Legal Assistant

The Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), Risk Management Division (RMD) is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to join the Property and Liability Section. Operating under the direction of the Risk Manager, Deputy Assistant Risk Manager, and Property and Liability Claims Manager, this role performs essential paralegal functions, thorough investigative research, and comprehensive report preparation. The Legal Assistant serves as a critical liaison connecting State Agencies, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) to facilitate seamless communication and case coordination. Additionally, this position plays an integral part in drafting high-level statutory reports utilizing established templates and supporting complex, in-depth fact-finding investigations to protect the State's assets and public interests.

• Assist state agencies in developing risk mitigation plans in compliance with JLBC Rule 14 and A.A.C. R2-10-108, delivering actionable recommendations to minimize liability.
• Compile complex data and draft the State Risk Management Annual Report for submission to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC).
• Prepare and distribute biweekly claims status summary reports to the ADOA Legal Department.
• Track, compile, and maintain comprehensive claim resolution records, including detailed settlement documentation and trial outcomes.
• Verify, standardize, and organize claims coding within state databases to support trending analyses, loss prevention, and subrogation/recovery initiatives.
• Analyze historical claims trending data and generate custom reports for internal leadership and external partner agencies.
• Conduct formal legal research utilizing statutory reference libraries, court filing databases, and Risk Management Information Systems (e.g., Origami Risk).
• Track active litigation status, review court dockets, and conduct historical case analysis across state and federal courts.
• Perform investigative research to locate witnesses, run background checks, and gather pertinent documentary and physical evidence for liability claims.
• Monitor sensitive Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claims with a high degree of confidentiality, integrity, and discretion.
• Conduct law firm conflict checks and process outside counsel conflict waiver requests in coordination with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
• Serve as the division’s Large Loss Liaison, facilitating timely communication and information exchange among State Agencies, the Attorney General’s Office, and the JLBC.
• Process and fulfill public records requests in compliance with Arizona public records statutes and disclosure standards.
• Conduct medical credentialing background verifications and investigations for state healthcare professionals and university medical students.
• Draft, edit, and proofread official correspondence, legal memorandums, and executive-level communications on behalf of the Assistant Director.
• Review administrative and operational records to sign authorized forms, requests, and approvals under delegated authority.
• Monitors, triages, and manages incoming communications within the Risk Manager's email account, ensuring urgent matters are escalated appropriately.

Education

• (Associates or Bachelor’s degree) in Paralegal Studies, Risk Management, Legal Studies, Business Administration, or a closely related fi eld; OR an equivalent combination of active legal assistant experience and year-for-year education.

Background and reference check, including a criminal records verification

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 Arizona Department of Administration 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
  

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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

• Participation in ASRS Lifetime Benefit Pension Plan after 26 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Christopher Langseth at christopher.langseth@azdoa.gov for assistance.
• The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.