ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
About The Position
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Office of the General Counsel, seeks an experienced attorney to support the Department’s program and operational activities. The position provides legal support by assignment from the General Counsel and, during the General Counsel’s absence, may act under the direct supervision of the agency’s Director. It also reviews work product prepared by Office of the General Counsel staff before dissemination. The role provides legal advice and analysis to leadership and executive stakeholders; supports contracts, procurement, eligibility matters, appeals, claims, compliance, rulemaking, public-records matters, and litigation or administrative hearings; and collaborates across DES divisions. The attorney also develops and delivers staff training, participates in departmental initiatives, identifies legal best practices, and manages a high-volume and complex workload while supporting hybrid/remote operations.
Requirements
- Possess and maintain a current, valid license to practice law in Arizona.
- Successfully pass background and reference checks; 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).
- Demonstrate knowledge of federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly those concerning public benefits.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal aspects of healthcare, including administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act, civil litigation, rulemaking, healthcare compliance, and the legislative process.
- Demonstrate knowledge of judicial and administrative processes, procedures, legal terminology, legal research methodologies, and legal writing.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ethical requirements for government lawyers and managing client expectations.
- Independently manage workload and proactively address legal issues.
- Communicate complex legal concepts clearly in writing and verbally to diverse audiences.
- Collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, and stakeholders while demonstrating professionalism and empathy.
- Manage competing priorities and time-sensitive matters with composure and focus.
- Identify legal issues, evaluate risks, and deliver well-reasoned recommendations.
- Demonstrate commitment to public service and to 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 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, risk-informed legal advice to leadership and executive stakeholders to support 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 legal and operational decisions.
- Review and draft contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents, advising on legal sufficiency and risk mitigation.
- Advise on eligibility determinations, administrative appeals, and claims disputes, and 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.
- Advise 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 program staff across DES divisions, 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/remote operations.
- Review Office of the General Counsel staff work product before dissemination.
Benefits
- Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
- Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
- Long-term disability plans.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
