Ariz. AG Lays Off 12 Lawyers, 17 Staff

In another sign of the dismal economic times, the Arizona attorney general's office is axing 12 lawyers and 17 staff members to close a $2 million budget gap.

The layoffs were announced today by the Attorney General Terry Goddard and will take effect July 31, reports the Phoenix Business Journal.

"This has been an exceptionally difficult step. I know it negatively impacts all parts of our office," says Goddard in an internal e-mail that was published by Above the Law. "It was made after careful review of all the extremely limited options available. The loss of so many dedicated professionals will be very painful, but I have made every effort to preserve the stability of our Office's core mission and mandates."

Goddard's office also cut 20 positions in January, notes the article in the Business Journal. This month's layoffs don't include any criminal prosecutors, according to the AG.

Government offices throughout the state are tightening their belts, due to $3 billion in deficits.