General Counsel

The General Counsel reports to the Assistant Secretary of State and provides advice and counsel to all agency executive leadership on a variety of issues, including, but not limited to, litigation, contracts, regulatory and enforcement matters and legislative matters. This position oversees all agency legal functions and reviews proposed actions across all divisions to ensure consistency and compliance with laws and agency objectives. Works in coordination with the Attorney General's assigned legal counsel (or conflict counsel) to provide legal representation for the agency.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Duties

Provide advice and counsel to the agency regarding legal strategy in litigation. Serves as agency liaison with assigned Assistant Attorney General or conflict counsel.

Review and respond to subpoenas, warrants, or other legal process. Review changes to rules, policies or practices that require legal analysis.

Review and process compliance matters for notary, lobbyists, and campaign finance. Provide agency advice regarding APA requirements.

Review contracts for legal compliance to ensure agency contracts meet legal requirements and agency goals.

Anticipate issues and potential liabilities that may impact the agency and identify solutions. Establish practices in coordination with internal stakeholders to reduce or eliminate liabilities.

Qualifications

Knowledge:
State and Federal laws, rules and regulations Legislature, Judicial and Executive branches of State and Federal Government.

Federal regulations and programs impacting agency functions.

Election law

Skill:
Reviewing and interpreting statues, case law, rules and regulations.

Research and analysis.

Excellent verbal and written communication.

Ability:
Work with all agency leadership regarding legal matters.

Analyze and solve complex legal matters.

Stay current with legal matters and trends.

Prioritize actions and high-profile matters.

Selective Preference(s)

A minimum of 8 years of legal practice is required; however, substantial experience in relevant subject matter areas may be considered in lieu of the minimum.

Other Information

Pre-Employment Requirements

Arizona State Bar license active.
Valid AZ driver license.

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.

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

How to Apply

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Benefits

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
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

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot 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.