Deputy General Counsel

Definition:

The Deputy General Counsel assists the General Counsel in managing the legal affairs of the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State. This position is primarily responsible for the legal administration and defense of the State's initiative and referendum process, drafting and reviewing ballot language and summaries, coordinating litigation on behalf of the Office, and supporting legislative and intergovernmental legal initiatives. The Deputy General Counsel represents the Secretary in legal, legislative, and professional forums and provides counsel to divisions across the Office on statutory and constitutional matters.

Job Functions and General Responsibilities:

• Drafts and reviews ballot language, summary statements, and legal memoranda related to initiative and referendum petitions pursuant to Chapters 28, 115, and 116, RSMo, and Article III of the Missouri Constitution.
• Coordinates and assists in litigation involving the Secretary of State, including drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; preparing witnesses; and managing outside counsel and Attorney General coordination.
• Provides legal advice to the Secretary, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and division directors on matters involving elections, administrative law, rulemaking, and statutory interpretation.
• Supports legislative affairs by reviewing bills affecting the Secretary of State's Office, drafting amendments or testimony, and attending committee hearings and meetings with legislators to explain the legal and policy positions of the Secretary of State.
• Monitors and analyzes federal laws, regulations, and court decisions impacting Missouri elections, securities, business services, and administrative functions of the Office.
• Represents the Office at national and regional meetings of attorneys and election officials, including participation in professional organizations such as the Republican National Lawyers Association.
• Coordinates intergovernmental and congressional outreach on behalf of the Office, including federal fly-ins and meetings with members of Missouri's congressional delegation regarding election integrity and federal-state cooperation.
• Assists the General Counsel in drafting correspondence, formal opinions, policy memoranda, and internal directives.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the General Counsel, Deputy Secretary of State, Chief of Staff, or the Secretary of State.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of Missouri constitutional, statutory, and administrative law, particularly in elections and the initiative and referendum process.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage and coordinate complex litigation matters.
• Skilled in legislative drafting and policy analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to explain complex legal issues to non-legal audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal officials, legislators, colleagues, and the public.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities, with attention to accuracy and detail.

Qualifications:

• Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Missouri Bar.
• Minimum of five years of legal experience, preferably in government, elections, or administrative law.
• Experience in litigation, legislative affairs, or policy development preferred.
• Membership or active participation in professional legal organizations is desirable.

The above job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Salary : $115,000 - $125,000