Associate General Counsel

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Office of the Director, is seeking an experienced attorney to support the Department’s program and operational activities. The position supports the General Counsel’s Office through legal work assigned by the General Counsel and review of staff work product before it is disseminated. In the General Counsel’s absence, the position may act under the direct supervision of the agency’s Director. The role provides legal counsel to Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) leadership and executive stakeholders, with a focus on compliance with federal and Arizona law and alignment with DES priorities. It involves complex legal research and analysis; reviewing, drafting, and advising on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents; and providing guidance on eligibility matters, administrative appeals, claims disputes, litigation strategy, and administrative hearings. The position also advises on audits, compliance actions, corrective measures, public records, policy development, and rulemaking. The Associate General Counsel collaborates with the Office of the General Counsel, DDD, DES divisions, leadership, and program staff. Other work includes developing and delivering legal training, improving legal practices, participating in departmental initiatives, and managing a high-volume, complex workload in a dynamic environment that supports hybrid or remote operations. The position is based at the DES Office of the General Counsel in Phoenix, Arizona.

Requirements

Possess and maintain a current, valid license to practice law in Arizona.
Successfully pass background and reference checks.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), as required of newly hired State employees.
Knowledge of federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly those concerning public benefits.
Knowledge of legal aspects of healthcare, including administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act, civil litigation, rulemaking, healthcare compliance, and the legislative process.
Knowledge of judicial and administrative processes, procedures, and legal terminology.
Knowledge of legal research methodologies and legal writing, including memoranda, pleadings, and reports.
Knowledge of ethical requirements for government lawyers and managing client expectations.
Ability to independently manage workload and proactively address legal issues.
Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly in writing and verbally to diverse audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, and stakeholders while demonstrating professionalism and empathy.
Ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive matters under pressure.
Ability to identify legal issues, evaluate risks, and provide well-reasoned recommendations.
Commitment to public service and supporting programs that improve lives and strengthen Arizona communities.
If driving or using a vehicle is an essential job function, possess and retain an appropriate valid driver’s license, complete required training and record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record; employees using a personally owned vehicle for State business must maintain required liability insurance.
The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of legal practice experience, including five of the more recent years in principal management and oversight of legal staff.
The ideal candidate has five to seven years of litigation experience across federal and state courts and administrative forums.

Nice To Haves

At least 10 years of experience practicing law.
Five of the more recent years involving principal management and oversight of legal staff.
Five to seven years of litigation experience spanning federal and state courts and administrative forums.

Responsibilities

Provide timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice to DDD leadership and executive stakeholders.
Conduct complex legal research and apply statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance to support legal and operational decisions.
Review, draft, and advise on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents.
Provide legal guidance on eligibility determinations, administrative appeals, and claims disputes; support litigation strategy and administrative hearings as needed.
Advise on audits, compliance actions, and corrective measures; identify legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
Draft, review, and interpret policies, procedures, and administrative rules.
Provide legal guidance on public records requests and disclosure obligations while protecting confidential information.
Serve as a liaison between the Office of the General Counsel and DDD, collaborate with leadership and staff, and respond to inquiries from executive and division leadership.
Participate in departmental initiatives to understand DES programs, operations, and statewide impact.
Identify and implement legal best practices to improve program effectiveness, accessibility, and community impact.
Develop and deliver legal training to staff.
Manage a high-volume, complex workload while meeting performance expectations and supporting hybrid or remote operations.
Review General Counsel Office staff work product before dissemination.
Support Department program and operational activities through assignments from the General Counsel; may act under the agency Director’s direct supervision in the General Counsel’s absence.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
Long-term disability plan
10 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition reimbursement
Stipend opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and public transit subsidy
Career advancement and employee development opportunities