Associate General Counsel

AZ Dept. of Economic Security•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Office of the General Counsel at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking an experienced, motivated Associate General Counsel. The role partners closely with Division leadership to help ensure programs and operations support the agency’s mission and are accountable, compliant, transparent, responsive, inclusive, equitable, and participatory. The Associate General Counsel provides comprehensive legal counsel across contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, claims disputes, compliance actions, policy development, rulemaking, public records, and risk mitigation. The position also collaborates with leadership, program staff, and other DES divisions; contributes to departmental initiatives and continuous improvement; and develops and delivers legal training. The role manages a high-volume, complex workload in a dynamic environment while meeting performance expectations and supporting hybrid/remote operations.

Requirements

Possess and maintain a current, valid license to practice law in Arizona.
Successfully pass a background and reference check; employment is contingent on completion of the process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), as required for all 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 government lawyer ethical requirements 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 with composure and focus.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide timely, practical, risk-informed legal advice to leadership and executive stakeholders on compliance with federal and state law and alignment with DES priorities.
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, ensuring legal sufficiency and mitigating risk.
Advise 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 proactive mitigation strategies.
Draft, review, and interpret policies, procedures, and administrative rules for alignment with statutory authority and best practices.
Advise on public records requests and disclosure obligations while protecting confidential information.
Act as a liaison between the Office of the General Counsel and the assigned DES Division; collaborate with leadership, program staff, and other DES divisions, and respond to inquiries from executive and division leadership.
Participate in departmental initiatives to develop understanding of DES programs, operations, and statewide impact.
Identify and implement legal best practices that enhance program effectiveness, accessibility, and community impact.
Develop and deliver legal training to staff to foster compliance, accountability, and informed decision-making.
Manage a high-volume, complex workload while meeting performance expectations and supporting hybrid/remote operations.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
Long-term disability plan, after a 27-week waiting period.
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.
Voluntary deferred compensation plan.
Wellness plans.
Tuition reimbursement.
Stipend opportunities.
Infant at Work Program.
Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
Career advancement and employee development opportunities.