Administrative Law Judge III

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Core Values

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
• We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.
  
  

New hires, re-hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

Position Overview

The Office of General Counsel provides assistance and counsel to the Commissioner of Education, State Board of Education, and the agency regarding a broad array of legal topics relating to the Texas Education Code (TEC), other state law, and federal law that relates to primary or secondary education.

The Administrative Judge III is responsible for handling contested cases assigned by the Commissioner of Education fairly and in accordance with Texas laws. An ideal candidate will have knowledge of trial and administrative hearing procedures, applicable laws, government regulations, and agency rules. Additionally, highly qualified candidates will possess the ability to write clear, concise, and well-structured legal documents, including orders and proposals for decision. This involves presenting legal arguments logically and coherently.

The Administrative Judge will perform advanced (senior-level) administrative hearing work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

This role reports directly to the Deputy General Counsel of Hearings and Appeals.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Essential Functions

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

• Administrative Law Judge: Oversees assigned cases and manages docket; considers motions and issues orders, as appropriate; conducts hearings and conferences as needed; analyzes evidence, records, filings, pleadings, and briefing; addresses record disputes; oversees discovery where appropriate; conducts legal research; drafts timely proposals for decision; considers and makes recommendations on exceptions to proposals for decisions and motions for rehearing; and finalizes draft decisions for the Commissioner
• Independent Hearing Examiner Certification: Reviews independent hearing examiner recommendations statewide, prepares and presents annual continuing legal education training for hearing examiners, considers and makes recommendations on complaints against hearing examiners, and reviews annual hearing examiner applications for certification and recertification
• Agency Hearings and Investigations: Reviews and issues subpoenas for the Texas Education Agency and the State Board for Educator Certification, notifies requestors of any defects in form or substance to be corrected before issuance, and coordinates with agency stakeholders to ensure timely issuance of subpoenas
• General Counsel: Advises agency clients on rulemaking matters and other legal questions, as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• Degree field(s): Legal
• Required Licenses: Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
• Experience: At least six (6) years of experience in the practice of law, including in administrative proceedings, civil litigation, and/or appellate litigation, which includes substantial experience in legal writing and research
• Substitution: Not applicable
  
  

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
• Knowledge of trial and administrative hearing procedures, applicable laws, government regulations, and agency rules
• Skill in using reasoning and logic to identify solutions and approaches to cases, and in using judgment to make rulings in assigned cases
• Ability to determine and apply relevant rules and statutes; to comply with ethical standards; to recognize problems and identify and facilitate solutions; and to communicate effectively
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work in a dynamic environment
• Effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise, and well-structured legal documents, including orders, and decisions
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment
• Employment law experience is beneficial but not required
• Skills in legal research and writing
• Ability to independently plan and organize work, readjust to shifting work demands, and work cooperatively and effectively with a team
  
  

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference.

To review the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to each job classification series in the State’s Position Classification Plan (provided by the State Auditor's Office), please access the Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) Guide and click on the military “occupational category” that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title.

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.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Please add "capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov" and "@tea.texas.gov" to your safe senders list to ensure you receive email notifications from our talent acquisition team and/or hiring division regarding your candidacy.