Capital PCR Attorney

About the Position:
Come be a part of a dynamic legal team as an Attorney at the Office of the Legal Defender!

As an Attorney, you will have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of indigent clients appointed to our office by the court. You will put your legal skills to work by preparing cases and representing clients through all phases of the court proceedings, all while having a positive impact on those in our community who are impoverished.

Proud to Offer

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorneys
• Perform work with a greater purpose
• Growth and stability since 1871
• Opportunities for growth and development within A Government Entity
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
• Paid vacation, sick, and parental (birth/adoption) leaves
• A Government Entity participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.29% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Extensive wellness program with $60 monthly medical premium discounts
  
• Employee discounts for goods and services

We Require

• Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school
• Five years of criminal defense experience
• Must be admitted to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application
• Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We value:

• Ten years of relevant criminal defense experience
• Experience in capital post-conviction relief matters
• Satisfied the qualifications outlined in 16A A.R.S., Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 6.8 for the appointment of appellate and post-conviction counsel in capital trial cases
• Knowledge relative to the scope and character of death penalty law, Arizona Criminal Code, Rules of Evidence, Federal Habeas Corpus, Constitutional Law, and familiarity with performance standards in 2003 American Bar Association Guidelines for Death Penalty Cases

Job Contributions

• Appear in court representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials
• Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest
• Research facts and analyze legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools
• Compose petitions, motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents
• Prepare cases for post-conviction hearings by reviewing trial evidence, interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, consulting with experts, and performing other case-related functions
• Lead a capital PCR team and discuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals
• Communicate in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others
• Travel to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients
• Provide leadership for professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals, consistent with the current assignment
• Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)
• You will work in an environment with frequent interruptions, time pressures, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration/vigilance, teamwork, working in close physical proximity with others, public contact, and overtime may be a common occurrence
• You may be required to lift 15-25 pounds from floor to waist, 15 pounds waist to shoulder, or shoulder to overhead; carry 15-25 pounds 100 feet or push/pull 100 pounds 1000 feet
• Requires travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and/or private vehicles used on County business

Selection Procedure:

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered
• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive