Deputy General Counsel I

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 Other Duties Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior. Ability to multi-task and adapt to demanding and changing timelines. Ability to maintain a high degree of discretion, integrity and sensitivity to confidentiality and privacy. Ability to work effectively in a team environment while building strong relationships with all levels of staff and effectively collaborating, communicating, respecting, and assisting peers. 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 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. Compensation