Description:
Nature of Work:Attorneys at the Legal Defender's Office provide representation for clients in criminal, dependency, civil commitment, juvenile delinquency and guardianship matters, following appointments by the Courts of A Government Entity. The Legal Defender is a small law office of five attorneys and five support staff. We emphasize a collaborative, team-oriented approach to providing outstanding advocacy but value independent and creative problem-solving. An Attorney in this position will represent clients primarily in guardianship, dependency, and mental health matters, but may also provide representation in juvenile delinquency and criminal cases if needed. Additionally, an attorney in this position will provide coverage in these areas for other attorneys and will perform related duties as required.
We are open to new graduates who will be licensed at the time of hire and attorneys with significant experience.
At A Government Entity, public service matters. Our dedication to public service promotes a culture that elicits employee growth, cultivates inspiration, and creates future leaders by empowering employees to solve internal and external customer needs and exceed customer service expectations. As an award-winning organization with high regard for cultural diversity and the positive contributions of the many thriving cultures within our county, our nation, and our society, A Government Entity leads a variety of initiatives that celebrate diversity; from our Annual Diversity Day, and monthly Heritage Lunch & Learns, to book clubs, and professional development academies which target diverse workforce segments. A Government Entity's respect for diversity is shared throughout the organization. Be part of this optimistic, innovative team where outstanding customer service creates dynamic solutions and engages leadership at every level.
Please Note:
This position is At-Will and open until filled.
Typical Duties:
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
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.
A Government Entity 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.
Preferred qualifications: Two or more years combined experience in guardianship, dependency, and mental health matters, experience in criminal and juvenile delinquency matters is preferred and family law experience is beneficial. Additionally the preferred candidate 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 will have experience or demonstrated interest in representing clients in guardianship, dependency and mental health/civil commitment cases, including experience in conducting contested hearings in these matters and the ability to handle a heavy caseload along with the willingness to provide coverage in other matters as needed. This position requires a willingness to maintain effective, professional working relationships with individuals both inside and outside the office.
License:
Current active membership in the State Bar of Arizona. Possession of, or ability to attain, a valid Arizona driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of:
Ability and Skill in:
At A Government Entity, public service matters. Our dedication to public service promotes a culture that elicits employee growth, cultivates inspiration, and creates future leaders by empowering employees to solve internal and external customer needs and exceed customer service expectations. As an award-winning organization with high regard for cultural diversity and the positive contributions of the many thriving cultures within our county, our nation, and our society, A Government Entity leads a variety of initiatives that celebrate diversity; from our Annual Diversity Day, and monthly Heritage Lunch & Learns, to book clubs, and professional development academies which target diverse workforce segments. A Government Entity's respect for diversity is shared throughout the organization. Be part of this optimistic, innovative team where outstanding customer service creates dynamic solutions and engages leadership at every level.
Please Note:
This position is At-Will and open until filled.
Typical Duties:
- (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.
Minimum Qualifications:
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.
A Government Entity 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.
Preferred qualifications: Two or more years combined experience in guardianship, dependency, and mental health matters, experience in criminal and juvenile delinquency matters is preferred and family law experience is beneficial. Additionally the preferred candidate 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 will have experience or demonstrated interest in representing clients in guardianship, dependency and mental health/civil commitment cases, including experience in conducting contested hearings in these matters and the ability to handle a heavy caseload along with the willingness to provide coverage in other matters as needed. This position requires a willingness to maintain effective, professional working relationships with individuals both inside and outside the office.
License:
Current active membership in the State Bar of Arizona. Possession of, or ability to attain, a valid Arizona driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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
