Attorney I - Public Defense Services

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

Pima County Public Defense Services is establishing a register for current and future Attorney I vacancies across its offices and assignments, including the Public Defender, Legal Defender, Legal Advocate, Office of Children's Counsel, Mental Health Defender, and Public Fiduciary. The department does not hire applicants whose eligibility is limited to the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program; applicants must be eligible for full licensure with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of hire. The Attorney I coordinates and conducts professional legal work in the assigned office, handling entry-level and/or intermediate-level criminal or civil matters. Attorneys prepare, defend, and resolve legal matters ranging from entry-level to advanced-level licensed professional work. Close supervision is provided to less experienced attorneys; more experienced attorneys work more independently under general supervision. Pima County Public Defense Services represents indigent individuals appointed by the Court in felony and misdemeanor cases, juvenile delinquency matters, dependency and severance proceedings, Title 36 proceedings, guardianship cases, and appeals in Pima County. Attorneys provide direct client representation and manage diverse caseloads. They work collaboratively and holistically with paralegals and/or secretaries, social workers, and investigators to understand each client's circumstances and priorities, and advocate for desired outcomes through strategic, personalized litigation, negotiation, and mitigation. This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules. Work assignments may vary according to departmental needs and will be communicated by a supervisor. Regular daily attendance is essential. Positions may require background investigations and pre-employment screening. All positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment and admission to the Arizona State Bar at appointment, maintained in good standing.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
Eligible for full licensure with the State Bar of Arizona at time of hire; Arizona State Bar admission is required at time of appointment and must be maintained in good standing.
Valid Arizona Class D driver license at time of application or appointment.
Applicants whose eligibility is limited to the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP) are not eligible.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the application’s Education and Work Experience sections.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and appropriate application of Pima County systems, policies, and procedures.
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.

Responsibilities

Prosecute or defend criminal and civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts.
Represent County departments, boards, and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters, as applicable to the assignment.
Negotiate compromises and settlements and comply with Victims’ Rights.
Handle 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.
Uphold the values and goals of the assigned Department and County.
Provide direct client representation and collaborate with paralegals and/or secretaries, social workers, and investigators to develop strategic, personalized advocacy.