Arizona Department of Education

Legal Services Division
Location: Downtown Phoenix, AZ

Salary: up to $100,000 

(commensurate with experience at time of offer)

Closing Date: May 18, 2026

• The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is seeking a qualified Acting Associate Counsel to join its Legal Services team.
• Under general supervision, the Acting Associate Counsel supports the agency by providing professional legal services in assigned agency legal matters. Specifically, the position assists with open enrollment complaints; appeals before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH); public records requests; and litigation matters. This position reports directly to the Acting General Counsel for assignment and oversight.
• This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney interested in public service, administrative law, and education policy to gain hands-on experience in a collaborative legal environment.
• This position is full-time in office, with no remote work options.

• Investigate and assist in resolving open-enrollment complaints in compliance with state and federal law.
• Support and represent the agency in administrative hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).
• Assist with litigation matters and case preparation as assigned.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Assist with public records requests and related legal compliance activities.

Minimum Qualifications
• You must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Must have active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain objectivity and neutrality.
• Knowledge of administrative law principles and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business software.

• Experience drafting legal briefs and appearing in administrative hearings (particularly before OAH).
• Experience conducting neutral or quasi-judicial investigations.
• Knowledge of Arizona education law and administrative law processes.

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

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).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

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

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

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) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

To submit your resume, click the "APPLY NOW" button below.

Having trouble applying for this position?

Call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.