Description:

About This Position:
The City of Phoenix Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified and passionate attorneys to join our team as staff attorneys representing individuals in one of the City's three innovative Specialty Courts: Veterans Court, Behavioral Health Court, and Community Court. These courts focus on addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior through treatment, accountability, and tailored support, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration. At the City of Phoenix Public Defender's Office, we believe in second chances, individualized justice, and the power of advocacy. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting rights and restoring dignity. If you are ready to make a difference in your legal career and in the lives of those whom we serve, we invite you to apply.

As a staff attorney for the Public Defender's Office, you will represent clients appearing in one of the City's Specialty Courts. These are vulnerable populations often facing complex challenges, and your advocacy will be critical in ensuring their rights are protected and their legal and personal needs are understood. You will work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team committed to client-centered representation and meaningful outcomes. Our office employs attorneys, legal assistants, and social workers who are all singularly dedicated to ensuring our clients have the best representation possible.

Job Duties include:

Provide high-quality criminal defense representation to clients in our Specialty Courts.
Collaborate with judges, prosecutors, social service providers, and court staff to advocate for appropriate, individualized outcomes.
Build rapport and maintain open, honest communication with clients.
Attend and participate in specialty court proceedings, staffing meetings, and treatment team discussions.
Work effectively within a team of defense attorneys and legal staff.
Maintain accurate case files and meet all professional and ethical standards.
Appear at court to cover court dockets.
Verify defendant's eligibility for Specialty Court assignment.
Stay in contact with clients and ensuring they are following through on their treatment plans, counseling, and/or medication(s).
Draft motions, pleadings, and status reports.
Review discovery, advise clients on their options and negotiate with the State.
Maintain client confidentialities, including HIPAA compliance.
Document case status updates, client contacts, and court outcomes in client's file.
Complete special projects, as assigned.

Some of the work may take place at legal services events, and the assignments and work locations may vary based on the best interests of the City, as determined by the Public Defender. The attorney assigned to this role will be trained across Behavioral Health Court, Veteran's Court and Community Court and may be tasked to assist in any specialty court, as needed. Attorneys are expected to meet the needs of their clients and the Department, including any court obligations, city council or city management meetings, or other in-office obligations.

This position may be eligible for telework, one day per week, implemented at the discretion of the Director. Attorneys are expected to meet the needs of their clients and the Department, including any court or other in-office obligations.

Ideal Candidate:
Demonstrates:

Commitment to the defense of indigent clients and the pursuit of justice.
Familiarity with:

Trauma-informed and holistic defense models.
Rule 11 processes and procedures.

Knowledge of community-based health care systems for mental/behavioral health needs, as well as background with other agencies providing care and respite for vulnerable populations.
Strong courtroom, advocacy, and negotiation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.

For more details, visit: Middle Manager Benefits. (https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/hrsite/Benefit%20Category/009.pdf)

Minimum Qualifications:

Three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Including the review, negotiation, and drafting of contracts or participation in other transactional work; client contact; experience in litigation, pleading, and motion-practice; some experience with government law practice.
Some knowledge of the legal subject matter involved with the department to which assignment will be made.
Graduation from an accredited school of law.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here. (https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/hrsite/documents/talent-acquisition/Pre-Employment%20Information%209.12.2023.pdf)
The City job description can be found here. (https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/hrsite/jobdesc/10130.pdf)

Preferred Qualifications:
The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:

Background representing vulnerable populations, such as individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or substance use disorders.
Trial and/or significant criminal defense experience in municipal courts.
Experience working in/with:

Specialty Courts, such as mental health, substance use, or veteran-focused programming.
A paperless environment (all case notes and files are electronic).