Attorney I, II, or III (Public Defender's Office)- Bisbee
Position is unclassified and not entitled to the rights provided by the Merit System Rules pursuant to Arizona law. Open until filled; applications reviewed upon receipt.
About the Role
The Cochise County Offices of Legal Advocate, Legal Defender, and Public Defender collectively assist and defend indigent individuals in Cochise County. Attorneys are appointed by the Court to represent clients in criminal charges, probation matters, juvenile delinquency, dependency matters, mental health commitments, extradition cases, criminal appeals, and post-conviction relief.
If you have a passion for helping others, enjoy intellectual challenges, and want to join a robust, vibrant legal community, consider applying to one of our defense teams.
Responsibilities
- Attorney I:
- Initiates, engages, and defends litigation
- Performs legal research
- Reviews and prepares legal documents
- Renders legal advice to clients
- Performs factual investigations
- Attorney II (in addition to Attorney I duties):
- May supervise junior staff
- Handles appeals
- Attorney III (in addition to Attorney I and II duties):
- Supervises and reviews work of staff attorneys
- Performs organization and administrative duties
Requirements
- Attorney I:
- Graduation from an accredited law school
- Admission to the State Bar of Arizona
- Valid Arizona driver’s license
- Ability to be covered by county insurance
- Attorney II:
- Graduation from an accredited law school
- Admission to the State Bar of Arizona
- Minimum of two (2) years of relevant legal experience
- Valid Arizona driver’s license
- Ability to be covered by county insurance
- Attorney III:
- Graduation from an accredited law school
- Admission to the State Bar of Arizona
- Minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience
- Valid Arizona driver’s license
- Ability to be covered by county insurance
An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- Spanish language proficiency
- Governmental experience
- Experience in criminal, appellate, and/or dependency case law
Skills
- Attorney I:
- Working knowledge of legal principles, procedures, and research methods
- Good skill in applying legal knowledge on behalf of public entities
- Working skill in analyzing facts, evidence, and precedents; rendering clear written and oral arguments; presenting cases in court
- Attorney II:
- Considerable knowledge of legal principles, procedures, and research methods
- Considerable skill in applying legal knowledge on behalf of public entities
- Good skill in analyzing facts, evidence, and precedents; rendering clear written and oral arguments; presenting cases in court
- Attorney III:
- Thorough knowledge of legal principles, procedures, and research methods
- Considerable knowledge of management and supervision principles
- Considerable skill in applying legal knowledge on behalf of public entities and analyzing complex legal issues
- All Levels:
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, agencies, and the public
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Membership in the Arizona State Retirement System
Pay
Anticipated hiring range: $71,000 - $114,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications.
Work Environment
- Primarily office or court settings with climate control
- General supervision
Physical Requirements
- Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, lifting or carrying objects up to 10 pounds
- Requires walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods
- Manual dexterity and ability to communicate effectively
- Mental application: Memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving
Reasonable accommodations will be made for those able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.