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

Position is subject to the provisions of the Merit System Rules pursuant to Arizona Law. Open until filled with applications reviewed upon receipt and may close at any time.

Pay

$63,398 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package to include membership in the Arizona State Retirement System.

Special Requirements

• Within 12 months of appointment, must be admitted to practice law in Arizona and obtain a Bar Letter of Good Standing.
• This position requires a post-offer, pre-employment background screening.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license and the ability to be covered by county insurance.

About the Role

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

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• Law Degree from an accredited ABA school with the ability/intent to sit for the next available Arizona Bar Exam following hire.
• As a condition of employment, must successfully pass the Arizona Bar Exam and receive license to practice law within 12 months from date of hire.

Skills & Qualifications

Knowledge

• Considerable knowledge of state, civil, and criminal law, and methods of legal research.
• Considerable knowledge of legal terminology, the rules of evidence, and principles, methods, materials, references, and practices of legal research.
• Some knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, business English, spelling, punctuation, and grammatical usage.

Skills

• Considerable skill in analyzing and interpreting legal documents and statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Considerable skill in preparing summaries of legal opinions from previous cases and determining alternative courses of action.
• Considerable skill in presenting arguments appropriate for court and handling multiple unanticipated problems simultaneously.
• Good skill in data collection, the use of word/data processing systems, and operating standard office machines.
• Good skill in organizing and managing case files.

Abilities

• Ability to plan work and work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instruction.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to 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.
• Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills are important.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for those that are able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.