Deputy General Counsel I

Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs • Oklahoma City, OK

11d • $100,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Deputy General Counsel I supports the Office of Juvenile Affairs and represents the agency, its Board, and personnel across a broad range of legal matters, including state contracts, employment law, constitutional law and civil rights, legislation, policies, ethics, litigation in state and federal courts, and administrative hearings. The position may be filled at a lower level depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

At this level, the incumbent manages components of the legal department’s functions, operations, and duties; provides legal guidance to legal staff and the agency; prepares legal documents for litigation and administrative processes; and represents the agency in legal venues as directed. The role also provides training, mentoring, and coaching to lower-level attorneys and staff. The level descriptor identifies the position as non-supervisory, although the typical functions listed for the job family include supervising and managing lower-level attorneys and other legal staff.

The role requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, an Oklahoma law license and active Oklahoma Bar Association membership, and at least nine years of legal experience. Lower-level appointments may be made as Attorney IV, requiring at least seven years of legal experience, or Attorney III, requiring at least five years. The annual salary is $100,000. Applicants must pass background and fingerprint checks, and some positions require willingness and ability to perform job-related travel. A 12-month trial period is required.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school; for lower-level Attorney III and Attorney IV appointments, a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school is specified.
• License to practice law in Oklahoma and active Oklahoma Bar Association membership; lower-level appointments require membership in good standing of the Oklahoma Bar.
• At least nine years of legal experience for Deputy General Counsel I; lower-level Attorney IV requires at least seven years practicing law, and Attorney III requires at least five years practicing law.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and agency policies and procedures, Oklahoma and federal statutes, regulations and policies, the Oklahoma Constitution, administrative and constitutional law, legal research methods, legal principles, trial and hearing procedures, rules of evidence, and team building.
• Skill in independently conducting complex and difficult research; clear, concise oral and written communication, including presenting or arguing cases; analytics; critical thinking; and decision-making.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply applicable laws and agency policies and procedures; meet deadlines; develop documents, reports, and presentations; conduct data analysis; and maintain working relationships with agency staff, partners, court personnel, and stakeholders.
• Pass a background check and fingerprint check.
• Some positions require willingness and ability to perform all job-related travel.
• Complete a 12-month trial period.

Responsibilities

• Support the General Counsel by providing legal and administrative support and counsel on agency and department issues.
• Research and analyze complex information, and report findings and conclusions concerning agency and administrative programs, issues, and concerns.
• Review and provide legal counsel and guidance on contracts, legal filings and opinions, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, employment matters, litigation, and proposed legislation.
• Prepare legal and administrative documents for agency-related administrative or litigated matters.
• Negotiate agreements.
• Represent the organization in state, federal, appellate, and administrative proceedings, including first- and second-chair responsibilities and preparing pleadings, discovery, and deposition materials.
• Analyze complex factual and legal issues and develop evidence through witness interviews, depositions, or other discovery.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel, agency divisions, departments, and other state agencies to meet the organization’s legal needs.
• Manage or assist in managing legal risks for the agency.
• Manage internal legal department administrative functions and duties, such as budget and human resources.
• Provide legal guidance to legal staff and the agency, and represent the agency in legal venues as directed.
• Provide training, mentoring, and coaching to lower-level attorneys and staff.
• Serve as General Counsel in the General Counsel’s absence.
• Support the agency’s mission, vision, values, standards, policies, procedures, confidentiality standards, and ethical code.
• Multitask and adapt to demanding and changing timelines while maintaining discretion, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Build strong working relationships and collaborate, communicate, respect, and assist peers.

Benefits

• Generous state-paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• Choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing-condition exclusions.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement savings plan with a company match.
• For full-time employees, 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave during the first year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Longevity bonuses for years of service.
• Training opportunities and continuous learning and development for CEU requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree