General Counsel Jobs in Arizona
General Counsel jobs in Arizona are in steady demand, with the state's expanding corporate headquarters, healthcare systems, and technology sector driving consistent openings at levels from in-house associate counsel through chief legal officer. Phoenix and Scottsdale anchor the bulk of hiring, with Tempe and Tucson adding secondary volume, and established employers such as Banner Health, Honeywell, and Freeport-McMoRan maintaining active legal departments in the state. Regulatory compliance, corporate transactions, and healthcare law are the specialties most consistently sought across Arizona listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 16+ General Counsel jobs
- 544705
- PHOENIX
- DEPT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
- Full-time
- Closing at: Nov 19 2026 - 23:55 MST
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.
ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
Office of the General Counsel (OGC)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Salary: $125,000.00 to $150,000.00
Grade: 1
Closing Date: November 19, 2026
Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES)
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Demonstrate Commitment to Public Service: Support programs that improve lives and strengthen Arizona communities.
- 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
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
- All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment
- 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.
- 544705
- PHOENIX
- DEPT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
- Full-time
- Closing at: Nov 19 2026 - 23:55 MST
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.
ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
Office of the General Counsel (OGC)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Salary: $125,000.00 to $150,000.00
Grade: 1
Closing Date: November 19, 2026
Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES)
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Demonstrate Commitment to Public Service: Support programs that improve lives and strengthen Arizona communities.
- 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
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
- All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment
- 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.
See All 16 General Counsel Jobs in Arizona
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Find General Counsel JobsGeneral Counsel Jobs by City in Arizona
Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
General Counsel Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in general counsel jobs across Arizona.
- Active membership in the State Bar of Arizona or eligibility for admission
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Seven or more years of relevant legal experience, including in-house or corporate work
- Demonstrated experience advising on corporate governance and regulatory compliance
- Ability to manage outside counsel relationships and control legal spend effectively
- Strong background in contract drafting, negotiation, and commercial transactions
General Counsel Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a general counsel in Arizona?
To become a general counsel in Arizona, you must be an active member of the State Bar of Arizona, which requires passing the Arizona bar exam or qualifying for admission by motion if licensed in another state. Most general counsel roles also expect a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited school and years of progressively responsible legal experience, often built through private practice or prior in-house positions before moving into a senior leadership role.
How much do general counsels make in Arizona?
General counsels in Arizona earn a median of about $134,260 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,990 for the lowest 10% to over $268,170 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire general counsels in Arizona?
Employers hiring general counsels in Arizona right now include State of Arizona, Banner Health, and Vitalant, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Arizona's mix of healthcare systems, financial services firms, and corporate headquarters in the Phoenix metro means general counsel openings tend to reflect a wide range of industries and organizational sizes.
Which Arizona cities have the most general counsel jobs?
The cities with the most general counsel openings in Arizona are Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Phoenix drives the majority of demand as the state's corporate and financial center, while Scottsdale and Tempe attract technology and financial services companies with active in-house legal teams, and Tucson adds volume through its healthcare institutions and regional business base.
Are there remote general counsel jobs in Arizona?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely advisory or analytical roles, since general counsels frequently attend board meetings, negotiate in person, and coordinate directly with executives. About 67% of general counsel openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the role's leadership and relationship-management demands. Hybrid arrangements are more common than fully remote, particularly for strategic and compliance-focused positions.
How can I get hired as a general counsel in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a corporate or in-house associate counsel role and building toward general counsel over time. Large Arizona employers such as Banner Health and major Phoenix-area financial institutions hire new attorneys into junior in-house positions, and law firms across the state offer associate tracks that prepare candidates for eventual in-house transitions. Earning your State Bar of Arizona license early and gaining contract or compliance experience in adjacent roles such as compliance analyst or legal operations specialist strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Where can I find and apply to general counsel jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to general counsel jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and practice area, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 16 General Counsel Jobs in Arizona
Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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