Attorney I - Ii

Closing Date: 31st May, 2024

Description:

Performs legal work for the Business and Public Filings Division (Division) of the Office of the Texas Secretary of State (Agency) that is entry-level to routine or moderately complex (journey-level), based on position classification.
The Division reviews and processes certain documents required or permitted by law to be filed with the Agency, including those related to business organizations, occupation-based registrations (e.g., athlete agents, health spas, and automobile clubs), and state-level registration of trademarks and service marks.
Carry out legal work examining and reviewing legal documents for compliance with statutory and administrative filing requirements. Engage with the legal community, legislative branch, and the general public through various communication channels—written, telephonic, and personal one-on-one interactions—with a focus on statutory filing requirements associated with business organization documents, registrations, and other filings submitted to the Agency. Provide guidance to Division staff regarding interpretation and application of statutory filing requirements and agency administrative rules. Provide legal support concerning the appointment of notaries public and particular occupational registrations. May assist in the training of others.
Examples of Work Performed:

• Assist in responding to questions from the general public and agency staff regarding legal requirements for business organization documents, and other registrations and filings made with the SOS.
• Perform legal research and draft legal memoranda on statutes, administrative rules, and agency operations.
• Review state applications for registration of trademark and service mark.
• Assist in responding to subpoenas and requests for public information.
• Assist with reviewing complaints of alleged violations of laws relating to notaries public and certain occupation-based registrants.
• Assist in drafting and editing legal documents such as petitions, motions, and other materials for administrative hearings, and potentially representing the agency at hearings when required.
• May assist in drafting administrative rules.
• May assist with legislative analysis during legislative session.
• May assist Agency General Counsel with legal issues related to Division filing responsibilities.
• Assist in staff training or in making public presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

General Qualification Guidelines: Your application for employment must reflect how you meet each of the following minimum qualifications.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Licensure: Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas. Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Experience:

• Attorney I: Up to one (1) year of legal experience.
• Attorney II: At least one (1) to (2) years of legal experience.

Abilities:

• Ability to perform legal research, analysis, and writing, including experience in use of legal research software, namely, LexisNexis.
• Ability to prioritize workloads and to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously within specific timeframes.

Additional Required Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to use legal reference materials, interpret statutes and administrative rules, and apply legal principles and rules to filing determinations.
• Ability to maintain a positive work environment by interacting with public and staff in a cooperative and polite manner.
• Skill in using a computer; ability to utilize general Microsoft Windows functionality; proficiency in use of MS 365 Suite of products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and TEAMS; appropriate typing skills for preparation of written communications.
• Attorney I: Ability to work effectively under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Attorney II: Ability to work effectively under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to track multiple tasks or projects simultaneously and ensure completion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Texas business organizations law.
• Knowledge of trademark law.
• Knowledge of administrative law.
• Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act.
• Customer service or client relations experience.
• Ability to proficiently speak read and write Spanish.
• Ability to train others.

Qualifications:
Additional Required Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to use legal reference materials, interpret statutes and administrative rules, and apply legal principles and rules to filing determinations.
• Ability to maintain a positive work environment by interacting with public and staff in a cooperative and polite manner.
• Skill in using a computer; ability to utilize general Microsoft Windows functionality; proficiency in use of MS 365 Suite of products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and TEAMS; appropriate typing skills for preparation of written communications.
• Attorney I: Ability to work effectively under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Attorney II: Ability to work effectively under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to track multiple tasks or projects simultaneously and ensure completion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Texas business organizations law.
• Knowledge of trademark law.
• Knowledge of administrative law.
• Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act.
• Customer service or client relations experience.
• Ability to proficiently speak read and write Spanish.
• Ability to train others.

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