely research on complex legal issues
- responds to legal research requests and other requests for assistance
- analyze statutes, regulations, and case law to support agency decision‑making
- assist in drafting appeals, legal briefs, rule comments, and proposed legislation
- performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- graduation from an accredited law school with J.D. or LL.B
- legal research and writing experience
- licensed as an attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
Preferences for this position include:
- one year of legal research and writing
- law clerk experience
- experience working for a State of Texas agency
This position requires demonstrated knowledge of:
- legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
- legal principles, practices, and procedures
This position requires demonstrated skill in:
- strong legal research, writing, and analytical abilities
- sound reasoning and logical analysis
- exceptional attention to detail
This position requires the demonstrated ability to:
- identify and resolve complex problems
- interpret and explain laws and regulations
- conduct thorough legal research and summarize findings clearly
- interpret laws and apply them appropriately
- use legal reference materials effectively
- explain legal concepts to non‑lawyers
- prioritize workload, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines
- build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels
- communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing
Candidate must reside in Texas or be able to relocate to Texas by the start date.
OIEC does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa.
How to Apply:
You may apply through CAPPS Career Center or Work in Texas (WIT).
Your submission should include complete:
Employment history (month and year), including job title, name of employer, manager's name and phone number
Duties and Responsibilities:
Education:
- Certifications:
- Licenses:
- Supplemental questions*
- If you are submitting your resume, please ensure the resume has the required information mentioned above.
We may reject submissions that do not include all the required information mentioned above.
If applying through Work in Texas
Work in Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, please go to CAPPS Career Center (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en&data=05|02|Pablo.Martinez@oiec.texas.gov|236c15c4210a409c608308de67f5d5aa|6c600c887a50421a9817a970a01aed2a|0|0|639062503053242917|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ==|0|||&sdata=rUgUy+67YqxMc42jAPMUKKnAttrM98KKIrwrjbRmIlw=&reserved=0) to register or log in and access your profile.
Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. An applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified from employment.
Equal employment opportunity: OIEC does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or in the provision of services. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be directed to OIECHR@oiec.texas.gov.
Please note: Unless specifically and expressly stated otherwise, regular attendance is an essential function of every OIEC job.
Employment Preferences
Military employment preference
Senate Bill 1376, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, Section 657.002 requires State agencies to give military employment preference in employment and retention. Please see more details on our job page.
Documentation must be attached before military preference can be granted, and all personal and/or sensitive information (i.e. Social Security Number, DOB) must be redacted from any attached documents.
To receive a military employment preference for any position, the following documents are required to be submitted with your application, as applicable:
- Veteran: DD Form 214
- Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried: Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation
- Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty: Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation
- Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty: Marriage Certificate and copy of spouse's active-duty military orders
- Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household: Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD Form 214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating
Applicable Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes are included, but not limited to one of the following: 27A, 250X, LGL10, LGL11, 4410, 92JO
Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed by clicking or copying and pasting the following link into your browser:
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf
