Deputy General Counsel

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy General Counsel – Central Purchasing serves as dedicated legal counsel to the Central Purchasing Division of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). The position provides specialized legal expertise in public procurement, commercial contracting, technology acquisitions, statutory interpretation, and procurement compliance.

The role independently drafts, reviews, negotiates, and finalizes complex IT and non-IT contracts; provides legal guidance on procurement matters; supports implementation of procurement legislation; and advises Central Purchasing leadership on legal risks associated with statewide purchasing activities. It is primarily dedicated to Central Purchasing and operates under the day-to-day operational direction of the State Purchasing Director, who establishes work assignments and priorities.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, in-office position supporting the Legal team. The work is performed in a comfortable office setting, with computer use for a large percentage of the workday and typically mild noise. Occasional lifting of paper and office supplies and occasional travel may be required. The position is designated as executive management by the OMES Director and is exempt from the provisions of the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Oklahoma.
• Active member of the State Bar of Oklahoma.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of legal experience as a licensed attorney is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate highly complex contracts in accordance with the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and the Information Technology Consolidation and Coordination Act.
• Assist in developing, preparing, and presenting cases before administrative, state, federal, and appellate courts.
• Analyze complex factual and legal issues across multiple areas of state and federal law and prepare legal opinions, memoranda of fact and law, and other legal documents.
• Assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration; complete reports on changes in legislation; evaluate proposed legislation; and recommend agency action in response.
• Assist in drafting rules, conduct public rules hearings, and prepare documentation for the administrative rulemaking process.
• Interpret and advise on laws, regulations, legal opinions, and administrative policies involved in agency operations and interactions with industry, private or professional associations, state, federal, or local government, and the general public.
• Perform related work as assigned.
• Support other OMES attorneys as needed.

Benefits

• 15 days of vacation annually.
• 15 days of sick leave annually.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• A comprehensive benefit package with a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

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