Job Description

Basic Purpose

Under the general supervision and direction of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s (“Commission” or “OCC”) Office of General Counsel research and provide guidance on complex legal matters on behalf of the Commission in state and federal courts and administrative agencies and provide legal counsel on a wide range of issues relating to state agency administration and the regulation of petroleum storage tanks, oil and gas, public utilities, and transportation.

Typical Functions

• Represents the Commission in legal proceedings, including first- and second- chair responsibility in state, federal, appellate, and administrative court proceedings to include drafting all appropriate legal documents, developing and presenting evidence, including witness testimony in hearings.

• Performs collections functions and represents the Commissions in actions brought in district court to enforce Commission judgments.

• 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, regulatory compliance, employment matters, and litigation, and proposed legislation to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state statutes, rules, and guidelines governing the agency’s programs.

• 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.

• Performs related work as required and assigned.

Education and Experience

Admission to the Oklahoma Bar Association and five (5) years of experience in the practice of law.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal principles and their application; legal research methods; the scope of Oklahoma statutory law and provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution, principles of administrative and constitutional law, trial and administrative hearing procedures, and rules of evidence.

• Skilled in performing independent and difficult research; analyzing, appraising, and applying legal principles, applicable law, and precedent to complex legal or factual scenarios; presenting proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and supporting argument clearly and concisely in oral and written form; effectively presenting, explaining, and arguing cases and legal issues; composing correspondence involving the explanation of complex legal matters; effectively communicating with internal personnel and the public.

• Preferred candidates will have experience with state or federal court litigation, including collections litigation.