Address:

Director’s Office / Legal Services
701 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
https://corrections.az.gov

Salary:  $120,000 - $125,000

Grade: 03

Closing Date: 11/04/2024

The Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is seeking an experienced and driven Attorney to join our team as a Special Litigation Counsel. Under the supervision of the Agency’s General Counsel, the Special Litigation Counsel will provide legal advice, support, and research assistance on complex litigation. This role requires a keen legal acumen and the ability to manage relationships with various stakeholders, including the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office and outside firms working on current and pending litigation affecting the agency. Candidates for this role will put forth a perfect effort, operate with integrity, and support the Director and Deputy Director as we reimagine corrections while supporting the mission and vision of the agency. Candidates should also know current criminal and civil justice case law, rules and regulations. The Special Litigation Counsel will use this foundation to give guidance, assess policies and procedures, and draft motions, briefs, and pleadings to support the agency. 

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry has embarked on a vision of REIMAGINING CORRECTIONS through four overarching and mission-centered goals:
- Build a Meaningful Organizational Culture and Promote the Development of Team
- Create and Implement Optimal Population Management and Progression Strategies
- Deploy Quality Delivery of Services and Continuity of Care in Complexes and Communities
- Achieve Modernization and Sustainability of Practices and Resources

Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Assists the General Counsel with responding to other divisions in providing information and/or legal advice
- Conducts legal research
- Assists with the drafting and revising of Department Orders
- Provides support and active participation in ADCRR litigation matters, Attorney conferring, mediation and settlement conferences, court hearings, and trial
- Has current legal knowledge and verifies responses are legally complete, accurate, and procedurally appropriate
- Drives on State business
- Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment

Knowledge of:
- State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations governing ADCRRs operations, including employment, contract, administrative, criminal, and corrections law, 1983, and related civil rights provisions
- All phases of administrative proceedings and the litigation process
- State and Federal administrative hearings and proceedings
- Federal Court Injunctions
- Federal Court Appellate litigation and practices
- Legislative, Judicial, and executive branches of Arizona State Government
- Organization and operations of the Office of the Attorney General
- Risk Management Division of the Department of Administration
- Principles of management and supervision

Skill in:
- Analyzing and solving complex legal issues and problems
- Drafting complex and sensitive documents
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Negotiation
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Organization and time management
- Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships

Ability to:
- Effectively supervise staff
- Identify complex legal, operational, and programmatic issues
- Communicate effectively with external entities, stakeholders, and internal staff at all organizational levels
- Exercise sound judgment in making ethical decisions and providing advice
- Maintain professionalism
- Learn the ADCRR’s objectives, policies, and procedures

- Experience with Appellate Litigation
- Experience with civil litigation and civil case management

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation.

This position is required to have Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited Law School. License must be in good standing 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, then the following requirements apply. 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 operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

In an effort to maintain a safe environment, all employees are required to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test during their New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.

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

We offer an excellent and affordable comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees:
- Vacation and sick days 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).
- Robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability options
- Exceptional retirement program
- Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
- An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program

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

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Current ADCRR Employees: Consult with your respective Human Resources Liaison if you are in a different retirement plan than the one indicated above.

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 calling (602) 255-2430. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.