Attorney 3, Appeals

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

2d•$71,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) is seeking an Apprentice Attorney for its Taxpayer Services Tax Policy Unit. This position is part of the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP), enabling candidates who meet specific Uniform Bar Exam score requirements and other criteria to engage in a 24-month program. The Apprentice Attorney 3, as an ALAP licensee, is considered to have passed the Uniform Bar Examination with admission pending successful completion of the ALAP program. This role involves providing legal advice and representation for ADOR in Transaction Privilege Tax, Municipal Privilege Tax, and Excise Tax matters. Responsibilities include researching and interpreting tax laws, drafting various legal documents, and recommending changes to tax statutes and administrative rules. The position may offer remote work options within Arizona, based on business needs and performance, with a requirement to be in the office once per week. The State of Arizona promotes a work culture of flexibility, autonomy, and trust, with many employees participating in the Remote Work Program.

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of Arizona Revised Statutes Title 42, administrative rules, Model City Tax Code, tax rulings, tax procedures, and Departmental policies.
Knowledge of general principles of law related to tax issues, including state and local tax matters.
Knowledge of state and Federal Statutes relating to tax matters, Supreme Court Rules of Procedure, and sources of legal research.
Superb verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
Strong proficiency in the English language and with business, legal, and professional writing.
Strong writing and editing skills.
Effective organization and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work in high-pressure situations.
Strong interpersonal skills and demeanor.
Strong computer research skills including Westlaw, RIA, and ALIS.
Skilled in reading and comprehending complex laws and written documents.
Proficient in the use of a PC in a Windows environment; in the use of the Internet; in the use of MS Office Applications such as Outlook, Word and Excel, PowerPoint; and in the use of Google Suite applications such as GMail, Sheets, Docs, and Drive.
Ability to clear a comprehensive background and clearance process including Arizona tax compliance verification and a criminal background check.
Ability to apply existing case law, statutes, and administrative rules to facts.
Ability to research court cases, Arizona Revised Statutes, and Arizona Administrative Code.
Ability to write informative and persuasive briefs on complex issues of law and fact.
Ability to concentrate on complex issues in a typical government work environment.
Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and also participate collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to work in a confidential manner, ensuring information is shared appropriately.
Ability to understand and solve problems by applying advanced analytical skills.
Willingness and ability to embody ADOR’s core values of Do the Right Thing, Commit to Excellence, and Care About One Another.

Nice To Haves

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D.) from an A.B.A. accredited law school
Satisfaction of the requirements and qualifications for admission to the practice of law under Arizona Supreme Court Rules 34 and 35(b)(6) and (8)
Achieving a score of 260-269 on a Uniform Bar Exam in the previous 12 months
Within the 12 months following September 1, 2024, or the notification date of one’s Uniform Bar Exam score, securing employment with a qualified public law employer or securing the commitment of a qualified supervising attorney in a rural area for at least 30 hours of paid work per week
Experience with Transaction Privilege Tax Licenses & Certifications
Ability to become an active member of the State Bar of Arizona within 24 months of employment by the agency

Responsibilities

Completes all professional activities as required by the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP) under the supervision of the supervising attorney.
Engages in structured monthly and informal weekly check-ins with the supervising attorney for mentorship and guidance.
Prepares accurate responses to technical questions from the Department and other governmental agencies.
Prepares information letters, taxpayer information rulings, and private taxpayer rulings in response to public inquiries.
Drafts and processes administrative rule proposals, tax rulings, notices, procedures, and other necessary documents on complex tax and legal matters.
Drafts proposed statutory language to implement desired changes to tax law.
Participates in drafting changes or updates to the department web pages as needed.
Researches technical matters for analysis, interpretation, and possible alternative action.
Makes and provides accurate determinations, conclusions, and policy recommendations.
Reviews, analyzes, and interprets pending and new legislation to prepare guidelines, notices, summaries, policy recommendations, rulings, and rules.
Remains current on all laws, regulations, policies, and best practices related to taxation through self-directed research and other engagement activities.
Attends staff meetings and huddles, and may cascade and track information.
Completes all required training in a timely manner.
Participates in assigned work teams as appropriate.
Completes periodic metrics, projects, huddle boards, and reports as requested.
Prepares for and actively participates in 1:1 coaching with supervisor.
Maximizes work processes and deliverables through lean principles within the Arizona Management System (AMS); provides recommendations for process improvement and engages in continuous improvement efforts.

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
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period
Voluntary deferred compensation program