Law Clerk

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Job Description:

The Chief Counsel Division of the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) seeks motivated, qualified law students for full-time internships (forty hours per week) during the Summer of 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in investigating fraud, waste and, and abuse within the Texas Medicaid program and resolving administrative enforcement actions.

Work involves researching, analyzing, and investigating legal and factual issues; drafting and editing legal documents; participating in case meetings; meeting with outside counsel/Medicaid providers; attending informal resolution meetings (akin to mediation); preparing for administrative hearings; and engaging in other activities related to administrative enforcement cases.

Law clerks work under the general supervision and guidance of OIG attorneys.

The internship program will be held from May 2025 through August 2025 with flexible start and end dates based upon the intern’s school schedule. The selected candidate(s) will work at the OIG’s office located at 4601 W. Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78751.

Essential Job Functions:

Researches and analyzes legal sources such as statutes, case law, administrative records, legislative histories, opinions, articles, treatises, abstracts, and rules and regulations. (25%)

Conducts factual, statistical, documentary, and investigatory research to fully develop the issues of a case. (25%)

Prepares memoranda, synopses, or summaries of complex legal and factual issues. Checks citations, quotations, and footnotes for accuracy. (25%)

Prepares for and attends internal and external meetings with legal teams, parties, counsel, witnesses, and expert witnesses. May attend meetings with agency leaders, interviews, depositions, and hearings. (20%)

Performs related work as assigned. Keeps supervisor informed as required or as necessary. (5%)

Performs related work as assigned. Keeps supervisor informed as required or as necessary. (5%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of legal principles; state and federal laws; research methods and techniques; and administrative agency and court procedures.

Skill in conducting legal research; interpreting and applying laws, rules, and regulations; summarizing findings; and presenting conclusions.

Skill in legal writing.

Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Skill in use of computer software applications including, but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams), Adobe Acrobat Pro, and database programs.

Skill in performing research using resources including, but not limited to Westlaw, Lexis, PACER, administrative and court case management systems, and legislative reference sources.

Skill in collaborating and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Ability to use common office equipment including, but not limited to computers, printers, scanners, copiers, and audio-visual systems.

Ability to organize work, prioritize time, and manage multiple deadlines.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited law school. Completion of two years of law school is preferred, but not required.

Additional Information:

All applicants selected to interview will be required to submit a legal writing sample.

The OIG is responsible for preventing, detecting, auditing, inspecting, reviewing, and investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in the provision of HHS in Medicaid and other HHS programs. Potential employees of OIG are subject to criminal background checks in accordance with the HHS Human Resources policy. Selected applicants must complete a national fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to determine if they have criminal history record information that constitutes a bar to employment.

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form