Legal Advisor to the Commissioner

About the role

Under general direction, serves as the primary legal and regulatory advisor to a Commissioner of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (“Commission”). Performs complex legal, regulatory, legislative, and policy research and analysis; reviews matters pending before the Commission; drafts proposed Commission orders and other legal documents; and provides advice and recommendations to assist the Commissioner in carrying out the duties of the office. This position requires extensive independent legal research, strong legal writing and analytical skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to quickly understand complex and evolving matters within the Commission’s jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Conducts extensive legal, regulatory, and policy research involving matters within the Commission’s jurisdiction, including analysis of statutes, administrative rules, case law, Commission orders, regulatory filings, legislative materials, and other relevant authorities.
• Reviews and analyzes pleadings, testimony, exhibits, briefs, proposed orders, regulatory filings, and other evidence in matters before the Commission; identifies significant legal, factual, regulatory, and policy issues and provides analysis and recommendations to the Commissioner.
• Drafts proposed Commission orders, findings and conclusions, legal memoranda, briefing materials, correspondence, recommendations, and other legal or decision-making documents.
• Monitors and researches current events and emerging developments affecting the Commission, including state and federal legislative activity, court decisions, regulatory actions, energy and utility policy, and industry developments, and advises the Commissioner regarding potential impacts.
• Assists the Commissioner in preparing for Commission meetings, hearings, technical conferences, stakeholder meetings, and other proceedings by researching issues, reviewing filings and records, and preparing briefing materials.
• Coordinates activities of the Commissioner’s office and responds to inquiries concerning Commission proceedings, rulings, regulated industries, and other matters within the Commissioner’s jurisdiction.
• Serves as liaison between the Commissioner and Commission divisions, other state and federal agencies, the Legislature, regulatory organizations, regulated entities, stakeholders, and the public.
• Represents the Commissioner, as assigned, at meetings, committees, task forces, work groups, conferences, and other governmental or regulatory proceedings.

Requirements

• Completion of the curriculum requirements for a baccalaureate degree in business or public administration, political science, legal studies, energy, or a related field.
• Experience performing substantive legal research and analysis is preferred.
• Relevant experience in public relations, governmental affairs, stakeholder relations, public utility regulation, administrative or regulatory matters, or a closely related field is highly desirable.
• Experience within the public utility or regulatory industry is considered an added benefit.
• A Juris Doctor degree and/or licensure to practice law in the State of Oklahoma is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Considerable knowledge of legal research methods; statutes, administrative rules, case law, regulatory decisions and Commission precedent; administrative and regulatory processes; and legislative and governmental processes.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent legal and regulatory research; interpret and apply legal authorities; analyze complex legal, factual, technical, and policy issues; and provide well-supported conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to review and synthesize complex and voluminous records; quickly research unfamiliar or emerging issues; monitor relevant current events and regulatory developments; and clearly communicate significant issues and potential impacts to the Commissioner.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and discretion, manage multiple time-sensitive assignments, maintain confidentiality, understand political acumen, and communicate effectively with attorneys, Commission staff, regulated entities, government officials, stakeholders, the media, and the public.

Special Requirements

Some positions may require job-related travel. Core work hours for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The position may require flexibility based on the needs of the Commissioner’s office and the agency. Remote work may be required based on agency needs. The successful applicant must be willing and able to work BOTH on-site and remotely and must maintain a secure internet connection and Teams phone capabilities during scheduled working hours.

Benefits

• Paid time off: 5 days accrued annually during the first 1–5 years of service; 18 days accrued annually for 5–10 years of service; 20 days accrued annually for 10–20 years of service; 25 days accrued annually for over 20 years of service.
• Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.
• A comprehensive health insurance package – medical, dental, vision, life insurance, dependent life insurance, and flexible medical spending account.
• A generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Retirement plans: Defined Contribution Plan or Deferred Compensation Plan.