Attorney I - County Attorney

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 82,472 - 156,686; Full time

Job summary

Pima County is seeking an Attorney I to coordinate and conduct professional legal work in both Criminal and Civil Divisions. The role includes prosecuting and defending cases across multiple courts, engaging in negotiations, and preparing essential legal documents.

Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate and be admitted to the Arizona State Bar. This position offers a salary range of $82,472 – $156,686 annually, with a commitment to maintaining an inclusive workforce.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Arizona State Bar at the time of appointment, maintained in good standing.
• Valid Arizona driver license.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute or defend a variety of criminal or civil cases.
• Represent county departments in civil litigation.
• Engage in negotiations for compromise and settlement.

Skills

Legal research

Courtroom litigation

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Job Description Summary

Department: County Attorney – Position: Attorney I (Unclassified)

Job Type: Unclassified, Classified: 3001 – Attorney I

Salary Grade: A2, Pay Range: $82,472 – $156,686 annually.

Required application materials: Resume, Cover Letter, and a Writing Sample.

Role Overview

Coordinates and conducts professional legal work in the Criminal and Civil Divisions of the Pima County Attorney’s Office. Incumbents perform entry‑level and/or intermediate level legal work for criminal or civil cases, preparing, defending, prosecuting, and resolving cases from entry‑level to advanced‑level. Attorneys at this level receive close supervision and may work more independently under general supervision as experience increases.

Essential Functions

• Prosecute or defend a variety of criminal or civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts, including misdemeanors, felonies, dependency, delinquency, mental health, guardianship, conservatorship, probate administration, contract, tort, environmental, real estate, tax issues, child support, or appellate cases.
• Represent county departments, boards, and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters.
• Engage in negotiations for compromise and settlement of cases and comply with Victims’ Rights.
• Conduct pre‑trial, trial, post‑trial, and appellate practice as required by cases.
• Prepare litigation documents, deposes witnesses, provides witness notification, and conduct bench and jury trials.
• Research legal questions, draft legal motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Review, evaluate, and participate in investigations.
• Comply with all rules regulating professional responsibility; uphold the values and goals of the assigned department and county.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate.
• Admission to the Arizona State Bar at the time of appointment, maintained in good standing.
• Valid Arizona driver license; subject to 39‑month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

Frequent use of computer and office equipment; frequent interaction with clients, witnesses, and law enforcement agencies; occasional driving and field work; occasional lifting of movable items.

Working Conditions

Regular, daily attendance required. Receive and respond to phone calls and emails. Drive to visit clients, witnesses, and other parties. Work in a professional office setting with occasional field duties.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Notes

Positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation and pre‑employment background screening, including verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.