Assistant Public Defender

City of Tucson • Easley, SC

6d • $39 - $58 • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Public Defender at the City of Tucson’s Public Defender’s Office advises indigent clients about the direct and collateral consequences of criminal prosecution and is responsible for pretrial functions. The role also provides court coverage for other attorneys and may be called to court to assist clients. The position works under the supervision of the Supervising Public Defender and does not supervise.

The position prepares cases for trial through client and witness interviews, evidence review, legal research, drafting documents, plea negotiations, case staffing, and investigation. In City Court, the Assistant Public Defender attends hearings, argues legal issues, presents mitigating factors and evidence, examines witnesses, and conducts legal and evidentiary hearings as well as jury or bench trials. The position may lead paraprofessionals, assistants, seasonal employees, law students or interns, volunteers, and temporary employees on matters related to client representation.

This is a regular, full-time, on-site position in a mostly office environment. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available. The office is an Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP) and Government Law Admission Program (GLAP) qualifying employer and may also consider recent graduates with a recent Graduate Limited Practice Rule 39C Certification. The listed hourly pay range is $38.91–$58.36, with starting pay based on qualifications, education, and relevant experience.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate.
• Under one year of relevant experience.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
• Valid and unrestricted driver’s license and two years of licensed driving.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual.
• Experience in criminal law.
• Trial experience and/or immigration experience; preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for trial by conducting client interviews in person, virtually, by telephone, and in jail.
• Review and evaluate evidence; research legal and case-specific issues; and draft legal documents.
• Conduct witness interviews and participate in plea negotiations and settlement conferences.
• Prepare evidence and documents for trial according to city and state guidelines.
• Provide case staffing and consulting.
• Conduct crime scene investigations and prepare exhibits, including photographs, diagrams, and documents.
• Defend clients in City Court by attending virtual and in-person hearings, arguing relevant issues and case law, presenting mitigating factors, examining witnesses, making objections, and introducing evidence.
• Conduct legal and evidentiary hearings and jury and/or bench trials.
• Present documentation and relevant information to prosecutors for plea negotiations and supervisors for case review.
• Provide court coverage for other attorneys and assist clients in court when called upon.
• Lead paraprofessionals, assistants, seasonal employees, law students or interns, volunteers, or temporary employees on requests related to client representation.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned under the direction of the supervisor or administration.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage.
• Pension plan, plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings.
• 38 paid days off in the first year, with time off increasing in subsequent years.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave.
• Paid tuition reimbursement.
• Student loan repayment.
• Off-the-job and on-the-job training.
• Employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree