Law Clerk – County Attorney – Conviction & Sentencing Integrity Unit

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Conviction & Sentencing Integrity Unit (CSIU) mission is to review legitimate claims of innocence by people who have been convicted by Pima County Attorney's Office and/or believe they have received illegal sentences. The CSIU, located within the Criminal Division, reviews submissions and leads all re-investigations of cases that present a credible claim of innocence or illegal sentencing. This position in the CSIU will review and analyze claims of wrongful conviction which can include reviewing trial files, legal research, and legal memoranda preparation. This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules. This is a grant-funded position ending September 2026.

Requirements

• First, second or third year law student in or a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
• The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
• The County requires pre-employment background checks.
• Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
• Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.
• This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Researches appeals and prepares drafts of preliminary briefs or arguments based on statutory law or decisions
• Conducts legal research through the use of computerized legal research systems such as Lexis and Westlaw, or statutes, U.S. Constitution, legal periodicals, law reviews, digests, legal encyclopedias, codes, regional and federal reporters, slip opinions and various case law
• Updates or shepardizes case law to distinguish and analogize the case to the fact situation at hand
• Identifies applicable statutes or rules that are in force and effect for the particular matter
• Researches points and rules of law and prepares written reports summarizing research
• Performs research and studies legal records and comments to obtain data applicable to the case under consideration
• Drafts motions, responses and legal memoranda
• Interviews victims and witnesses
• Serves copies of pleadings on opposing counsel and delivers documents to various county offices
• Conducts routine investigations on less serious charges for background and basic information
• Confers with attorneys regarding legal issues
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties
• May supervise, train, and assign and review the work of other law clerks
• Maintains electronic and paper files as necessary

Benefits

• competitive salaries
• generous health insurance coverage
• retirement plans
• flexible work schedules
• a generous family leave policy
• wellness programs
• opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs
• County-wide employee recognition program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees