Criminal (PCR and Anders) Staff Attorney I (2025)

Arizona Court of Appeals • Phoenix, AZ

16d • $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One is accepting applications for a position on its central legal staff. Primary duties will be researching and writing legal memoranda and draft decisions in connection with Anders appeals and petitions for post-conviction relief. This is a full-time, exempt level position.

Requirements

• A qualified candidate must be a graduate from an ABA accredited law school and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona.
• The candidate must have a minimum of two years post-bar experience in public or private practice, an appellate court, or judicially related system, or equivalent experience.
• Work experience as a law clerk with an Arizona appellate court judge may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• The qualified candidate should have well developed skills in the use of technology and automated systems, including the use of electronic documents and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Bachelors (B.S./B.A.) Degree
• Law Degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
• Two years post-bar experience in public or private practice, an appellate court, or judicially related system, or equivalent experience
• Work experience as a law clerk with an Arizona appellate court judge may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis
• A strong academic background, and superior legal writing and research skills
• High degree of verbal and written comprehension
• Ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing
• Ability to thoroughly research complex legal issues
• Ability to be self-motivated
• Skilled in efficient time management
• Ability to work well with others and under pressure
• Ability to grasp concepts quickly and react to change rapidly
• Effective communication skills
• Knowledge of automated word processing
• Skilled in online legal research
• Skilled in citation formatting.
• Familiarity with court rules and policies
• Skilled in the preparation of legal documents

Nice To Haves

• A working knowledge of criminal matters, appeals, trials or post-conviction relief and a familiarity with case management and document management systems are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the record and legal issues and undertake legal research in selected appellate matters.
• Draft proposed written decisions for the court and submit to the judges for consideration.
• Participate in conference, answer judges questions, and attend oral argument, if necessary.
• Draft memoranda and prepare proposed orders to dispose of motions.
• Assist the Clerk of Court and the Chief Judge, upon request.
• To perform this job successfully, the staff attorney must satisfactorily perform each essential duty .
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

• The court offers an excellent benefits package, including a choice of plans for optional medical and dental insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long and short-term disability, discounted bus fares, and an employee assistance program.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) is required.
• In addition, the courts leave policy includes ten paid holidays and annual accrual of vacation and sick leave, based on length of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level