Public Defender

Arizona Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Inc. in Phoenix seeks an experienced Public Defender to lead the City’s Public Defender Office, directing budgeting, policy development, and contract attorney oversight.

The role demands ethical leadership, strategic planning, and adherence to city codes and state statutes in indigent defense. You will manage a 16-person department, oversee more than 80 contracted attorneys, coordinate with municipal and county courts, and ensure high professional standards and fair administration of

Qualifications

• Experience leading a public defense or legal services office.
• Ability to manage budgets and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of criminal law, court procedures, and municipal/state statutes.

Responsibilities

• Managing and overseeing more than 80 contracted attorneys providing defense services to indigent individuals facing misdemeanor charges in Phoenix Municipal Court.
• Working within Phoenix Municipal Court, Maricopa County Superior Court, Maricopa County Jails, and at community-based legal services events.
• Ensuring high professional standards, consistent application of office policies, and compliance with all relevant City codes and state statutes.
• Providing strategic leadership, fostering staff development, and promoting justice and fairness in all casework.
• Managing a department of 16 employees (including 6 attorneys), legal contractors, and contracted support staff.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Policy development

Contract management

Staff development

Criminal law knowledge

Job description

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The City of Phoenix is seeking an experienced, highly ethical legal professional to serve as the City's Public Defender. This critical leadership position is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and supervising all functions of the City's Public Defender Office.

In this role, you will hire and oversee contract attorneys; develop policies and procedures; manage budgets; and review proposed legislation.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing and overseeing more than 80 contracted attorneys providing defense services to indigent individuals facing misdemeanor charges in Phoenix Municipal Court - one of the ten busiest municipal courts in the U.S.
• Working within Phoenix Municipal Court, Maricopa County Superior Court, Maricopa County Jails, and at community-based legal services events.
• Ensuring high professional standards, consistent application of office policies, and compliance with all relevant City codes and state statutes.
• Providing strategic leadership, fostering staff development, and promoting justice and fairness in all casework.
• Managing a department of 16 employees (including 6 attorneys), legal contractors, and contracted support staff.

Knowledge & expertise:

• City codes and state statutes, with emphasis on criminal law and procedures.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles of criminal law and appeal procedures related to municipal ordinance and state statute violations.
• Principles of office management, contract management, and effective supervision.
• The Public Defender reports to the Public Defender Review Committee, appointed by the Phoenix City Council, and performance is evaluated based on results achieved.

This is a full-time position and may require extended hours, including evenings and weekends.