UNIT CHIEF COUNSEL

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office Child and Family Protection Division/Appeals Section is seeking a Unit Chief Counsel. This position will directly report to the Appeals Section Chief for the Child and Family Protection Division. This position (Appeals Unit Chief- North) is responsible for managing appeals attorneys assigned to the Unit who provide appellate representation to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES). Responsibilities include ensuring APL attorneys comply with laws, rules, and office policies and procedures applicable to the performance of the job. The position will consult with human resources as needed to ensure compliance with employment laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to providing legal advice to DCS and ADES and representing those agencies in appeals and special actions in matters that arise statewide. Appeals Section Unit Chiefs must comply with laws, rules, and office policies and procedures applicable to the performance of the job and perform additional tasks as assigned by supervising personnel. Travel may be required. This position may offer the ability to work remotely two days a week, based upon department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Requirements

• Knowledge and understanding of applicable case law, statutes, rules and regulations of state and federal courts.
• Knowledge of legal techniques and the basic concepts of American Jurisprudence and of the formats utilized in the preparation of legal documents.
• Skilled in appellate litigation and supervision.
• Skilled in communication, both verbal and written, including written and oral advocacy.
• Skilled in incorporating analysis and reasoning of relevant laws, policies, and procedures to address issues, provide client advice, and advocate for client agencies.
• Must be able to handle a high volume of work and stressful situations.
• Ability to analyze situations and use good judgment in making decisions.
• The ability to independently identify and resolve legal issues.
• Juris Doctorate degree and admission to the State Bar of Arizona.
• Travel is required for this position.
• A valid Arizona Driver’s License is required, along with consent to have your driving record run periodically.
• Admission to, and good standing with, the Arizona State Bar is required (include on resume the date(s) of admission in Arizona and any other states).
• Candidate must have an active Arizona State Bar license.
• Attorney applicants are required to submit a writing sample with their resume/application profile.
• All applicants under serious consideration for hire with the Attorney General's Office are required to be fingerprinted by the Office and complete a criminal background check through State and Federal agencies.
• A job offer cannot be tendered until the candidate has successfully passed the initial background check.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• The writing sample should contain an analysis of some substantive legal issue and provide insight concerning your ability to think and to explain and advocate for a particular position.

Responsibilities

• Provides and supervises attorneys who provide appellate representation to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES). Ensure attorneys provide quality representation and legal advice to client agencies, maintain professional and ethical performance of job duties, and follow APL policies and procedures.
• Independently and in a supervisory role, this position participates in providing client advice, engaging in all aspects of appellate practice, and developing or providing training and procedures for APL activities.
• Participate in meetings and communicate with supervisors and client agencies, as assigned.
• Provide input in the development and implementation of procedures for the Section in collaboration with the Appeals Unit Chief - South.
• Confer and collaborate with APL Section Chief and Unit Chief - South, as well as other members of the Attorney General’s Office in matters affecting the Section.

Benefits

• Student Loan Assistance
• Sick leave
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager