Public Defender

Public Defender
- Board of Supervisors-$121,980 - $152,475

Globe or Payson, AZ - Full Time

• Regularly assigns work to attorneys, professional staff, support staff, contractors, and other employees and supervises related activities.
• Makes or provides recommendations regarding hiring, scheduling, promotions, compensation, and other personnel actions consistent with County policy.
• Makes final decisions within delegated authority regarding employee performance, training, coaching, discipline, grievances, work assignments, caseload allocation, professional standards, and supervision of attorneys, staff, supervisors, and contractors.
• Directs the Public Defenders Office, including development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, professional standards, caseload practices, staffing plans, and programs necessary to provide effective public defense services.
• Provides and oversees legal representation in criminal, juvenile, Title 36, appellate, and other proceedings assigned or authorized by law; evaluates complex cases, legal strategies, evidence, constitutional issues, negotiations, motions, trials, sentencing, and other proceedings
• Ensures attorneys and staff provide client-centered representation consistent with federal and state constitutional requirements, Arizona statutes, court rules, Rules of Professional Conduct, applicable caseload standards, and recognized public-defense practices.
• Develops and administers the departmental budget and determines staffing, contractual, investigative, expert-witness, technology, equipment, facility, and operational resource needs; presents and advocates for resources necessary to fulfill statutory and constitutional responsibilities.
• Directs recruitment, supervision, training, professional development, performance management, and retention of attorneys and staff and ensures personnel receive continuing education necessary to maintain professional competence and effective client representation.
• Reviews and analyzes complex state and federal laws, constitutional requirements, court decisions, legislation, rules, and professional standards; develops policy and provides consultation regarding significant legal, operational, and public-defense issues.
• Represents the Public Defenders Office in matters involving the Board of Supervisors, County administration, courts, justice-system agencies, state and local officials, professional associations, community organizations, and other governmental or professional entities.

• Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree from an accredited law school and ten (10) years of licensed legal experience, preferably including substantial criminal defense or public defense experience, with at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.

• Must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements and maintain a clear criminal record.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License if position duties require.

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