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TDCJ - General Counsel III - Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice

At a glance

TDCJ - General Counsel III - Deputy General Counsel with Texas Department Of Criminal Justice in Huntsville, paying $155,825–$159,820 a year ($74.92–$76.84 an hour). Posted Oct 7, 2026; closes Oct 21, 2026.

Pay
$155,825–$159,820 a year ($74.92–$76.84 an hour)
Location
Huntsville
Employment type
Full-time
Employer
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice (state government)
Posted
Oct 7, 2026
Closes
Oct 21, 2026

Apply for this job

Job Description

Applicants must submit both a résumé and a completed application to be considered. Both documents should include sufficient work history to assess qualifications.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about your application, please log in to the CAPPS application portal regularly to monitor status changes or updates.

* To expedite the application process, please attach your valid government-issued photo identification card, your social security card or proof of authorization to work in the United States, and your proof of education (official diploma or transcript) *

Job Duties:

Performs highly advanced managerial legal work. The Deputy General Counsel supervises a team of attorneys, mid-level professional staff, and supports operational components of TDCJ through legal guidance on cross-functional matters. Work involves directing and planning legal activities; interpreting laws, rules, and regulations; preparing legal documents; rendering legal advice and counsel; consulting with attorneys; preparing cases for trial; advising on the drafting and negotiation of contracts; drafting bills for legislative consideration; team building and professional development; and supervising the work of others. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The Deputy General Counsel provides strategic leadership and legal expertise in TDCJ¿s legal operations and functions. Reporting to the Chief Deputy General Counsel, this position oversees a broad portfolio of legal matters, including both litigation and non-litigation issues. Key areas of practice include administrative law, constitutional law, tort law, contracts and procurement law, employment law, public information and open government, legislative review and implementation, and topics of general governance such as supporting revisions to agency policies and procedures.

This position will have daily interaction with external agency partners and serve as a liaison of TDCJ on daily mid-level matters. This position will also have extensive interaction with TDCJ executive leadership.

You'd be a GOOD fit if:

You have graduated from a law school accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the United States Department of Education (USDE) with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

You have six years full-time, wage-earning legal, litigation, trial, or contract experience with at least three years as legal counsel in a governmental agency or private practice.

Organized, good time management, ability to travel, ability to work independently and collaboratively.

You'd be a GREAT fit if:

You have experience as a legal counsel in a governmental agency, and/or experience in administrative, contract, criminal, and/or labor/employment law.

You have program development experience in a legal field, Litigation experience in state or federal court, and /or experience in the supervision of employees.

You have two years full-time, wage-earning experience in the supervision of employees.

*For the full Job Description, please click the link below:

General Counsel III - Deputy General Counsel

Additional Information:

Travel

25% - Position may spend 1-5 nights away per month

Work Site Visits

No

Study Material

No

Pre-Service Training Academy Required

No

Hazardous Duty/Longevity Position

Longevity

*Outside applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment.

Contact Information:

Questions concerning this                                               Questions concerning the application

position can be directed to:                                              process can be directed to:

Jesenna Fong                                                                            Harmony Lopez

Hiring Manager                                               OR                      Human Resources

512-475-4852                                                                              936-437-3069

Jesenna.Fong@tdcj.texas.gov                                                    hr.selectionsteam1@tdcj.texas.gov

Important Note to the Candidate:

Military Preference

To receive MILITARY PREFERENCE, you are required to provide proof by attaching the necessary documentation to this job application.

Military Occupation Specialty Codes

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions
Click on the occupational category for the position.

Additional MOS can be found at the State Auditor's Office, Military Crosswalk Guide.

The Texas Veterans Commission provides helpful employment information. Go to: http://www.texasskillstowork.com, http://www.onetonline.org, https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/ or www.careeronestop.org for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements and skill sets.

Applications submitted through Work in Texas

Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile.

Eligibility

An applicant must be eligible to work in the United States and must remain eligible, without sponsorship or any assurance of financial or other assistance from this agency, during the term of their employment.

EEO Statement:

The State of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services.  You may make copies of this application and enter different position titles, but each copy must be signed.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of applications, unless specifically stated in the job vacancy notice.

Minimum Qualifications

You have graduated from a law school accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the United States Department of Education (USDE) with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. You have six years full-time, wage-earning legal, litigation, trial, or contract experience with at least three years as legal counsel in a governmental agency or private practice. Organized, good time management, ability to travel, ability to work independently and collaboratively.

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