Attorney I - Law Students - Public Defense Services

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

1d•$84,947 - $161,387

About The Position

This recruitment establishes a register for future Attorney I vacancies across the offices and assignments of the Pima County Public Defense Services Department, including Legal Advocate, Legal Defender, Mental Health Defender, Office of Children's Counsel, Public Defender, and Public Fiduciary. Third- and fourth-year law students may apply if they will meet the qualifications by the time of hire. A Juris Doctorate and eligibility for full licensure with the State Bar of Arizona are required at hire; applicants whose eligibility is limited to the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program are not eligible. The role coordinates and conducts professional legal work in assigned criminal or civil matters. Attorneys prepare, defend or prosecute, and resolve legal cases, receiving close supervision at entry level and working more independently as experience grows. Public Defense Services attorneys represent indigent clients appointed by the Court in matters including felony and misdemeanor cases, juvenile delinquency, dependency and severance proceedings, Title 36 proceedings, guardianship cases, and appeals. They handle diverse caseloads and collaborate with paralegals or secretaries, social workers, and investigators to understand client circumstances and priorities and pursue desired outcomes through strategic, personalized litigation, negotiation, and mitigation. Admission to the Arizona State Bar is required at appointment and must be maintained in good standing. All positions also require a valid Arizona Class D driver's license. Employment is subject to applicable background screening. Regular daily attendance is an essential function; work includes frequent communication by phone, text, and email, and driving to meet clients, witnesses, and other case participants at residences, jails, and other locations. The position regularly works in a professional office setting and may involve occasional field work.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
Eligibility for full licensure with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of hire; eligibility limited to the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program is not accepted.
Admission to the Arizona State Bar at the time of appointment, maintained in good standing.
Valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment.
Qualifying education and experience must be documented in the application’s Education and Work Experience sections.
Satisfactory completion of applicable pre-employment and personal background investigations.

Nice To Haves

Licensed to practice law in Arizona, currently pending admission to the State Bar of Arizona, or planning to take the Arizona Bar Exam within the next six months.
Third- or fourth-year law students who will qualify by the time of hire are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

Prosecute or defend criminal and civil cases in Justice, Juvenile, Superior, Federal, and Appellate Courts.
Represent County departments, boards, and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters, as assigned.
Negotiate compromises and settlements and comply with Victims’ Rights.
Conduct pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate practice as required by cases.
Prepare litigation, depose witnesses, provide witness notification, and conduct bench and jury trials.
Research legal questions and draft motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
Review, evaluate, and participate in investigations.
Comply with rules regulating professional responsibility and uphold the values and goals of the assigned Department and County.
Represent clients in matters that may include misdemeanor, felony, dependency, delinquency, mental health, guardianship, conservatorship, probate administration, contract, tort, environmental, real estate, tax, child support, and appellate cases.
Collaborate with paralegals or secretaries, social workers, and investigators to understand client circumstances and advocate for client outcomes.