Paralegal - Public Defense Services

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

1d•$24 - $32

About The Position

Pima County Public Defense Services is establishing a register for current and future Paralegal vacancies across its offices and assignments, including Legal Advocate, Legal Defender, Mental Health Defender, Office of Children's Counsel, Public Defender, and Public Fiduciary. The department 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. Paralegals collaborate with attorneys on direct client representation and varied caseloads, providing legal and administrative support under attorney supervision. The work requires strong organization, attention to detail, teamwork, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical standards. This position supports legal operations in a public service or governmental organization through legal research, document drafting, case-file management, and case preparation. Work assignments may vary with departmental needs and are communicated by a supervisor. The classification is Paralegal (5700), Salary Grade 8. The hiring range is $23.98–$28.19 per hour, and the full pay range is $23.98–$32.39 per hour. Actual offers consider factors including skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Requirements

Meet one of the stated qualification pathways: an associate's degree in a listed or closely related field, or a certificate of completion in paralegal or legal assistant studies from an ABA-approved program at an accredited college or university; relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.
Alternatively, have two years of paraprofessional-level work experience in a law office or legal setting as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or Legal Secretary, or work involving legal procedures, terminology, or administration as determined by the department head.
Clearly document qualifying education and experience in the application’s Education and Work Experience sections; a resume cannot replace the application.
Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at application or appointment, and the license must be maintained.
Successful candidates must complete a post-offer, pre-employment background screening, including verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by court or law enforcement agencies.

Responsibilities

Manage caseloads involving specialized areas of criminal and civil law and recommend appropriate legal action.
Compile, coordinate, and analyze case information throughout case administration and initiate appropriate action to start legal proceedings.
Plan, develop, and organize work; prioritize work sequences; monitor progress; and follow up through completion.
Research and investigate credit histories, financial data, and places of residence using automated data systems and restricted-access sources.
Conduct legal research using computerized legal research tools such as Lexis and Westlaw, as well as statutes, constitutional materials, legal publications, codes, reporters, opinions, and case law.
Update or Shepardize case law and distinguish or analogize cases to the facts at hand.
Identify applicable statutes and rules in force for a particular matter.
Draft routine and complex legal documents, including motions, interrogatories, arguments, briefs, opinions, petitions, changes of plea, contracts, and ordinances.
Respond to motions, discovery requests, interrogatories, petitions, plea agreements, writs, and orders.
Coordinate between the assigned department and other governmental agencies, including out-of-state jurisdictions.
Act as an attorney's liaison to courts, law enforcement agencies, other county departments, clients, and the public.
Prepare memoranda and letters concerning attorney-client privilege and confidential matters.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
Provide administrative support to attorneys and legal staff as required.