Attorney I - Public Defense Services - Mental Health Defender

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

14h•$82,472 - $156,686

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.
Valid driver license is required at time of application.
Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
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.

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

Benefits

Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security.
Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being.
Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs.
In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service.

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