JOB
POSITION DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
Performs professional legal work defending indigent clients charged with misdemeanor offenses in City Court including pretrial functions. Advises clients on a wide range of direct and collateral consequences of criminal prosecution.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: *
Position Specific Summary
The Assistant Public Defender position at the City of Tucson’s Public Defender's Office advises indigent clients on a wide range of direct and collateral consequences of criminal prosecution and is responsible for all pretrial functions. This position requires court coverage for other attorneys and is occasionally called to court for client assistance.
This position works under the supervision of the Supervising Public Defender. This position does not supervise.
Working Conditions: Mostly office environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Pre-trial Preparation (45%) - Essential
Prepares cases for trial by conducting client interviews (in-person, virtual, telephonic, and jail). Reviews and evaluates evidence. Researches legal issues and specific case issues. Drafts legal documents. Conducts witness interviews. Participates in plea negotiations and settlement conferences. Prepares evidence and documents to present for trial per city and state guidelines. Provides case staffing/consulting. Conducts crime scene investigations and prepares exhibits such as photos, diagrams, and documents.
Court Appearances (40%) - Essential
Defends clients in City Court by attending hearings, in both virtual and in-person environment, arguing relevant issues and case law, presenting mitigating factors, conducting direct and cross examination of witnesses, making objections, introducing evidence. Conducts legal hearings, evidentiary hearings, jury and/or bench trials. Presents documentation and other relevant information to appropriate individuals including prosecutors (for plea negotiations) and supervisors (for case review).
Case Administration (10%) - Essential
Leads paraprofessionals, assistants, seasonal employees, law students/interns, volunteers, or temporary employees on requests related to client representation
Other Duties as Assigned (5%) - Non-Essential
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned under the direction of the supervisor/administration.

• All duties, responsibilities, and percentage of time listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Juris doctorate degree (JD): Law (Required)
or a related field.
Work Experience:
Experience in criminal litigation
Under one (1) year of directly related experience
Skills:
Certifications:
State Bar of Arizona - American Bar Association
Languages:

• Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bilingual – English/Spanish
Experience in Criminal Law
Trial experience and or Immigration experience preferred but not mandatory.
ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:
Position Title:
Assistant Public Defender
Department Name:
City Public Defender
Department Link:
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Tucson-City-Court/Public-Defender
FTE%:
100
FLSA:
Exempt
Position Type:
Regular
POSTING INFORMATION
Posting Close Date:
Applicants must submit their completed application by 05-22-2024 at 11:59 p.m. MST
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please see the special application instructions below and follow the directions for applying to this position.
Special Instructions:
Starting minimum pay for this position is $78,400 annually.
Please provide a cover letter and current chronological resume.
Background Check: This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.
CITY OF TUCSON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD
The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.