ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

Justia; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Parental leave

Deferred compensation

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Stipends

Infant at Work

Transit subsidy

Career development

Job summary

The Department of Economic Security (Arizona) seeks a General Counsel Attorney to support its programs and operations, with direct responsibility for supervising the General Counsel Office staff when the director is absent.

Responsibilities include legal review, guidance on healthcare and public benefits compliance, and collaboration with leadership to advance DES initiatives and protections for vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

• At least ten years of experience in the practice of law, with management and oversight of legal staff.
• Five to seven years of litigation experience spanning Federal and State court and administrative tribunals.
• Knowledge of federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations related to public benefits.
• Strong legal research and writing abilities including memoranda, pleadings, and reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance to Department programs and operations.
• Review work product prior to dissemination and supervise staff as needed.
• Support the General Counsel Office and assist with policy development and compliance.

Skills

Self-Direction and Initiative

Communication

Collaboration and Emotional Inteligne

Legal Research and Writing

Job description

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Office of the Director (OOD) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a General Counsel Attorney. The General Counsel position directly supports the Department's program and operational activities by assignment from the General Counsel, Office of the Director. In the General Counsel's absence, the position may act under the direct supervision of the agency's Director. Directly supports General Counsel Office staff through review of work product prior to dissemination.

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.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

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 ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law, with five (5) of the more recent years including principal management and oversight of legal staff. Five (5) to seven (7) years of litigation experience spanning Federal AND State court as well as administrative forums..