Associate General Counsel

Arizona Department of Economic Security; Arizona; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

ASRS retirement system

Paid holidays

Paid vacation & sick time

Parental leave up to 12 weeks

Wellness programs

Transit subsidy

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Arizona Department of Economic Security seeks an experienced Associate General Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support across contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, claims disputes, compliance actions, policy development, rulemaking, and public records.

The role requires strategic legal counsel, rigorous research, and cross-functional collaboration with DES divisions to advance program integrity and statewide impact.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required and admission to the AZ bar or eligibility to practice law.
• Experience providing legal counsel on contracts, public records, healthcare law, and administrative rules.
• Strong research, analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel to leadership to ensure compliance with federal and Arizona law.
• Conduct legal research applying statutes, regulations, and case law for decision-making.
• Review and advise on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents.

Skills

Strategic legal counsel

Legal research

Contract review

Public records

Policy development

Risk mitigation

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Team leadership

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate General Counsel. This role partners closely with Division leadership to ensure that programs and operations are conducted in a manner that supports its mission, is accountable, compliant, transparent, responsive, inclusive, equitable, and participatory.

This position provides comprehensive legal counsel across a broad range of matters, including contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, claims disputes, compliance actions, policy development, rulemaking, public records, and risk mitigation.

Job Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strategic Legal Counsel - Provide timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice to leadership and executive stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal and state law and alignment with DES priorities.


• Legal Research and Analysis - Conduct complex legal research and apply statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance to support sound legal and operational decision-making.


• Contracts and Procurement - Review, draft, and advise on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents, ensuring legal sufficiency and risk mitigation.


• Eligibility, Appeals, and Claims - Provide legal guidance on eligibility determinations, administrative appeals, and claims disputes; support litigation strategy and administrative hearings as needed.


• Compliance and Risk Management - Advise on audits, compliance actions, and corrective measures; identify legal risks and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.


• Policy Development and Rulemaking - Draft, review, and interpret policies, procedures, and administrative rules to ensure alignment with statutory authority and best practices.


• Public Records and Transparency - Provide legal guidance on public records requests and disclosure obligations, ensuring compliance while protecting confidential information.


• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Serve as a key liaison between OGC and the assigned DES Division; collaborate with leadership, program staff, and other DES divisions; respond to inquiries from executive and division leadership.


• Organizational Engagement - Participate in departmental initiatives to build a comprehensive understanding of DES programs, operations, and statewide impact.


• Best Practices and Continuous Improvement - Identify and implement legal best practices that enhance program effectiveness, accessibility, and community impact.


• Training and Guidance - Develop and deliver legal training to staff, fostering a culture of compliance, accountability, and informed decision-making.


• Performance and Workload Management - Manage a high-volume, complex workload in a dynamic environment while meeting performance expectations and supporting hybrid/remote operations.

Knowledge of:

• Federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly in public benefits.


• Legal aspects of healthcare, including administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act, civil litigation, rulemaking, healthcare compliance, and the legislative process.


• Judicial and administrative processes, procedures, and legal terminology.


• Legal research methodologies and legal writing (e.g., memoranda, pleadings, reports).


• Ethical requirements of government lawyers and managing client expectations

Skilled in:

• Self-Direction and Initiative: Independently managing workload and proactively addressing legal issues.


• Communication: Clearly conveying complex legal concepts in both written and verbal formats to diverse audiences.


• Collaboration and Emotional Intelligence: Effectively working with leadership, staff, and stakeholders while demonstrating professionalism and empathy.

Ability to:

• Perform Under Pressure: Manage competing priorities and time-sensitive matters with composure and focus.


• Analyze and Exercise Judgment: Identify legal issues, evaluate risks, and deliver well-reasoned recommendations.


• Demonstrate Commitment to Public Service: Support programs that improve lives and strengthen Arizona communities.

Selective Preference(s):

• The ideal candidate for this position will have: A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law; two of which encompassed direct litigation experience or advice and consultation related to state and federal laws, healthcare law, rules, regulations, policy, and sub-regulatory guidance regarding health and human services, home and community-based services, and/or public benefits.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Possession of, and ability to maintain a current valid license to practice law in the State of Arizona.


• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to Driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11)).


• Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• 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-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.


• Wellness plans


• Infant at Work Program


• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy


• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Contact Us

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Joseph Deserio at 480-589-4222 or [e-mail].

• The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480-589-4222 or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.