Job Description

Basic Purpose

Under supervision of the OCC Chief Justice, reviews records, conducts hearings, determines pertinent issues, and issues recommendations to the Commissioners regarding cases before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (“Commission”). The primary area for which OCC is seeking applicants is in the area of oil and natural gas cases.

Typical Functions

• Conducts assigned hearings. 

• Determines if there is substantial evidence to support granting, denying, or granting in part an application in accordance with Federal and State laws, Commission rules and regulations, court decisions, and additional established precedents. 

• Manages all aspects of the hearing as well as the courtroom environment, including but not limited to:

  • Courtroom decorum

  • Directing parties,

  • Ruling on objections, emergencies, continuances, and admissibility of evidence

  • Ruling on motions as well as the merits of a case.

  • Administering oaths for formal hearings 

  • Questioning witnesses when appropriate.  

  • Reviewing oral and written testimony

  • Determining elements of complete case record.

  • Issues written recommendations that clearly set forth facts, relevant legal standard, jurisdiction, legal conclusions, and recommendation(s). Written recommendations are to be of high quality, timely completed and judicially consistent. Issues recommendations based upon applicable provisions of law, evidence, and testimony.  Determines elements of a complete case record and affords due process to all parties in a case. Establishesfindings of fact on evidence in the record and conducts any necessary research to determine conclusions of law.

• Attends and conducts educational training in areas of law under the authority of the Commission, as well as general jurisdiction and judicial proceedings.

• Provides information regarding matters over which the Commission has jurisdiction.

• Performs related work as required and assigned.

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.

This is the advanced level of the job family where incumbents are responsible for more complex cases that can have a substantial impact on individuals or businesses. Incumbents will ensure dockets are heard, deadlines are met, case related correspondence and office communications are sent timely; office coverage is maintained per agency standards and represent the agency in various venues providing a variety of audiences with pertinent information, and education on new rules, laws, and procedural updates.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal principles and their application; legal research methods; courtroom management and procedure; technical aspects of oil and natural gas operations; State statutes, rules and regulations which govern such operations; administrative and constitutional law; principles of judicial writing; and rules of evidence.

• Skills in performing research; analyzing and applying legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems; presenting Findings of Fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in oral and written form; proficient communication skills to correspond involving the explanation of legal matters in layman’s terms; operating technology in the virtual and physical courtroom; and editing legal documents, such as reports and orders. 

Education and Experience

This Administrative Law Judge vacancy is not an entry-level position.

• Must be a licensed member of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

• At least ten (10) years of Litigation and/or Administrative Law experience.

• Significant experience with legal research and writing.

• Experience using critical thinking skills.

• Demonstrated use and understanding of Office 365 or similar technology.

• Experience using courtroom technology systems.

• Must be a self-starter that can manage his/her own workload with minimal supervision.

• Preferred candidates will have at least five (5) years of experience in the legal practice in oil and natural gas.

• Preferred candidates will have extensive knowledge of oil and natural gas technical aspects and property rights issues. These areas include but are not limited to permitting, production, environmental protection, conservation practices, forced poolings, horizontal drilling, vertical drilling, and secondary recovery methods.

• Preferred candidates will have extensive knowledge in preparing legal documents related to oil and natural gas, including specific OCC orders and permits.