UNIT CHIEF COUNSEL

Arizona Department of Administration • Tucson, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office State Government Division/Liability Management Section is seeking a Unit Chief Counsel to provide legal representation to state agencies and state employees in matters covered by the Risk Management Division of the Arizona Department of Administration. Representation includes advising clients in complex civil litigation in state and federal courts. The Unit Chief works closely with Risk Management and outside counsel, anticipates and responds to client needs, and advances the policies of the Office and Section within the Unit.

Alongside providing legal services, the Unit Chief manages the Unit and mentors its attorneys. The role includes assisting with assignment of claims and lawsuits, monitoring the performance and workloads of attorneys and support staff, and handling personnel matters. The position is based at 416 W. Congress, Tucson, Arizona, and requires travel within and outside Arizona, including overnight stays. Remote work may be available two days per week, depending on business needs and continued achievement of performance measures.

The position is advertised at a salary of $144,375. Applicants must be admitted to and in good standing with the Arizona State Bar, hold an active Arizona license, and submit a legal writing sample with their application. A valid Arizona driver’s license and consent to periodic driving-record checks are required. Candidates under serious consideration must complete fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Newly hired State employees must successfully complete E-Verify.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate.
• Active license to practice law in Arizona; admission to and good standing with the Arizona State Bar.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in civil litigation, including pretrial and trial practice.
• Knowledge of applicable statutes, case law, court rules, legal techniques, American jurisprudence, and legal-document formats.
• Knowledge of litigation considerations, including opposing counsel strategies, judicial perspectives, plaintiff responses, and victim/witness considerations.
• Knowledge of financial considerations for the State and ethical standards applicable to lawyers and public employees.
• Strong legal and factual analysis, legal research and writing, oral presentation, negotiation, and persuasive communication skills.
• Ability to prepare legal documents, memoranda, and correspondence efficiently.
• Ability to identify issues, assess evidence, articulate legal arguments, and communicate with clients.
• Ability to manage a significant volume of high-exposure cases and handle a high volume of work and stressful situations.
• Ability to mentor, train, and supervise attorneys and staff, and effectively use subordinate staff.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in case strategy and legal advice, and to apply professional ethical rules.
• Ability to travel within and outside Arizona, including overnight stays.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license and consent to periodic driving-record checks.
• Submit a writing sample analyzing a substantive legal issue and demonstrating legal reasoning and advocacy.
• Successfully complete fingerprinting and criminal background checks if under serious consideration for hire.
• Successfully complete E-Verify as a newly hired State employee.

Responsibilities

• Analyze legal issues, conduct legal research, and present the State’s position in motions, briefs, and court.
• Directly supervise unit attorneys and staff, including assigning cases, providing advice and mentoring, and evaluating work performance.
• Assist in resolving personnel and disciplinary issues.
• Review and assign new matters and monitor attorney workloads.
• Prepare quarterly reports, Rule 14 memoranda, and other administrative reports.
• Prepare for and attend case evaluation meetings, depositions, mediations, focus groups, and related activities.
• Read and analyze recent court decisions and rule changes affecting the areas of practice.
• Attend office meetings, continuing legal education, and other administrative matters.
• Manage the Unit, monitor attorney and support staff performance, and handle personnel matters.
• Work closely with Risk Management and outside counsel, and respond to client needs.
• Travel within and outside Arizona, including overnight stays.

Benefits

• Sick leave.
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child (pilot program).
• Vacation and 10 paid holidays per year.
• Health and dental insurance.
• Retirement plan through the Arizona State Retirement System; enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Optional short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed