Deputy General Counsel- Legal

Deputy General Counsel
- Legal

Agency: 695 OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION

Supervisory Organization:
Executive

Full/Part-Time:
Full time

Job Type: Regular

Salary: $150,000

TRANSPARENCY. FAIRNESS. COMPLIANCE. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is committed to leading Oklahoma with unparalleled customer service. Our mission is to promote tax compliance through serving taxpayers with transparency and fairness in the administration of the tax code and unparalleled customer service. Check out our About Us page to learn why we are passionate about tax compliance and believe it is the career for you!

There are perks to working for the OTC. 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.
• A retirement savings plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of paid vacation and 15 days of sick leave for full‑time employees the first year.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Paid maternity leave for eligible employees.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and vendors.
• A longevity bonus for years of service.

Under the direction of the General Counsel or other executive members of the agency, the Deputy General Counsel (DGC) provides legal counsel to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. This work includes managing and supervising the Legal Division, as well as overseeing specific legal functions like litigation, contract review, department policies, open records requests, ad valorem, bankruptcy, collection cases, among others. DGCs assist the General Counsel in developing legal strategy and policy for the agency.

This position supervises attorneys and staff of the Legal Division, as assigned. The DGC will receive limited supervision, is given considerable freedom from technical and administrative oversight, and has a substantial amount of responsibility in planning and organizing his or her own work.

• Reports directly to the General Counsel
• Serves as General Counsel in the absence of the General Counsel
• Supervises attorneys, including oversight of their cases involving litigation of the collection of state taxes before administrative, district, appellate, and federal courts
• Supervises support staff, including oversight of management decisions, processes, and resources
• Assists in the planning, organizing, supervision, direction, and coordination of the division including the activities of administrative staff and attorneys
• Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to the agency concerning issues large in scope, complexity, and urgency
• Exercises responsibility for the development, preparation, and presentation of cases before administrative, state, federal, and appellate courts
• Analyzes complex factual and legal issues and prepares legal opinions, memorandums of facts and law, and other legal documents concerning same
• Provides legal advice and assistance on issues concerning employment, discipline, and other personnel matters
• Actively participates in the interview process for division positions, including the review of potential candidates and determining staffing and hiring recommendations
• Interprets existing contracts and provides legal advice and counsel regarding all aspects of contract transactions
• Evaluates proposed legislation and makes recommendations for agency action in response thereto
• Performs legal research and reports findings and conclusions
• Advises on law, regulations, and opinions of the courts and those of the Attorney General; prepares or directs the preparation of interpretations outlining facts and the applicable legal, administrative or executive decisions
• Advises on questions of law or administrative policy involved in the operation of the agency and its contacts with industry, private or professional associations, state federal, or local government, and the general public
• Collaborates with external legal counsel, internal agency divisions or departments, and other state agencies to ensure the organization’s legal needs are met effectively and efficiently
• Supports other OTC attorneys as needed

• Supervisory practices and principles
• Applicable state and federal tax laws
• Applicable state administrative code regulations
• Constitutional law and the Oklahoma constitution
• Agency policies and procedures
• Trial and hearing procedures
• Rules of evidence
• Methods and techniques for conducting legal research
• Legal principles and their application

• Leadership, including the ability to mentor Senior Assistant General Counsels and Assistant General Counsels
• Strategic planning
• Critical thinking
• Directing and performing difficult legal research
• Written and oral communication
• Microsoft Office
• Attention to detail
• Sound judgment
• Decision making
• Case…