Job DescriptionNOTE: Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the application.
General Description: This position performs highly complex (seniorlevel) legal work for the Business & Government Filings Division of the Office of the Texas Secretary of State (SOS). Provide guidance to Agency staff regarding the interpretation and application of statutory and administrative filing requirements, including the examination and review of moderately advanced legal documents for compliance with such applicable filing requirements. Engage with the legal community, legislative branch, and general public through various communication channels written, telephonic, and inperson interactions with a focus on filing requirements associated with business organization documents, occupationbased registrations, and other filings submitted to the Agency. Provide legal support concerning the appointment of notaries public and authentication of public records for international use. May assist in the training of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position reports to the Managing Attorney, Business and Government Filings.
General Duties and Responsibilities: - Responds to questions from Agency staff and the general public regarding legal requirements for business organization documents, occupationbased registrations, and other filings submitted to the Agency.
- Conducts legal research and drafts legal memoranda on statutes, administrative rules, and Agency operations.
- Reviews statelevel applications for registration of trademarks and service marks.
- Assists in responding to subpoenas and requests for public information.
- Participates in reviewing complaints of alleged violations of laws relating to notaries public and certain occupationbased registrants.
- Prepares petitions, motions, and other legal documents for administrative hearings and potentially represents the Agency at such hearings.
- Reviews and drafts administrative rules.
- Assists with legislative analysis during legislative session.
- Coordinates with Agency General Counsel to address pertinent legal issues.
- Participates in Agency staff training and makes public presentations.
- Performs other related work as assigned.
Knowledge Skills or 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 Agency staff and the general public in a cooperative and polite manner.
- Skill in using a computer; ability to utilize general Microsoft Windows functionality; proficiency in use of Microsoft 365 suite of products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams; appropriate typing skills for preparation of written communications.
- Ability to work effectively under limited supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Required Minimum Education and Experience: - Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) or a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Minimum of two (2) years of legal experience in the following areas:
- Ability to perform legal research, analysis, and writing, including experience in use of legal research software, namely, LexisNexis.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously within specific timeframes, prioritize workloads, 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 in Spanish.
- Ability to train others.
Military Crosswalk: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category Information and Communication
Application Requirements: A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to Employment Opportunities
Notes to Applicant: If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.
Veterans Information: Our agency is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran's Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.
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.
