Assistant Public Defender

Tucson Police Department; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

City Court Public Defender’s Office in Tucson, AZ is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to advise indigent clients on criminal prosecutions and manage pretrial functions. The role requires court coverage for other attorneys and does not supervise staff.

The position requires a Juris Doctorate, Arizona Bar admission, and a valid driver’s license with two years of driving experience. Remote work is not available and the job pays hourly under an ALAP-eligible program.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
• Valid driver’s license with two years of licensed driving required.
• ALAP certification or recent Graduate Limited Practice Rule 39C eligibility may be considered.
• On-site position; remote or hybrid work not available.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for trial by interviewing clients in person, virtually, by telephone, or in jail.
• Review and evaluate evidence and research legal issues.
• Draft legal documents and conduct witness interviews.
• Participate in plea negotiations and settlement conferences.
• Defend clients in City Court at hearings and trials, both in person and virtually.
• Lead paraprofessionals, assistants, and interns on client representation tasks.

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 09-09-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

The 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 in September. 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: 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 Profile J0640 - Assistant Public Defender To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent. Compensation Grade G110 Hourly Range $35.37 - 53.05 USD The 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 Type Regular Time Type Full time Department City Public Defender Department Link https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Tucson-City-Court/Public-Defender Background Check This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

• The 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.

Citizenship

The 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.

The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). ADA Accessibility Complaint Form The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 520-791-2619.

City Organization

The City of Tucson, founded in 1775 and incorporated in 1877, is a City Manager-led Mayor and Council government organization comprised of over 5,000 dedicated employees. Tucson Community The City of Tucson is recognized as a Top 20 “Best City in America” by Resonance Consultancy. Tucson, Arizona, is a thriving center for bioscience, aerospace/defense, optics, mining, and logistics. With a city population of more than 540,000 and a regional population of more than 1 million, Tucson has 330-plus days of sunshine a year and is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges. A small-town feel with big-city amenities complements its natural beauty. You can learn more about Tucson, Arizona, at Visit Tucson, Arizona. For system related questions please contact [e-mail]. For general Human Resources questions please contact 520-791-4241.