Paralegal - Public Defense Services

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

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. Paralegals support legal operations and work collaboratively with attorneys to provide direct client representation across diverse caseloads. 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. Under attorney supervision, the position conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, manages and analyzes case information, assists with case preparation, and provides administrative support to attorneys and legal staff. The work requires strong organization, attention to detail, effective teamwork, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical standards. Work assignments may vary according to departmental needs and are communicated by the supervisor. This is a classified position, Job Classification 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. Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license. Regular daily attendance is essential. Pre-employment background screening is required; some assignments may also require a satisfactory background investigation by a court or law enforcement agency.

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; relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.
Alternatively, a certificate of completion in paralegal or legal assistant studies from an American Bar Association-approved program at an accredited college or university.
Alternatively, 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.
Qualifying education and experience must be documented in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application.
Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment; required licensure must be maintained.
Successful candidates must complete 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 a court or law enforcement agency.
Regular daily attendance is essential.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload 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 tasks, monitor progress, and follow through to 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, 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 with other governmental agencies, including out-of-state jurisdictions.
Act as a liaison for attorneys with 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.
Regularly receive and respond to telephone calls and emails.
Occasionally drive to visit clients, witnesses, and other case-involved parties at residences, jails, juvenile detention centers, or business locations.