Bar Candidate: Paralegal III - Conversion to Attorney I (Public Defender/Legal Advocate)

Nature of Work

Under direct supervision, performs paraprofessional legal work of considerable difficulty; trains with supervisory attorney learning entry level attorney functions; performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Assists attorneys with researching legal questions
• Prepares drafts of motions and pleadings
• Counsels clients and witnesses
• Conducts interviews and investigations
• Participates in trial and pre-trial strategy
• Acts in a liaison capacity
• Prepares discovery requests and answers
• Captures and organizes educational activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Law Degree from an accredited ABA school with the ability/intent to sit for the next available Arizona Bar Exam following hire
• Must successfully pass the Arizona Bar Exam and receive license to practice law within 12 months from date of hire
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license and the ability to be covered by county insurance

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of: state, civil, and criminal law, and methods of legal research; legal terminology; the rules of evidence; principles, methods, materials, references and practices of legal research.
• Some knowledge of: modern office practices and procedures; business English, spelling, punctuation, and grammatical usage.
• Considerable skill in: analyzing and interpreting legal documents; interpreting statutory and regulatory requirements; preparing summaries of legal opinions from previous cases; determining alternative courses of action; presenting arguments appropriate for court; handling multiple unanticipated problems simultaneously.
• Good skill in: data collection; the use of word/data processing systems; operating standard office machines; organizing and managing case files.
• Ability to: plan work and work independently; establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, other agencies and the public; prepare and maintain accurate records; follow written and verbal instruction; read, write and speak English; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed under direct supervision of an attorney or supervisor. Incumbent generally performs work in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting majority of time; walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important.