In-House Legal Counsel

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General Description

Galveston County is seeking a qualified Attorney to join Galveston County and provide civil legal services that support County operations, governance, and compliance. This position works under the direction of the Commissioners’ Court and collaborates closely with the Legal Services Manager to deliver timely, accurate, and effective legal support. This is a civil legal role and is not part of the District Attorney’s Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.  Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Civil Counsel — Advises and counsels County Judge, County Commissioners, Criminal District Attorney, Elected Officials, and other executive-level employees on legal issues, including the District and County Court Judges and the Boards which they comprise.
• Contract & Document Review — Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, interlocal agreements, procurement documents, and other legal instruments.
• Policy Development — Prepare policies, procedures, resolutions, and agenda items for Commissioners Court.
• Litigation Support — Represent the County in civil matters. Coordinate with outside counsel or independently try cases in Federal District Court and state trial courts. Performs a variety of complex, independent duties in conjunction with court trials, including performing discovery, evaluating legal theories and principles, performing research, etc. Writes and files briefs in Federal and State Courts of Appeal and engages in oral arguments before Courts of Appeal. Mediates and negotiates court cases, resolving by way of settlement as necessary.
• Regulatory Interpretation — Analyze statutes, rules, Attorney General opinions, and case law affecting County operations.
• Open Records Guidance — Support compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.
• Employment & HR Matters — Provide guidance on employment law, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and compliance with federal and state labor regulations.
• Risk Mitigation — Identify legal risks and recommend strategies to reduce exposure.
• Training & Education — Provide training to County staff on compliance, ethics, procurement, and statutory obligations as needed.
• Collaboration with Legal Services Manager — Coordinate assignments, align priorities, and support daily operations.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar.
• 5+years of civil, governmental, or public‑sector legal experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of preparing and presenting cases in court.
• Admission to United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Knowledge of jurisprudence, civil law and procedures, including constitutional and statutory law.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a Texas county, municipality, or public agency.
• Experience working for a private firm with an emphasis on representing municipalities or counties, or other units of government.

• Familiarity with Commissioners Court processes and public‑sector governance.
• Knowledge of county department operations, organization, accountability, and responsibility.

• Knowledge of large-scale and government personnel policies and procedures.
• Background in government/administrative law, civil law, constitutional law, labor/employment law, or contracts/transactional law.
• Experience working within a legal department structure or similar administrative leadership role.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Skilled in drafting clear, enforceable legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and analysis, both manually and electronically.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously.
• Work well under pressure and exercise tact in trying situations.
• Effective communication with elected officials, department heads, and staff.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and commitment to ethical legal practice.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

This position works in a professional office environment within Galveston County. Attendance at Commissioners Court meetings, public hearings, and departmental briefings is required. Occasional travel within the County may occur.

Emergency Preparedness Tier Level:  4

Department: County Judge's Office

Salary: $155,023.00

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.