Description:

Position Summary:
A Government Entity, is accepting applications for a temporary position on its central legal staff. Primary duties will be researching and writing legal memoranda and draft decisions in connection with Anders appeals (criminal appeals in which defense counsel avows to the court that, after a conscientious review of the record, they have found no errors or arguable issues to raise). Duties also may include preparing legal memoranda and draft decisions in connection with petitions for relief post-conviction.

This is a temporary, full-time assignment (anticipated to last up to 12 months), exempt level position.

Minimum Requirements:
The applicant must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona and must have excellent research and writing skills, strong academic background, and at least two years of criminal litigation or similar experience. Applicants should be proficient with Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Essential Functions*:

Analyze the record and legal issues and undertake legal research in selected appeals.
Draft proposed written decisions for the court and submit to the judges.
Participate in conference, answer judges' questions, and attend oral argument, if necessary.
Draft memoranda and prepare proposed orders to dispose of motions.
Provide assistance to the Clerk of Court and the Chief Judge, upon request.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's (B.S./B.A.) Degree
Law Degree
State Bar of Arizona Membership
Two years of experience in the practice of law
A strong academic background, and superior legal writing and research skills.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

High degree of verbal and written comprehension.
Ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing.
Ability to thoroughly research complex legal issues.
Ability to be self-motivated.
Skilled in efficient time management.
Ability to work well with others and under pressure.
Ability to grasp concepts quickly and react to change rapidly.
Effective communication skills.
Knowledge of automated word processing.
Skilled in online legal research.
Skilled in citation formatting.
Familiarity with court rules and policies.
Skilled in the preparation of legal documents.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Physical Requirements, Reasoning Ability, and Equipment Operations*:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out oral or written instructions.
Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
Extended use of a computer is required.
Ability to read, scan, complete, and analyze a variety of forms on a regular basis.