General Counsel

Job summary: The General Counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to Executive Leadership and the Library Commission, providing guidance on governance, compliance, and risk. The role includes advising on public meetings and records laws, contracts and procurement, employment matters, and policy development, while ensuring alignment with the library’s mission and public responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Provide legal counsel to Executive Leadership and the Library Commission as needed by advising on governance, statutes, regulations, and policy decisions affecting library operations.
• Ensure compliance with open records and meetings laws, records retention requirements, and any other federal, state, or local regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and memorandums of understanding including but not limited to vendor contracts, leases, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Advise on employment and labor matters such as personnel policies, workplace investigations, and disciplinary actions.
• Support policy development and review to ensure alignment with legal requirements, intellectual freedom principles, and the library’s mission.
• Manage legal risk by identifying potential issues, recommending mitigation strategies, and maintaining appropriate internal controls.
• Manage all legal disputes and litigation, including coordinating with outside legal counsel, gathering evidence, managing strategy, and monitoring cost and outcomes.
• Provide guidance on First Amendment and intellectual freedom issues in areas such as collections, programming, and use of public spaces.
• Advise on procurement processes to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Deliver training and guidance to staff and leadership on legal topics, compliance responsibilities, and best practices.
• Support strategic initiatives by offering proactive legal guidance that enables innovation while managing risk.
• Provides prompt, professional, and respectful service to internal and external guests by anticipating needs, resolving concerns, and delivering positive experiences consistent with organizational values.
• Champions the library’s strategic priorities with the system’s vision and values in mind.
• Works in a manner safe to the individual and other people; follows safety rules and safe working practices; uses safety equipment as required.
• Embraces and advances the core professional values of intellectual freedom, ethical conduct, user privacy, and access to information.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school
 

Licenses and Certifications:
• Must possess and maintain an active license to practice law in Oklahoma and remain a member in good standing with the Oklahoma Bar Association throughout employment.
 

HIGHLY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:
• Five (5) or more years of legal experience in public governance environments, including advising boards or commissions, navigating open meetings and public records laws, managing public procurement and contracts, and supporting organizations funded by or accountable to taxpayers (e.g., municipal or county government, special districts, state agencies, or public education institutions).