Legal Defender Attorney I/II/III - Legal Defender's Office (1026)

Attorneys in the Legal Defender's Office play a critical role in upholding the rights of individuals throughout Coconino County, providing skilled legal representation in criminal, dependency, mental health, juvenile delinquency, and guardianship matters. This position is primarily responsible for the representation of clients in felony criminal cases. The attorney will also support the office by offering cross coverage for colleagues and performing related duties essential to maintaining the high standards of service expected of the Legal Defender’s Office.(Illustrative only)
The level and complexity of assignments vary with the level of the position; however, all classes perform the following:
• Manages caseloads, which include interviewing and advising clients on their legal rights and obligations
• Analyzes case material after investigations; conducts legal research as required
• Prepares cases for presentation in court; appears in court and represents clients or the State at court hearings
• Prepares and submits legal documents to the courts on behalf of clients or the State
• Writes, or word-processes correspondence and reports
• Maintains accurate records and files

Essential functions of this position include but are not limited to: driving; sitting; working with and around others; dealing with interruptions; repetitive motion (hand/wrist) for computer work; vision acuity (near) for routine office and customer service duties; hearing and speech for ordinary conversation; finger dexterity for typing and paperwork. Attorney I is the entry-level attorney class. Incumbents learn court procedures, office policy and the application of laws and legal procedures; and are assigned to routine cases while gaining experience. Incumbents may assist a more experienced attorney or be assigned a full and separate caseload of cases with a minimum degree of difficulty.

Coconino County may consider underfilling an Attorney I with a candidate who is in the process of obtaining their AZ State Bar license. The underfill may be hired at 5% below entry and will have up to 6 months from date of hire to obtain the AZ State Bar license.

Attorney II is distinguished from Attorney I by the greater difficulty of cases assigned and the lesser degree of supervision received. Incumbents perform legal work of increasing difficulty. (Minimum of one and one-half years of experience required)

Attorney III is distinguished from Attorney II by working under general direction on more complex and serious cases. The Attorney III level is the full working level and is reserved for attorneys with skill and experience in all areas of their assigned cases. (Minimum of three years of experience required)

These positions are exempt from overtime.
Note: Individuals in exempt classifications as part-time employees may be classified as non-exempt per FLSA law regarding minimum weekly salary requirements.
These positions are safety sensitive.
These positions are At-Will.

LICENSE
Current active membership in the State Bar of Arizona. Possession of, or ability to attain, a valid Arizona driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Two or more years combined experience in felony criminal matters. Experience in dependency, guardianship, mental health matters, and juvenile delinquency matters is beneficial but not required. Additionally, the preferred candidate is skilled in the use of MS Office and case management software programs; Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Navajo is a plus.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are seeking a highly qualified professional dedicated to providing exemplary legal representation. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in criminal defense, including trial work and contested hearings, and will be able to manage a full and varied caseload.

Candidates must exhibit strong analytical abilities; proficiency in legal research; and the capability to prepare clear, professional, well-reasoned arguments both orally and in writing. The position also requires the ability to independently design and pursue investigations and other litigations strategies.

This position requires the ability to develop and maintain effective, professional working relationships with colleagues, justice system partners, and members of the community. The successful candidate will demonstrate the skill and judgment necessary to engage a diverse client population—adult criminal defendants, individuals with disabilities or serious mental illness, children, and parents—and to advocate for their interests at every stage of the legal process.Considerable knowledge of:

• Substantive law, rules of evidence, trial and court procedures, legal principles and research methods commensurate with the level of experience of the class
• Computer applications related to the work
• Standard legal office practices and procedures
• Techniques for dealing with individuals of varying races, genders, ethnicity and ages, some of whom may have physical or emotional problems and who appear to be difficult, confused or hostile

Ability and Skill in:

• Interviewing a variety of individuals and soliciting needed information to determine facts/circumstances
• Developing effective strategies for client representation
• Analyzing cases and applying legal principles
• Presenting statements of law clearly and logically in written and verbal form
• Presenting an effective case in court
• Managing an assigned caseload
• Preparing clear, concise, accurate and effective legal documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials
• Maintaining accurate records and files
• Using sound independent judgment within established legal, policy and procedural guidelines
• Communicating logically and effectively with a diverse group of clients, witnesses, judges, law enforcement officials, other attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments
• Demonstrating patience, tact, courtesy and compassion
• Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
• Working cooperatively with colleagues to accomplish the policies and goals of the office

Coconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.