Deputy General Counsel I

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

12d

About The Position

The incumbent will support the functions of the Office of Juvenile Affairs and represent the agency, its Board, and personnel. This position is responsible for handling a wide range of legal matters, including but not limited to state contracts, employment law, constitutional law and civil rights, legislation, policies, ethics, and litigation in state and federal courts as well as administrative hearings. This position may be filled at a lower level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• A license to practice law in the State of Oklahoma
• An active membership of the Oklahoma Bar Association
• Minimum nine (9) years of legal experience
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply applicable laws, agency policies and procedures
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to develop documents, reports, and presentations
• Ability to conduct data analysis
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with agency staff and partners; court personnel; and stakeholders
• Willing and able to perform all job-related travel.
• Must be able to pass background check and finger print check.

Nice To Haves

• May be filled at a lower level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications.
• Attorney IV: Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school and member in good standing of the Oklahoma Bar with a minimum of seven years' experience in practicing law.
• Attorney III: Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school and member in good standing of the Oklahoma Bar with a minimum of five years' experience in practicing law.

Responsibilities

• Supports General Counsel by providing legal and administrative support and counsel on agency and department issues
• Researches, analyzes complex information, and reports findings and conclusions on agency and administrative programs, issues, and concerns
• Reviews and provides legal counsel and guidance on contracts, legal filings and opinions, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, employment matters, and litigation, and proposed legislation to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state statutes, rules, and guidelines governing the agency’s programs
• Prepares appropriate legal and administrative documents for agency related administrative or litigated issues and concerns
• Negotiates agreements
• Represents the organization in legal proceedings, including first- and second- chair responsibility in state, federal, appellate, and administrative court proceedings and administrative, to include drafting all appropriate legal documents such as pleadings, discovery, depositions, etc.
• Analyzes complex factual and legal issues to develop evidence through witness interviews, depositions, or other discovery
• Collaborates with external legal counsel, internal agency divisions or department, and other state agencies to ensure the organization's legal needs are met effectively and efficiently
• Manages or assists in managing the legal risks for the agency
• Manages internal administrative functions and duties, such as budget and human resources, for the legal department
• Supervises and manages lower-level attorneys and other legal staff
• Serves as General Counsel in absence of the General Counsel
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to demanding and changing timelines.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of discretion, integrity and sensitivity to confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment while building strong relationships with all levels of staff and effectively collaborating, communicating, respecting, and assisting peers.

Benefits

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: A wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Options for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Savings Plan: With a generous company match to help secure your future.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Employee Assistance Program: Support when you need it.
• Longevity Bonuses: For years of dedicated service.
• Training Opportunities: Continuous learning and development for CEU requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior