Associate General Counsel

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Office of the General Counsel, is seeking an experienced attorney to support the Department’s program and operational activities. The position provides legal support by assignment from the General Counsel, Office of the Director, and may act under the direct supervision of the agency’s Director in the General Counsel’s absence. It also supports Office of the General Counsel staff by reviewing work product before dissemination. The role provides legal advice and analysis on matters affecting DES programs, with duties involving contracts and procurement, eligibility, appeals and claims, compliance, policy and rulemaking, public records, litigation strategy, and administrative hearings. The position works with DDD leadership and staff, executive stakeholders, other DES divisions, and program teams. It also contributes to training, organizational initiatives, legal best practices, and workload management in a dynamic environment supporting hybrid/remote operations.

Requirements

Possession of, and ability to maintain, a current valid license to practice law in Arizona.
Successfully pass a background and reference check; employment is contingent upon 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 newly hired State employees.
Knowledge of federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly in public benefits.
Knowledge of legal issues involving healthcare, 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 management of 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 deliver 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 involving 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 DDD 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 support legal and operational decision-making.
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 OGC and DDD and collaborate with leadership, program staff, and other DES divisions; respond to executive and division leadership inquiries.
Participate in departmental initiatives to build understanding of DES programs, operations, and statewide impact.
Identify and implement legal best practices to enhance 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.
In the General Counsel’s absence, potentially act under the direct supervision of the agency’s Director.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and 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.
ASRS defined benefit plan providing lifelong income upon retirement.
Option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments.