Job Description Summary

Job Description

OPEN TO CURRENT PIMA COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY

Job Type: Unclassified

Job Classification: 3003 - Attorney Supervisor

Salary Grade: A4

Pay Range

Pay Range: $114,961 - $218,400 Annually 

The Pima County Attorney’s Office (PCAO) is seeking an experienced prosecutor and strong leader to serve as an Attorney Supervisor in the Violent Crimes Unit. This position provides legal, strategic, and supervisory guidance to attorneys prosecuting serious and complex felony cases in Pima County Superior Court.

The Attorney Supervisor oversees the prosecution of violent felony offenses; advises attorneys on charging decisions, case strategy, plea negotiations, trial preparation, and case resolution; and ensures all work complies with Arizona law, ethical rules, and PCAO policies and standards. In this position you will also monitor attorney caseloads and case progression, evaluate performance, and deliver ongoing training and professional development. This role serves as a resource on complex legal and evidentiary issues and assists attorneys with preparing and litigating high level felony cases.

While this position works closely with new and mid-level prosecutors to analyze cases, develop trial strategies, prepare motions, and participate in co-trials, the primary focus is attorney development, training, and mentorship within PCAO.

This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Supervises and leads personnel of a respective unit within the department and provides training, mentoring, and guidance to subordinate staff;

• Supervises staff attorney activities involved in prosecution or defense of a variety of criminal and/or civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, Appellate Courts, and those who represent County Departments, Commissions, and Councils;

• Assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of subordinate attorneys and provides recommendations to management on hiring and disciplinary action;

• Reviews legal documents, motions, pleadings and briefs, investigative reports, and verifies facts;

• Provides oversight and guidance in preparing litigation, deposing witnesses, witness notification, and conducting bench and jury trials;

• Provides oversight of staff attorney caseloads and resolutions, to include pre-trial, trial, post-trial and appellate practice;

• Oversees negotiations for compromise and settlement of cases, in line with the Department’s policies;

• Oversees preparation of ordinances, resolutions, contracts and leases for consideration by County officials;

• Researches legal questions;

• Prepares legal opinions and advises County officials on a variety of legal matters;

• Carries a reduced caseload in prosecution or defense of a variety of criminal, civil, and/or administrative matters;

• Complies with all rules regulating professional responsibility and monitors/reports staff attorneys for compliance;

• Acts as a role model and maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the assigned Department and County.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate AND six (6) years of relevant prosecution, defense, or civil experience.

OR:

One year with Pima County in an Attorney II position.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application. 
 
Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

• Minimum ten (10) years of criminal prosecution or criminal defense experience, including substantial experience prosecuting felony cases in Superior Court or an equivalent trial court.

• Minimum seven (7) years of experience prosecuting or defending serious and/or complex felony cases, with significant experience involving violent offenses.

• Minimum five (5) years of significant felony jury trial experience, including experience serving as lead counsel in serious, complex, or high-profile felony trials.

• Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience involving attorneys, including formal supervision, lead attorney responsibilities, mentoring, training, case review, and/or providing substantive legal guidance to other prosecutors.

• Experience reviewing and providing guidance regarding charging decisions, plea negotiations, case resolutions, litigation strategy, evidentiary issues, and trial preparation.

• Advanced knowledge of Arizona criminal law, criminal procedure, rules of evidence, victims' rights, and prosecutorial ethics.

• Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, victim advocates, investigators, and other criminal justice partners.

• Experience exercising sound legal judgment, managing complex and sensitive criminal matters, and providing effective leadership in a high-volume prosecution environment.

Selection Procedure: 
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.  

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. Admission to the Arizona State Bar at time of appointment, which must be maintained in good standing.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. Requires satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently observes details at close range. Frequently speaks to clients, witnesses, and other case involved parties, such as law enforcement agencies and experts in-person and/or on the phone. Regularly works in a professional office setting. Occasionally drives to conduct field work. Occasionally must lift and carry items. Occasionally remains in a stationary position. Occasionally moves about inside an office.

Working Conditions: Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. The Attorney Supervisor regularly receives and responds to telephone calls, text messages and emails. The Attorney Supervisor drives to visit clients and witnesses at residence or at jail, and other locations to speak with other case involved parties.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.