Deputy General Counsel

Job Description

Job Type/Salary:

• Application period: Until filled
• Full-time
• Annual Salary is $95,000-$110,000
• Primary Working Hours are M-F; 8am-5pm

Why you’ll love it here!

HOPE. COMPASSION. COMMITMENT. The Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) strives to provide Oklahoma youth and families with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Our mission is to collaborate with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and treatment for all Oklahoma Youth.

Oh yeah, did we mention perks? We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.

• 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.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Basic Purpose

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.
 

Typical Functions

The functions performed in this job family will vary by level, unit, and organization, but may include the following:

• 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

Level Descriptor

Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the level of expertise required for completion of work assignments, and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others.

At this level incumbents are assigned responsibilities for managing components of the functions, operations, and duties of the legal department.  This includes providing legal guidance to legal staff and agency, writing appropriate legal documents required for litigation and the agency’s administrative processes, and representing the agency in legal venues as directed.  Incumbents will provide training, mentoring, and coaching to lower-level attorneys and staff.  This is a non-supervisory position. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of applicable laws, agency policies and procedures; scope of Oklahoma statutes and federal statutes, regulations, and policies; the Oklahoma Constitution; the principles of administrative and constitutional law; methods and techniques for conducting complex legal research; legal principles and their application; trial and hearing procedures; the rules of evidence; and team building.

Skills required include skill in independently conducting complex and difficult research; communicating in multiple venues, such as presenting or arguing a case, in a clear, concise, concise manner both orally and in writing; analytics; critical thinking, and decision making. 

Abilities required include ability to understand, interpret, and apply applicable laws, agency policies and procedures; meet deadlines; develop documents, reports, and presentations; conduct data analysis; and establish and maintain working relationships with agency staff and partners; court personnel; and stakeholders.

Education and Experience

Requires Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, a license to practice law in State of Oklahoma, and an active membership of the Oklahoma Bar Association plus minimum nine (9) years of legal experience.

Lower level may be filled as:

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.

Special Requirements

Some positions will require that applicants be willing and able to perform all job-related travel.

Must be able to pass background check and finger print check.

A trial period of 12 months will be required.

** Please call the Service Desk at 405-521-2444 if you have issues with accessing your Workday account.

**For additional information/questions regarding the job posting, benefits and additional career opportunities, please contact Valerie Cronic at 405.620.6468 or valerie.cronic@oja.ok.gov **

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

Salary : $95,000 - $110,000