Attorney I-V - Public Defender's Office (0626)

Attorney I-V - Public Defenders Office (0626)

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Flagstaff, AZ

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Job Number

0804740

Department

Public Defender

Opening Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits

Nature of Work

Attorneys perform legal representation for clients needing publicly assisted representation in criminal felony, misdemeanor, juvenile, mental health, dependency and severance of parental rights cases following appointment by the courts of Coconino County; and perform related duties as required. Advancement in classification is within the discretion of the Department Director based upon attorney performance.

Hiring Minimums

Attorney I $84,000

Attorney II $90,962

Attorney III $98,515

Attorney IV $106,710

Attorney V $115,602

Typical Duties

(Illustrative only)

The level and complexity of assignments vary with the level of the position; however, all classes perform the following:

• Manages caseloads, which include interviewing and advising clients on their legal rights and obligations
• Analyzes case material after investigations; conducts legal research as required
• Prepares cases for presentation in court; appears in court and represents clients at court hearings.
• Prepares and submits legal documents to the courts on behalf of clients.
• Writes, or word-processes correspondence and reports and legal documents
• Maintains accurate records and files

Essential functions of this position include but are not limited to: public speaking, driving; sitting; working with and around others; dealing with interruptions; repetitive motion (hand/wrist) for computer work; vision acuity (near) for routine office and customer service duties; hearing and speech for ordinary conversation; finger dexterity for typing and paperwork.

Minimum Qualifications

Attorney I is the entry-level attorney class. Incumbents learn court procedures, office policy and the application of laws and legal procedures; and are assigned to routine cases while gaining experience. Incumbents may assist a more experienced attorney or be assigned a full and separate caseload of cases with a minimum degree of difficulty.

Coconino County may consider underfilling an Attorney I with a candidate who is in the process of obtaining their AZ State Bar license. The underfill may be hired at 5% below entry and will have up to 6 months from date of hire to obtain the AZ State Bar license.

Attorney II is distinguished from Attorney I by the greater difficulty of cases assigned and the lesser degree of supervision received. Incumbents perform legal work of increasing difficulty. (Minimum of one and one-half years of experience required)

Attorney III is distinguished from Attorney II by working under general direction on more complex and serious cases. The Attorney III level is the full working level and is reserved for attorneys with skill and experience in all areas of their assigned cases. (Minimum of three years of experience required)

Attorney IV has responsibility leading and directing a team of attorneys in addition to being a very experienced professional level attorney capable of being assigned extremely difficult cases involving the most complex factual and legal issues, including capital cases. Legal Defenders Office: May serve as acting director in the absence of the director. (Minimum of five years of experience required)

Attorney V is the most experienced professional level attorney. Incumbents are expected to handle the most serious, complex and high profile cases, including capital cases, and may be assigned responsibility for supervising and leading other attorneys. They may also assist in development and implementation of department policies and procedures. (Minimum of seven years of experience required) No more than 20 per cent of authorized attorney positions for a Department (rounded off to the next whole number) shall be Attorney V positions.

These positions are exempt from overtime.

Note: Individuals in exempt classifications as part time employees may be classified as non-exempt per FLSA law regarding minimum weekly salary requirements.

These positions are safety sensitive.

These positions are At-Will.

Public Defender, Legal Defender & Chief Deputy County Attorney positions are the administrative leaders of their respective offices. (Minimum of five years legal experience and two years supervisory experience required.)

These positions are exempt from overtime.

Note: Individuals in exempt classifications as part time employees may be classified as non-exempt per FLSA law regarding minimum weekly salary requirements.

These positions are safety sensitive.

These positions are At-Will.

LICENSE

Current active membership in the State Bar of Arizona. Possession of, or ability to attain, a valid Arizona drivers license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of:

• Substantive law, rules of evidence, trial and court procedures, legal principles and research methods commensurate with the level of experience of the class
• Computer applications related to the work
• Standard legal office practices and procedures
• Techniques for dealing with individuals of varying races, genders, ethnicity and ages, some of whom may have physical or emotional problems and who appear to be difficult, confused or hostile

Ability and Skill in:

• Interviewing a variety of individuals and soliciting needed information to determine facts/circumstances
• Developing effective strategies for client representation
• Analyzing cases and applying legal principles
• Presenting statements of law clearly and logically in written and verbal form
• Presenting an effective case in court
• Managing an assigned caseload
• Preparing clear, concise, accurate and effective legal documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials
• Maintaining accurate records and files
• Using sound independent judgment within established legal, policy and procedural guidelines
• Communicating logically and effectively with a diverse group of clients, witnesses, judges, law enforcement officials, other attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments
• Demonstrating patience, tact, courtesy and compassion
• Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
• Working cooperatively with colleagues to accomplish the policies and goals of the office

Coconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Employee Benefits

Coconino County offers a comprehensive employee benefits

package to regular employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes:

(Regular Part Time employees receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis. Temporary and Seasonal employees do not receive benefits. Elected officials are not eligible for vacation and sick leave.)

• Vacation/Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 10 Holidays Per Year
• Health Care Insurance
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Pre-Tax Deduction Plan
• Sick Leave Conversion Plan
• Personal Day Purchase Program
• Vacation Sell Back Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Wellness Program
• Long-Term Disability
• Arizona State Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-going Training Opportunities
• Free bus transportation/ EcoPass bus pass

Elective Coverage

• Dependent Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Tax-deferred investment program
• Accidental and Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability

Employer Coconino County

Address 219 E Cherry Ave

Flagstaff, Arizona, 86001

Phone 928-679-7100

Website http://www.coconino.az.gov