Library: Policy

340:2-25-1. Purpose

Revised 9-16-19

(a) The constitutional and statutory authority of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Director for hiring attorneys and establishing Legal Services (LS) is included in the Oklahoma Constitution Article 25, and Section 236 of Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statutes (O.S. 56 § 236) and O.S. 74 §§ 18c and 20f(A).

(b) LS is composed of the General Counsel, deputy general counsel and assistant general counsels, legal assistants and secretaries, and support staff.

(c) LS provides consultation, legal opinions, representation, and other legal services to DHS, the DHS Director, and DHS employees.

(d) LS may represent present and former employees sued in their individual capacities in legal actions arising from conduct while in the scope of their DHS employment.

(e) LS may review legislation drafted by a program or division or draft legislation requested by a program or division.