Attorney I - Public Defense Services - Mental Health Defender

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Pima County Mental Health Defender’s (MHD) Office is committed to providing effective legal representation for people facing involuntary commitment, guardianship proceedings, and Guilty Except Insane (GEI) sentences. MHD attorneys meet with clients facing involuntary hospitalization within 24 hours of admission. They advise clients of their rights and explain the procedures involved in Title 36 court-ordered evaluations and represent them at hearings for court-ordered treatment. MHD attorneys also represent indigent individuals who are subject to petitions for temporary or permanent guardianship filed by the Pima County Public Fiduciary’s Office. In addition, they provide post-sentencing advocacy for individuals hospitalized for GEI treatment at the Arizona State Hospital. MHD attorneys are dedicated to working patiently and compassionately with clients to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect through the process and are receiving treatment in the least restrictive manner. Attorney I level attorneys perform entry level and/or intermediate level legal work. Attorneys at this level receive close supervision and support from higher-level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties. More experienced attorneys in this classification work increasingly independently under the general supervision of higher-level attorney personnel. For more information on the Pima County Public Defense Services Department and the offices in this department, please visit their website at: www.pima.gov/MentalHealthDefender . This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application
Valid driver license is at time of application
Valid AZ driver license is at time of appointment
The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures
Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination
Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record
Admission to the Arizona State Bar at time of appointment, which must be maintained in good standing
All positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment
Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination

Responsibilities

Prosecutes or defends a variety of criminal or civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts which may include misdemeanor, felony, dependency, delinquency, mental health, guardianship, conservatorship, probate administration, contract, tort, environmental, real estate, tax issues, child support, or appellate cases
Represents County departments, boards and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters
Engages in negotiations for compromise and settlement of cases and complies with Victims’ Rights
Engages in pretrial, trial, post-trial and appellate practice as required by cases
Prepares litigation, deposes witnesses, provides witness notification, and conducts bench and jury trials
Researches legal questions
Researches and drafts legal motions, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents
Reviews, evaluates, and participates in investigations
Complies with all rules regulating professional responsibility
Upholds the values and goals of the assigned Department and County