ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

The City of Tucson Public Defender's Office is seeking professional attorneys to perform professional legal work defending indigent clients charged with misdemeanor offenses in City Courts.

Defend clients in City Court by attending hearings, notifying clients of court dates, arguing relevant issues and case law, presenting mitigating factors, conducting direct and cross examination of witnesses, making objections, introducing evidence, and conducting legal hearings, evidentiary hearings, jury and/or bench trials.

Performs pretrial functions by conducting client interviews, reviewing and evaluating evidence, scene investigation, researching legal issues and specific case issues, drafting legal documents, participating in plea negotiations, interviewing witnesses, including in person jail interviews, and preparing cases for trial.

Performs administrative duties by directing staff, students, and volunteers, maintaining case calendar, scheduling and prioritizing cases, and coordinating interviews and subpoenas.

Presents documentation and other relevant information to appropriate individuals.

Occasionally directs helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, volunteers or temporary employees and may temporarily act in a higher capacity.

Minimum Education Level & Type: Juris Doctor

Minimum Experience Qualifications: Under 1 year of experience in criminal litigation.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated on the education and work experience in their employment profile and the responses to their supplemental questions. The highest scoring applicants will then be invited to participate in an Oral Board interview.   

• Virtual Oral Board Interviews will be held the week of February 22, 2021 
  • A Juris Doctor Degree MUST be presented at the time of the oral board interviews to continue in this process.

Upon completion of all examination processes, the highest scoring applicants will be placed on the Civil Service Employment List.  An applicant's ranking on the Civil Service list will be based on their final score which will be calculated as:      

• 20% of your rating for education and work experience
• 80% of your oral board interview   

This recruitment will establish a civil service list that will be utilized to fill vacancies occurring within the next 6 months.

Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the final score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Employment List.  If you qualify for preference points as outlined in the Employment Profile, you must present your documents at the time of the oral board interviews.  The DD 214 must be a copy that indicates characterization of service.  

If you are in need of Americans with Disabilities Act-related accommodation during the testing process, please email Erin.Gallego@tucsonaz.gov at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.

To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson.

The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers.

Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.