Attorney I - Public Defense Services - Mental Health Defender

Job Description Summary Department - Public Defense Services

Job Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Unclassified

Job Classification: 3001 - Attorney I

Salary Grade: A2

Pay Range

Pay Range: $82,472 - $156,686 Annually

Range Explanation:

• Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

• Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The first review of applications will be on 04/03/2026.

The Pima County Mental Health Defender’s (MHD) Office is committed to providing effective legal representation for people facing involuntary commitment, guardianship proceedings, and Guilty Except Insane (GEI) sentences. MHD attorneys meet with clients facing involuntary hospitalization within 24 hours of admission. They advise clients of their rights and explain the procedures involved in Title 36 court-ordered evaluations and represent them at hearings for court-ordered treatment. MHD attorneys also represent indigent individuals who are subject to petitions for temporary or permanent guardianship filed by the Pima County Public Fiduciary’s Office. In addition, they provide post-sentencing advocacy for individuals hospitalized for GEI treatment at the Arizona State Hospital. MHD attorneys are dedicated to working patiently and compassionately with clients to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect through the process and are receiving treatment in the least restrictive manner.

Attorney I level attorneys perform entry level and/or intermediate level legal work. Attorneys at this level receive close supervision and support from higher-level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties. More experienced attorneys in this classification work increasingly independently under the general supervision of higher-level attorney personnel.

For more information on the Pima County Public Defense Services Department and the offices in this department, please visit their website at: .

This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Prosecutes or defends a variety of criminal or civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts which may include misdemeanor, felony, dependency, delinquency, mental health, guardianship, conservatorship, probate administration, contract, tort, environmental, real estate, tax issues, child support, or appellate cases;

• Represents County departments, boards and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters;

• Engages in negotiations for compromise and settlement of cases and complies with Victims’ Rights;

• Engages in pretrial, trial, post-trial and appellate practice as required by cases;

• Prepares litigation, deposes witnesses, provides witness notification, and conducts bench and jury trials;

• Researches legal questions;

• Researches and drafts legal motions, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents;

• Reviews, evaluates, and participates in investigations;

• Complies with all rules regulating professional responsibility;

• Upholds the values and goals of the assigned Department and County.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Selection Proce dure :

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process .

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates : Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. Admission to the Arizona State Bar at time of appointment, which must be maintained in good standing. All positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items : The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. All positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.

Physical/Sensory Requirements : Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently observes details at close range. Frequently speaks to clients, witnesses, and other case involved parties, such as law enforcement agencies and experts in-person and/or on the phone. Regularly works in a professional office setting. Occasionally drives to conduct field work. Occasionally must lift and carry items. Occasionally remains in a stationary position. Occasionally moves about inside an office.

Working Conditions : Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. Regularly receives and responds to telephone calls, text messages and emails. Drives to visit clients and witnesses at residence or at jail, and other locations to speak with other case involved parties.

EEO Information : Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.