Deputy General Counsel

Oklahoma State Government•Oklahoma City, OK

14d

About The Position

DEFINITION: Under immediate supervision of the General Counsel, this upper-level attorney and supervisory position supports the functions of the Oklahoma Insurance Department by managing a team of legal staff and providing legal advice and counsel on a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, the regulation of insurers, the enforcement of the Insurance Code and related statutes and regulations, and the protection of Oklahoma consumers. The Deputy General Counsel provides leadership and mentoring to lower-level attorneys and handles assignments requiring specialized knowledge and research skills. The Deputy General Counsel must have good customer service skills and reflect the core values of the Insurance Department by being competent, trustworthy, client focused, a team player, and positive.

Requirements

Excellent analytical and research skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, time management, persuasive communication, written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal skills.
Advanced ability to apply legal principles and authority to factual situations; legal research methods; principles of administrative, statutory, and constitutional law; trial and administrative procedures; rules of evidence; and dispute resolution techniques.
Excellent ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically, in written and oral form.
Advanced ability to draft legal and organizational documents.
Ability to work with minimal oversight.
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and active membership in the Oklahoma Bar Association plus a minimum of 8 years legal experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

Responsibilities

Provide training, guidance, motivation, support, and role modeling as a mentor and supervisor to Attorney I, Attorney II, Attorney III, Senior Attorney, paralegal, and legal assistant positions.
Provide guidance and advice to legal staff to resolve or prevent conflict.
Perform necessary duties as a supervisor including but not limited to Performance Management Process, approving leave, approving time, and coaching staff.
Advise and counsel the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner and Oklahoma Insurance Department employees on matters related to insurance law, administrative law, employment law, and other areas of law as needed.
Interact with internal and external clients, including individual and entity licensees, regarding inquiries and complaints.
Research and respond to telephone and written inquiries regarding insurance and administrative law questions.
Conduct disciplinary proceedings against licensees to enforce relevant laws. Licensees may include insurance producers, adjusters, insurance companies, captive insurance companies, funeral homes, third-party administrators, service warranty associations, bail bondsmen, professional employee organizations, and other various licensees.
Conduct legal research and analyze legal issues.
Draft and review contracts; negotiate contractual relations; perform consultation with other Department staff regarding contractual agreements.
Interpret and enforce statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, Oklahoma Statutes Titles 36, 59, 75 and 85A, as well as Oklahoma Administrative Code Chapter 365.
Prepare letters, memoranda of law, briefs, contracts, pleadings, motions, orders, and other documents and pleadings.
Draft proposed legislation and rules.
Attend conferences and events as needed.
Speak before various legislative committees and industry groups for information purposes, continuing education, and other relevant needs relating to insurance or regulatory matters.
Handle heavy and/or complex caseload and research with little supervision.
Other duties as assigned.