Attorney II - Public Defense Services

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

1d•$98,737 - $187,512

About The Position

Pima County Public Defense Services is establishing a register for current and future Attorney II vacancies across its offices, including Legal Advocate, Legal Defender, Mental Health Defender, Office of Children's Counsel, Public Defender, and Public Fiduciary. Attorneys coordinate and conduct advanced professional legal work in assigned criminal or civil areas, handling complex, consequential matters or demanding caseloads that require specialized experience and training. The work involves considerable latitude, independent judgment, and professional discretion. 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. Attorneys provide direct client representation and work collaboratively with paralegals or secretaries, social workers, and investigators to understand client circumstances and priorities and pursue desired outcomes through strategic litigation, negotiation, and mitigation. The position is unclassified and exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules. The salary range is $98,737–$187,512 annually. The actual offer considers factors including skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Admission to the Arizona State Bar in good standing and a valid Arizona Class D driver's license are required. Positions may require a satisfactory background investigation and post-offer, pre-employment screening. The position requires post-offer proof of immunization(s) and/or TB screening.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
Five years of relevant prosecution, defense, or civil experience.
Admission to the Arizona State Bar at appointment and maintenance of good standing.
A valid Arizona Class D driver license at application or appointment.
Ability to complete required background screening.
Ability to provide post-offer proof of immunization(s) and/or TB screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling serious cases or voluminous caseloads requiring specialized experience or training.
Experience handling serious case types with little to no supervision.
Knowledge and appropriate application of Pima County systems, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Prosecute or defend the most difficult and complex criminal or civil cases, or manage voluminous caseloads requiring specialized experience and training.
Manage demanding criminal or civil cases in public sector law, or caseloads requiring specialized skills and experience.
Represent County departments, boards, and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters.
Prepare ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and leases for consideration by county officials.
Prepare legal opinions and advise county officials on legal matters.
Negotiate compromises and settlements and comply with Victims’ Rights.
Conduct pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate practice as required.
Prepare litigation, depose witnesses, provide witness notification, and conduct complex bench and jury trials.
Develop and present legal strategies; review legal documents; extract relevant information; evaluate legal issues and legal-system variables; and negotiate agreements.
Conduct research and provide consultation on complex and difficult legal issues.
Research and draft legal 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.
Represent clients directly and collaborate with paralegals or secretaries, social workers, and investigators to advocate for clients’ desired outcomes.