Public Defender

Gila County; Payson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gila County seeks a Director to lead the Public Defenders Office and ensure indigent defendants receive effective, constitutionally compliant representation in criminal, juvenile, and related proceedings. The role involves setting policies, establishing professional standards, and supervising attorneys, support staff, contractors, and others.

The position requires directing recruitment, training, performance management, and resource allocation while ensuring compliance with Arizona law, court

Responsibilities

• Directs the Public Defenders Office, including development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, professional standards, caseload practices, staffing plans, and programs necessary to provide effective public defense services.

Job description

The purpose of this position is to direct and administer the Gila County Public Defenders Office and ensure effective legal representation for indigent persons as required by A.R.S. 11-584 and other applicable law. The Public Defender serves as the Countys chief public defense administrator, establishes office policies and professional standards, manages attorneys and support staff, allocates resources and caseloads, oversees the departmental budget, and ensures representation complies with constitutional requirements, Arizona law, court rules, ethical obligations, and professional standards. Regularly assigns work to attorneys, professional staff, support staff, contractors, and other employees and supervises related activities. Makes or provides recommendations regarding hiring, scheduling, promotions, compensation, and other personnel actions consistent with County policy. Makes final decisions within delegated authority regarding employee performance, training, coaching, discipline, grievances, work assignments, caseload allocation, professional standards, and supervision of attorneys, staff, supervisors, and contractors.

• Directs the Public Defenders Office, including development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, professional standards, caseload practices, staffing plans, and programs necessary to provide effective public defense services.
• Provides and oversees legal representation in criminal, juvenile, Title 36, appellate, and other proceedings assigned or authorized by law; evaluates complex cases, legal strategies, evidence, constitutional issues, negotiations, motions, trials, sentencing, and other proceedings.
• Ensures attorneys and staff provide client-centered representation consistent with federal and state constitutional requirements, Arizona statutes, court rules, Rules of Professional Conduct, applicable caseload standards, and recognized public-defense practices.
• Develops and administers the departmental budget and determines staffing, contractual, investigative, expert-witness, technology, equipment, facility, and operational resource needs; presents and advocates for resources necessary to fulfill statutory and constitutional responsibilities.
• Directs recruitment, supervision, training, professional development, performance management, and retention of attorneys and staff and ensures personnel receive continuing education necessary to maintain professional competence and effective client representation.
• Reviews and analyzes complex state and federal laws, constitutional requirements, court decisions, legislation, rules, and professional standards; develops policy and provides consultation regarding significant legal, operational, and public-defense issues.
• Represents the Public Defenders Office in matters involving the Board of Supervisors, County administration, courts, justice-system agencies, state and local officials, professional associations, community organizations, and other governmental or professional entities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.