Associate Counsel Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Strategic Legal Counsel - Provide timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice to DDD 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 DDD; 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.

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..

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.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment
Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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

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.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Joseph Deserio at 480-589-4222 or JDeserio@azdes.gov.
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 JDeserio@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.