Paralegal - Public Defense Services

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

11h•$23 - $31

About The Position

This position provides essential support to legal operations within a public service or governmental organization. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, managing case files, and assisting in case preparation under the supervision of attorneys. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment while upholding ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality. Pima County Public Defense Services represents indigent individuals upon appointment by the Court in felony cases, misdemeanor cases, juvenile delinquency matters, dependency and severance proceedings, Title 36 proceedings, guardianship cases, and appeals in Pima County. Paralegals work collaboratively with attorneys to provide direct client representation and handle diverse caseloads of various offenses, allegations, and degrees of seriousness. For more information on the Pima County Public Defense Services Department and the offices in this department, please visit their website at: www.pima.gov/pds

Requirements

Associate’s degree in paralegal, legal assistant, law, business, legal secretary, criminal justice, political science, interdisciplinary studies, regional development, communications or a closely related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment OR a certificate of completion in paralegal or legal assistant studies from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program at an accredited college or university. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
Two years of work experience performing paraprofessional-level work 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 at the time of recruitment.
Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.
The County requires pre-employment background checks.

Responsibilities

Manages caseload involving specialized areas of law (criminal and civil) and recommends appropriate legal action
Compiles, coordinates and analyzes case information throughout all phases of case administration and initiates appropriate action to start legal proceedings
Plans, develops and organizes all phases of work, prioritizes sequences of work, monitors progress and follows-up to completion
Researches and conducts investigations of credit histories, locating financial data and place of residence using automated data systems and restricted access sources
Conducts legal research through the use of computerized legal research (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
Drafts routine and complex legal documents, motions, interrogatories, arguments, briefs, opinions, petitions, changes of plea, contracts and ordinances
Responds to motions, discovery requests, interrogatories, petitions, plea agreements, writs and orders
Coordinates between the assigned department and other governmental agencies to include out of state jurisdictions
Acts as liaison for attorney to the courts, law enforcement agencies, other county departments, clients and the public
Prepares memos and letters regarding attorney client privilege and confidential matters
Upholds confidentiality and adheres to ethical standards in all tasks
Provides administrative support to attorneys and legal staff as required