Assistant Attorney General

Overview

The primary duty for this attorney is providing legal consultation and representation to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) on a wide variety of issues. These include, but are not limited to:

Criminal history records and appeals, NCIC and ACJIS issues, property impounds, private investigator and security guard licensing, concealed carry permits, school bus driver certifications, public records, fingerprint clearance cards, motor carrier compliance, procurement and other contract issues. The attorney will be responsible for evaluating issues, adopting legal positions, and preparing related written memoranda including, but not limited to, formal and informal legal opinions.

The attorney may be asked to provide training to DPS personnel.

The attorney may also be asked to represent DPS in civil administrative proceedings and court proceedings relating to licensing or other matters. This may require drafting pleadings, motions, responses and appellate briefs. The attorney will make decisions concerning case strategy, hearing preparation and hearing conduct. The attorney will be expected to exercise appropriate discretion in determining whether particular legal issues warrant consultation with supervisors.

In addition, this attorney may, on occasion, be assigned cases and issues outside the primary practice are, or may be required to participate in office wide committees or task forces as business needs dictate. Internal administrative documents, such as time sheets and reports, are also required.

• Provide legal consultation and representation to the Arizona Department of Public Safety on a wide variety of issues, including criminal history records and appeals, NCIC and ACJIS issues, property impounds, licensing, certifications, public records, and related contracts.
• Evaluate issues, adopt legal positions, and prepare written memoranda, including formal and informal legal opinions.
• May provide training to DPS personnel.
• Represent DPS in civil administrative proceedings and court proceedings relating to licensing or other matters, including drafting pleadings, motions, responses, and appellate briefs.
• Make decisions concerning case strategy, hearing preparation, and hearing conduct; exercise discretion regarding consultation with supervisors.
• Participate in cases and issues outside the primary practice when assigned; may participate in office wide committees or task forces as needed.
• Complete internal administrative documents, such as time sheets and reports.

• Knowledge and understanding of applicable statutes, administrative regulations and case law related to general agency representation.
• Knowledge of Arizona rules of civil procedure.
• Knowledge of ethical standards applicable to lawyers and public employees.
• Skill in persuasive oral and written communication pertaining to case presentation through various stages of representation, including litigation through trial and appeal, if required.
• Skill in interpersonal relations necessary for effective teamwork, cooperation and conflict resolution.
• Skill in researching and extracting information from statutes, codes, legal documents and court decisions.
• Ability to recognize legal issues presented by specific factual situations and to perform necessary legal research and analysis.
• Ability to exhibit sound judgment in evaluating and analyzing diverse legal issues.
• Ability to handle and prioritize a high volume of work with competing deadlines and stressful situations.
• Ability to display courteous and professional behavior.
• Ability to articulate legal arguments, assess evidence and communicate information to the client.
• Ability to effectively use the skills of support staff.
• Ability to appropriately apply professional ethical rules in daily practice.
• Ability to travel within and outside of Arizona, including overnight stays.