Assistant Public Defender

Tucson Police Department; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 49,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Pension plan

38 paid days off first year

Job summary

The City Court Public Defender’s Office in Tucson is seeking a qualified Assistant Public Defender. The role provides legal representation to indigent clients, handling direct and collateral issues from interview through trial, including plea negotiations. On-site work only, with cases in City Court and occasional court appearances.

Qualified candidates will have a Juris Doctorate and be in good standing with the Arizona State Bar. Bilingual abilities and trial experience are valued.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required. State Bar of Arizona member in good standing.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license with at least 2 years of licensed driving.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Experience in Criminal Law or trial work is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for trial by interviewing clients, reviewing evidence and drafting documents.
• Defend clients in City Court, attend hearings, conduct direct and cross examinations.
• Lead paraprofessionals and interns on case-related tasks.
• Conduct crime scene investigations and prepare exhibits.
• Engage in plea negotiations and settlements as appropriate.

Skills

Bilingual

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

## Assistant Public DefenderApplyremote type: Onsite Worklocations: City Courttime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR-1003313## Posting Close DateApplicants must submit their completed application by 08-23-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST## Application and Special InstructionsThe position is at the Public Defender's Office. The Public Defender's Office is an Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP) qualifying employer and will accept applicants who qualify for the ALAP certification and licensing. The Public Defender’s Office may all consider, for this position, recent graduates with a recent Graduate Limited Practice Rule 39C Certification. The hourly pay range for this position is from $35.37 to $53.05. Starting pay will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, including education, and relevant experience. This position is on-site at City Court Public Defender’s Office. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available at this time. Interview Information: Highest‐scoring applicants will be invited to an in‐person panel interview at the City Court Public Defender’s Office on August 27, 2026. A hiring interview may be conducted as part of the selection process. The eligibility list established from this process may be used to fill positions as they become available over the next six (6) months.## ABOUT THIS JOB**Position Specific Summary**The Assistant Public Defender position at the City of Tucson’s Public Defender's Office advises indigent clients on a wide range of direct and collateral consequences of criminal prosecution and is responsible for all pretrial functions. This position requires court coverage for other attorneys and is occasionally called to court for client assistance.This position works under the supervision of the Supervising Public Defender. This position does not supervise.**Duties and Responsibilities*** Prepares cases for trial by conducting client interviews (in-person, virtual, telephonic, and jail). Reviews and evaluates evidence. Researches legal issues and specific case issues. Drafts legal documents. Conducts witness interviews. Participates in plea negotiations and settlement conferences. Prepares evidence and documents to present for trial per city and state guidelines. Provides case staffing/consulting. Conducts crime scene investigations and prepares exhibits such as photos, diagrams, and documents.* Defends clients in City Court by attending hearings, in both virtual and in-person environment, arguing relevant issues and case law, presenting mitigating factors, conducting direct and cross examination of witnesses, making objections, introducing evidence. Conducts legal hearings, evidentiary hearings, jury and/or bench trials. Presents documentation and other relevant information to appropriate individuals including prosecutors (for plea negotiations) and supervisors (for case review).* Leads paraprofessionals, assistants, seasonal employees, law students/interns, volunteers, or temporary employees on requests related to client representation.* Other duties and tasks as assigned under the direction of the supervisor/administration.**Working Conditions**Mostly office environment.### All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.## MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation: Juris Doctorate Experience: Under one (1) year of relevant experience. Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona License/Certifications: A valid and unrestricted driver’s license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required. Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual Experience in Criminal Law Trial experience and or Immigration experience preferred but not mandatory.## POSITION DETAILS### Job ProfileJ0640 - Assistant Public DefenderTo view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.### Compensation GradeG110### Hourly Range$35.37 - 53.05 USDThe City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.### Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)Exempt### Position TypeRegular### Time TypeFull time### DepartmentCity Public Defender### Department Linkhttps://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Tucson-City-Court/Public-Defender### Background CheckThis position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.## ABOUT US### BenefitsThe City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.### CitizenshipThe City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.