Attorney III

Under administrative direction, with wide latitude for independent judgment, performs professional legal work in the prosecution or defense of complex and difficult criminal and/or civil cases; this is a non-covered position; incumbents in this position serve at the pleasure of their respective appointing attorney; the employment relationship of incumbents in this position is "at will", and as such, the employee may be terminated at any time, for any reason, with or without cause; may supervise support and investigative staff.

(Illustrative Only) Represents the Public Defender in prosecuting or defending persons charged with criminal offenses or in resolving civil legal issues; manages and prioritizes assigned caseload; provides guidance to management on procedural issues; assures that cases are resolved within office policy guidelines; guides and assists attorneys; provides training, counseling and professional assistance on strategy, trial skills and professional responsibilities; develops systems and standards for program evaluation, and assures activities are in compliance with all laws, policies, regulations and goals; advises law enforcement agencies during investigations; assists in the development of trial preparation and presentation skills for law enforcement officers. Criminal: Evaluates law enforcement investigation reports; prosecutes or defends felony crimes from initial charging to sentencing; coordinates with law enforcement agencies; confers with witnesses and victims of crime; performs factual investigations; advises law enforcement officers and witnesses of the requirements of the criminal justice system. Criminal: Conducts officer/witness/victim/defendant interviews; formulates and offers pleas when appropriate; prepares and conducts preliminary hearings; reviews changes and updates in criminal law; develops trial strategy. Civil: Litigates in many legal specialties including employment law; personal injury claims; contract disputes; civil rights actions; voting and elections; tax matters; zoning issues; land use and water rights; mental health hearings; adoption proceedings; civil forfeitures; collection of judgments; and any other fields related to governmental law; participates in all stages of litigation including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, settlement negotiations, jury trials, and post-judgment proceedings. Civil: Attends meetings and executive sessions of the Board of Supervisors, Planning and Zoning Commission, and similar entities to provide timely legal advice; reviews, prepares and presents oral and written legal recommendations to county agencies, elected officials and departmental heads; represents department heads at hearings and legal proceedings; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, official documents and other information required to present the case; compiles and presents evidence and exhibits; brings cases before the court and argues facts of the case in relation to points of law, case law and legal precedent; interviews and cross-examines witnesses; prepares sentencing recommendations; conducts legal research; reviews and drafts complaints, briefs, motions, opinions, letters of understanding, county contracts, including intergovernmental agreements, and other legal documents; prepares and presents memoranda of law, briefs and other filings and legal documentation as required; advises clients on topics such as personnel issues, implementation of policy, changes in the law, and procurement procedures; oversees and participates in factual investigations related to legal questions and disputes; drafts and advises clients on enacting county ordinances and similar regulations; regular and reliable attendance is required.

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; AND five (5) years experience as a practicing attorney AND significant experience in complex civil or criminal trial practice; must be licensed by the Bar to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record. Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate in Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona. For Capital Crimes: Must have certification from the Arizona Supreme Court, according to ARS Rule 6.8, Standards for Appointment of Counsel in Capital Crimes; must have 2nd Chair trial experience; 1st Chair trial experience preferred.

Knowledge of: County and department policies and procedures; the Public Defender's philosophies on resolution of felony cases; State of Arizona civil and criminal statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable Federal rules and regulations; appellate and trial court processes, protocols and strategies; the development, refinement and presentation of legal strategies; legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools; legal case management procedures, ethics and techniques; the principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court.

Skill in: Reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents; effectively assessing, interpreting and applying criminal laws to information, evidence and other data compiled; analyzing complex prosecutorial and defense issues and developing solutions; prosecuting cases in a courtroom, developing legal strategy, and presenting legal arguments; researching and identifying precedence in case law; verbal and written communication, and exercising judgment and discretion in decision making; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement agencies and other participants in the criminal justice process; operating a personal computer, standard office software and specialized legal software programs.