Attorney II

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

8d•$72,000 - $83,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Attorney II provides professional legal services to the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO), supporting the General Counsel in the delivery of legal advice, representation, and compliance related to the agency’s statutory duties and trust responsibilities. This position performs journey-level legal work, handling a wide range of assigned legal matters with increasing independence while operating within established legal frameworks and under the direction of the General Counsel. Attorney II advises agency leadership and staff, represents the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings, and prepares legal documents necessary to support CLO operations, enforcement activities, and risk management. Underfill Provision: This position is posted at the Attorney II level and may be underfilled as an Attorney I, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. An employee appointed at the Attorney I level will perform assignments commensurate with the employee’s experience under closer direction and review of the General Counsel. The scope, complexity, and independence of assignments will increase as proficiency is demonstrated.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
Active membership in good standing with the Oklahoma Bar Association
License to practice law in the State of Oklahoma
Two years of legal or adjudicative experience
Working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, administrative procedures, and legal research and writing techniques.
Ability to analyze legal issues, exercise sound judgment, and communicate legal positions clearly and professionally.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.

Nice To Haves

Litigation and court proceedings: Oklahoma state courts and federal courts
Oil and Gas: litigation, contracts/leasing, OCC operations and administrative procedures, the PRSA, Surface Damages Act, oil and gas industry operations, oil and gas royalty issues
Real property: surface rights and disputes, easements, contracts/leasing, quiet title, condemnation, FED and collection proceedings, brine and geothermal
Commercial property: negotiation and drafting of contracts and leases, purchases and sales, regulatory property exchanges, negotiations, and collections
Representation of a governmental entity, state agency, public-sector body, board, or commission: familiarity with Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, Oklahoma Open Records Act, rulemaking, risk management, statutory and regulatory review, interpretation, and compliance, state administrative requirements and contracts
Workers’ compensation and employment/labor law

Responsibilities

Provides professional legal services to the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO), supporting the General Counsel in the delivery of legal advice, representation, and compliance related to the agency’s statutory duties and trust responsibilities.
Performs journey-level legal work, handling a wide range of assigned legal matters with increasing independence while operating within established legal frameworks and under the direction of the General Counsel.
Advises agency leadership and staff, represents the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings, and prepares legal documents necessary to support CLO operations, enforcement activities, and risk management.
Applies working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, administrative regulations, constitutional provisions, and agency policies to assigned legal matters.
Conducts legal research using electronic and traditional resources.
Analyzes statutes, regulations, and case law relevant to the agency’s functions, operations, and trust responsibilities.
Presents proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and supporting argument clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
Effectively presents, explains, and argues cases and legal issues.
Composes correspondence involving the explanation of complex legal matters.
Effectively communicates with internal personnel and the public.
Assists in addressing operational, regulatory, and compliance issues affecting agency programs and trust assets.
Exercises sound legal judgment, maintains confidentiality, adheres to professional and ethical standards, and manages assigned caseloads and deadlines while working within established legal frameworks and agency direction.
Represents and assists in representing the agency in administrative hearings and judicial proceedings as assigned.
Participates in pre-hearing or pre-trial conferences, conduct discovery, draft pleadings and motions, examine and cross-examine witnesses, negotiate resolutions, and assist with appeals.
Works collaboratively with agency staff, the general public, other state agencies, outside counsel, and regulatory bodies to support effective resolution of legal issues.
Participates in or assists with the resolution of employee complaints, disciplinary actions, grievances, and administrative appeals involving issues such as discrimination, wage and hour matters, unemployment, or other employment related concerns as assigned.
Assists with agency rulemaking, risk management, insurance, worker compensation processes, and other operational matters.
Drafts, reviews, and assists in negotiating contracts, agreements, leases, easements, property transactions, and other legal instruments affecting agency operations and trust assets.
Evaluates documents for legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable statutes, rules, policies, and approval requirements.
Conducts thorough legal research of applicable federal, state, regulatory, and case law, and evaluates complex legal issues to develop well-supported legal positions, opinions, and recommendations.
Applies sound legal reasoning and professional ethics in advising agency leadership and representing the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings.
Prepares and presents legal arguments in administrative hearings and judicial proceedings.
Drafts contracts, pleadings, memoranda, and other legal instruments that are clear, legally sufficient, and aligned with agency objectives.
Performs assigned litigation activities with clarity and precision and in accordance with applicable ethical and procedural requirements.
Interprets and applies state and federal laws, administrative rules, and agency policies to ensure legal compliance and mitigate operational risk.
Identifies legal risks and provides practical, defensible recommendations to support agency decision-making and trust asset protection.
Communicates complex legal concepts clearly to leadership and staff.
Provides confident, balanced legal advice while maintaining professionalism and discretion.
Manages assigned matters efficiently, meets deadlines, prioritizes workload effectively, and maintains accuracy and completeness in legal documentation.

Benefits

Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, based on family size, to help cover the cost of benefits
Comprehensive Insurance Options: Choose from a variety of plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Retirement: Pathfinder 401K with up to a 7% match
Generous Leave: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in the first year
Paid Holidays: Enjoy 11 paid holidays each year
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees may receive up to six weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child after completing two years of service.
Employee Discounts: Access discounts with a variety of companies and vendors
Longevity Bonus: Receive a bonus after two years of service, with annual bonuses thereafter
Compensatory Time: Available for both FLSA exempt and nonexempt employees
Employee Assistance Program: Access confidential support and helpful resources for you and your family