Deputy General Counsel- Legal

Oklahoma State Government•Oklahoma City, OK

13d•$135,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Under the direction of the General Counsel or other executive members of the agency, the Deputy General Counsel (DGC) provides legal counsel to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. This work includes managing and supervising the Legal Division, as well as overseeing specific legal functions like litigation, contract review, department policies, open records requests, ad valorem, bankruptcy, collection cases, among others. DGCs assist the General Counsel in developing legal strategy and policy for the agency. This position supervises attorneys and staff of the Legal Division, as assigned. The DGC will receive limited supervision, is given considerable freedom from technical and administrative oversight, and has a substantial amount of responsibility in planning and organizing his or her own work.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school
PLUS licensed to practice law in the State of Oklahoma
PLUS an active member of the State Bar of Oklahoma
PLUS a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the practice of law
INCLUDING a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in tax law, supervision, or litigation
Comprehensive Knowledge of Supervisory practices and principles
Comprehensive Knowledge of Applicable state and federal tax laws
Comprehensive Knowledge of Applicable state administrative code regulations
Comprehensive Knowledge of Constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution
Comprehensive Knowledge of Agency policies and procedures
Comprehensive Knowledge of Trial and hearing procedures
Comprehensive Knowledge of Rules of evidence
Comprehensive Knowledge of Methods and techniques for conducting legal research
Strong Skills in: Leadership, including the ability to mentor Senior Assistant General Counsels and Assistant General Counsels
Strong Skills in: Strategic Planning
Strong Skills in: Critical thinking
Strong Skills in: Directing and performing difficult legal research
Strong Skills in: Written and oral communication
Strong Skills in: Microsoft Office
Strong Skills in: Attention to detail
Strong Skills in: Sound judgment
Strong Skills in: Decision making
Strong Skills in: Case preparation
Ability to: Supervise and manage personnel to achieve positive outcomes
Ability to: Meet deadlines
Ability to: Articulate clearly and logically the agency’s position in written and oral form
Ability to: Analyze, interpret, and apply various laws, rules, regulations, agency policies, and procedures
Ability to: Direct and/or perform independent and difficult research, analyzing, appraising, and applying legal principles and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems
Ability to: Manage multiple priorities while ensuring compliance with tax laws/statutes and deadlines
Ability to: Develop documents, presentations, and reports
Ability to: Conduct data analysis
Ability to: Represent the division and agency with professionalism and integrity
Ability to: Problem-solve and develop consensus in a team environment
Ability to: Establish and maintain working relationships with agency staff and partners, court personnel, and stakeholders
Applicants must have reliable transportation and be willing and able to perform all job-related travel.
Possession and maintenance of a valid Oklahoma State Driver’s License is also required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree such as an LL.M. in taxation or related field
Specialized expertise in tax or tax-related area of law
Previous experience as a managing attorney

Responsibilities

Reports directly to the General Counsel
Serves as General Counsel in the absence of the General Counsel
Supervises attorneys, including oversight of their cases involving litigation of the collection of state taxes before administrative, district, appellate, and federal courts
Supervises support staff, including oversight of management decisions, processes, and resources
Assists in the planning, organizing, supervision, direction, and coordination of the division including the activities of administrative staff and attorneys
Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to the agency concerning issues large in scope, complexity, and urgency
Exercises responsibility for the development, preparation, and presentation of cases before administrative, state, federal, and appellate courts
Analyzes complex factual and legal issues and prepares legal opinions, memorandums of facts and law, and other legal documents concerning same
Provides legal advice and assistance on issues concerning employment, discipline, and other personnel matters
Actively participates in the interview process for division positions, including the review of potential candidates and determining staffing and hiring recommendations
Interprets existing contracts and provides legal advice and counsel regarding all aspects of contract transactions
Evaluates proposed legislation and makes recommendations for agency action in response thereto
Performs legal research and reports findings and conclusions
Advises on law, regulations, and opinions of the courts and those of the Attorney General; prepares or directs the preparation of interpretations outlining facts and the applicable legal, administrative or executive decisions
Advises on questions of law or administrative policy involved in the operation of the agency and its contacts with industry, private or professional associations, state federal, or local government, and the general public
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
Supports other OTC attorneys as needed

Benefits

Generous state-paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
A Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
15 days of paid vacation and 15 days of sick leave for full-time employees the first year.
11 paid holidays a year.
Paid Maternity leave for eligible employees.
Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
A Longevity Bonus for years of service

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