Legal Defender Attorney Series

Job Description:

Legal Defender Attorney Series

Description

Job Summary

The Mohave County Legal Defenders Office was established in 1989 to handle cases of indigent criminal defendants and juvenile delinquents that pose a conflict for the Public Defender’s Office. The Legal Defender's Office is to provide quality, competent and professional criminal defense for all clients assigned to our office by the courts; to zealously represent all clients, within the bounds of the law, protect their constitutional rights, and promote the highest standards of trial and courtroom advocacy.

We are located at 313 Pine Street by the Mohave County Superior Court House.

Mohave County Legal Defender’s Office is looking to fill two positions from within the series below.

Ready to maximize your earning potential and join an amazing team? Apply today!

Attorney I -> Starting Salary, $34.37/hr.

Attorney II -> Starting Salary, $37.89/hr.

Attorney III -> Starting Salary, $41.78/hr.

Attorney IV -> Starting Salary, $46.06/hr.

Work is subject to traveling to varying posts or job site assignments, call-backs or on-call status, and irregular schedules to include completion of work assignments on weekends and holidays.

Essential Job Functions

• • Represents the assigned department in courts of law.
  • Communicates and acts in a professional manner with the public, co-workers, and work contacts.
  • Prosecutes and/or Defends, all classes of felony and gross misdemeanor preliminary hearings including murder cases, and murder cases in which the death penalty is sought to be imposed (if death penalty certified).
  • Prosecutes and/or Defends, complex criminal cases; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses; prepares pre-trial legal memoranda; selects juries; prepares and presents opening and closing statements; examines and cross examines witnesses; makes and meets legal objections; and requests legal instructions.
  • Evaluates criminal charges as filed and instructs investigators as to additional information needed to defend cases; evaluates the information and determines the appropriate disposition of the case.
  • Evaluates criminal cases of newer attorneys; suggests lines of investigation, appropriate trial tactics and legal motions to use; gives advice as to appropriate dispositions.
  • Administers programs in a specific field of criminal law; evaluates effectiveness of Particular Section in which assigned.
  • Assists in coordinating court dockets including jury trials, preliminary hearings, bench trials, sentencing, and probation violation hearings and motions.
  • As assigned, supervises and trains assigned attorneys or others in matters relating to the assigned department.
  • As assigned, completes performance evaluations; may make hiring recommendations; recommends disciplinary actions; approves vacations and time off; prepares work schedules and assignments; supervises the activities of assigned personnel; monitors reports and recordkeeping activities filed by assigned personnel for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policy and procedure guidelines; instructs personnel in departmental policies, procedures and techniques; and provides technical assistance and training.
  • Makes presentations to consumer, civic, church groups and others concerning the assigned department’s office and the law.
  • Serves on specific task groups as requested.
  • Participates in policy-making discussions as requested.
  • Possesses authority to make office-wide decisions, if necessary, in the absence or unavailability of the Department Director, as specifically delegated by the Department Director in strict accordance with the policies of the department.
  • Obtains additional knowledge of legal, judicial, and other job-related fields through reading of related information and materials and attending training and educational classes.
  • Maintains files, compiles reports, and statistics as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Minimum Education, Experience, and Training :

Attorney I Professional Entry level Legal experience work including. (To view the full Attorney I Job Description Click here )

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA Law School.
• Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Arizona and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Arizona per Arizona Supreme Court Rule 38(g).
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Attorney II One -year with Attorney I experience including. (To view the full Attorney II Job Description Click here )

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA Law School.
• Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Arizona and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Arizona per Arizona Supreme Court Rule 38(g).
• One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work.
• Must have demonstrated trial skills through performance of both bench and jury trials at a minimum of the Justice Court level, Superior Court experience is preferred.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Attorney III Two- years of Attorney II experience including. (To view the full Attorney III Job Description Click here )

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA Law School.
• Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Arizona and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Arizona per Arizona Supreme Court Rule 38(g).
• Five (5) year of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work.
• Must have demonstrated trial skills through performance of both bench and jury trials at a Superior Court level.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Attorney IV Three -years of Attorney III experience including. (To view the full Attorney IV Job Description Click here )

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona (please list on application), or eligible for admission by Rule 38(g).
• Seven (7) years’ experience as a licensed attorney, performing responsible, complex professional legal work.
• Some experience performing administrative and supervisory responsibilities.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

https://resources.mohave.gov/file/HumanResources/Benefits/Benefits%20Overview.pdf

Closing Date/Time: 4/27/2025 5:00 PM Arizona

Salary:

$71,489.60 - $95,804.80 Annually