Legal Fellow

Job Profile: Legal Specialist 3 Job Family: Legal Time Type: Full time Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Job Profile Summary: Provides legal representation, advice and counsel to the institutional community to prevent or minimize impact of legal risks involving the institution and its affiliates. Job Description: Job Summary In keeping with the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU seeks a Legal Fellow to grow in public service through a secondment to various organizations seeking such Fellows to provide legal services. The primary purpose of the position is to provide professional legal services at the secondment site. The position will leverage local and regional talent to support the mission and programs of the secondment site and improve the coordination and effectiveness of programs, services, and actions. Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU will provide training and education focused on the importance of public service lawyers to assist in the growth and development of participating Fellows. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is hiring an attorney with practice experience and a passion for environmental protection to join the Environmental Protection Unit as a Special Assistant Attorney General. Attorney General Kris Mayes has made protecting Arizona’s environment and natural resources, and Arizonans’ access to sustainable water supplies, top priorities in her first term. In 2024, the Arizona AGO set up a new section within its civil division to pursue challenging, cutting-edge environmental matters based on the Attorney General’s independent authority to protect Arizona’s natural resources. Under the direction of the Chief of the Environmental Protection Unit, Unit attorneys and staff work closely with the Attorney General to prosecute priority actions to the fullest extent of the law where warranted. The Special Assistant Attorney General will be overseen by the Environmental Protection Unit Chief and will have ownership over the development of legal matters they initiate or work on as part of a larger team of attorneys within the Unit or from other units within the agency. This position is a one-year position sponsored by Arizona State University School of Law (ASU Law) with the expectation of renewal for a second year upon satisfactory job evaluations and for subsequent renewal on a yearly basis contingent on both satisfactory job performance and continued funding. Salary Range: $90,000 – $112,000 per year; DOE Essential Duties: At ASU: • Actively participate in any coursework and related activities of the fellow program. • Contribute to the networking and mentoring aspects of the fellows program on an ongoing basis. At Secondment Site: • Provides legal representation, including advice and representation in cases in State and Federal court relating to energy/environmental and related consumer protection cases. • Responsible for the preparation of cases for jury trial, including the drafting of legal documents, including but not limited to briefs, pleadings, discovery, and memoranda. • Investigates, reviews documents and evidence; conducts legal research; conducts discovery; reviews and analyzes cases for trial; and appears in court. • Responds to inquiries from law enforcement and the general public. Attends meetings and trainings as necessary. Desired Qualifications: • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school • Admitted to practice law in Arizona, or willing to pursue admission within six months of hiring • Admission to, and good standing with, the Arizona State Bar is required (include on resume the date(s) of admission in Arizona and any other states). Candidate must have an active Arizona State Bar license. At ASU: • Undertake training to acquire knowledge on a wide subject matter of legal issues relevant to public service attorneys At Secondment Site: • Dedication and interest in public service • Knowledge and understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and court rules; • Knowledge of legal techniques and the basic concepts of American Jurisprudence and of the formats utilized in the preparation of legal documents; • Knowledge of the practical factors that impact litigation decisions and goals, including plaintiff responses, opposing counsel strategies, judicial perspectives, and victim/witness considerations; • Knowledge of ethical standards applicable to lawyers and public employees; • Knowledge and experience in persuasive oral and written communication pertaining to case presentation through various stages of litigation; • Experience in preparing legal documents, memoranda, and correspondence efficiently; • Knowledge and experience in the development of jury trial and negotiating skills. • Skilled in interpersonal relationships as applied to interaction with court personnel, agency personnel, victims, and government agencies. • Ability to identify legal issues, analyze and articulate legal arguments, assess evidence, and communicate it to executive management and leadership in the Office of the Arizona Attorney General; • Ability to effectively plan, organize, direct, and monitor complex investigations/cases; • Ability to coordinate activities with a variety of law enforcement agencies, governmental, and non-governmental agencies; • Ability to encourage teamwork through collaboration and communication; • Ability to effectively utilize the skills of subordinate staff; • Ability to display courteous and professional behavior; • Ability to appropriately apply professional ethical rules in daily practice; • Ability to exercise good judgment in making strategic decisions in cases. Working Environment: • Travel is required for this position. • Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to the resolution of conflicts. • Regular use of standard office equipment, including but not limited to: computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone, and associated computer/technology peripherals. • Receive and participate in regular review of completed tasks for the achievement of established objectives. Why You Should Apply: • Work closely with the Attorney General and other key AGO decision makers early in your career • Address novel and relatively untested areas of Arizona environmental, natural resource, and climate change law • Gain valuable experience shepherding legal matters from inception to completion • Competitive pay and benefits, and a desirable work-life balance Application Requirements: • Attorney applicants are required to submit a writing sample with their resume. • Include a one-page cover letter describing your interest in and qualification for the position. • The writing sample should contain an analysis of some substantive legal issue and provide insight concerning your ability to think and to explain and advocate for a particular position. • All applicants under serious consideration for a fellowship with the Attorney General's Office are required to be fingerprinted by the Office and complete a criminal background check through State and Federal agencies. Your record does not automatically constitute a bar to employment. Factors such as, but not limited to, age at time of offense and age of offense, as well as the relationship between the offense and the job for which you apply, will be considered. • A valid Arizona Driver’s License is required, along with consent to have your driving record run periodically. Department Statement: The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is one of the nation’s preeminent law schools, focused on offering students a personalized legal education. Ranked No. 1 in Arizona since 2010 and the top 20 Public Law school in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report, ASU Law offers students the opportunity to tailor their education, to match externships to their interests, and the career services resources to help land their ideal jobs. Additionally, ASU Law’s LEED Gold certified building in downtown Phoenix is steps away from the legal, political, and economic heart of Arizona. For more information, visit law.asu.edu. Driving Requirement: This position may require driving. Employee must possess a valid US Driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment. Location: Off-Campus: Phoenix Funding: No Federal Funding Instructions to Apply: Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub. Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on. https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$26023.htmld To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments: • Cover letter • Resume or CV Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name. Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered. Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date. Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience. Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete. ASU Statement: Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456. Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources. Employment Verification Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Background Check Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check. Fingerprint Check Statement: This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.