Attorney I - Law Students - Public Defense Services

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health insurance coverage

Flexible work schedules

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Pima County is seeking an Attorney I to join the Public Defense Services Department. This role involves prosecuting or defending a variety of cases across different court systems, including criminal and civil matters. Candidates should possess a Juris Doctorate and be admitted to the Arizona State Bar.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $82,472 to $156,686 annually and comes with extensive benefits such as health insurance coverage and flexible work schedules.

Qualifications

• Must have a Juris Doctorate and admission to the Arizona State Bar.
• Experience in various courts including Justice, Juvenile, and Superior Court.
• Ability to conduct litigation, deposit witnesses, and prepare legal documents.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute or defend cases in multiple court systems.
• Negotiate settlements and prepare legal motions.
• Research legal questions and draft necessary documents.

Skills

Legal research

Prosecution and defense

Trial preparation

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Job Description Summary

Department – Public Defense ServicesRevision: This recruitment is to establish a register for future Attorney I vacancies, covering all levels/assignments of Attorney in the offices of the Pima County Public Defense Services Department (Legal Advocate; Legal Defender; Mental Health Defender; Office of Children’s Counsel; Public Defender; Public Fiduciary). Law students in their 3rd and 4th year who qualify by the time of hire are welcome to apply. Qualification for hire includes a Juris Doctorate and admission to the Arizona State Bar. Job Type: Unclassified. Job Classification: 3001 – Attorney I. Salary Grade: A2. Pay Range: $82,472 – $156,686 annually. Salaries are based on equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees in the same classification.

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.
• Perform pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate practice as required.
• Prepare litigation, deposit witnesses, provide witness notification, and conduct bench and jury trials.
• Research legal questions and 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. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application. Please do not substitute a resume or write “see resume” on your application.

Selection Procedure

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit only those candidates who meet the minimum or desired qualifications. Candidates who meet the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated against any advertised preferred qualifications. Additional tests may be required during the selection process.

Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Admission to the Arizona State Bar at the time of appointment, maintained in good standing. All positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment.

Special Notice Items

The county requires pre‑employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post‑offer, pre‑employment background screening to verify work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

• Frequently use a computer and other office equipment.
• Frequently observe details at close range.
• Frequently speak to clients, witnesses, and other case‑involved parties, such as law enforcement agencies and experts in person and/or on the phone.
• Regularly work in a professional office setting.
• Occasionally drive to conduct field work.
• Occasionally lift and carry items.
• Occasionally remain stationary.
• Occasionally move about inside an office.

Working Conditions

Regular, daily attendance is essential. Regularly receive and respond to telephone calls, text messages, and emails. Drive to visit clients and witnesses at residence or jail and other locations to speak with other case‑involved parties.

EEO Information

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

Benefits

Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, retirement plans, and a comprehensive benefits package. The county offers flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy, wellness programs, training, workshops, educational reimbursement programs, and an employee recognition program.

Contact

For more information on the Pima County Public Defense Services Department and the offices in this department, please visit www.pima.gov/pds.