Attorney (Various Levels)

Under administrative direction with wide latitude for independent judgment, develops policies and procedures in assigned areas of work; performs professional legal work in the prosecution or defense of criminal or civil cases; incumbents in this position serve at the pleasure of their respective appointing attorney.

(Illustrative Only) Acts under the authority of and as provided by the Yuma County Attorney, Public Defender or Legal Defender in prosecuting or defending persons charged with criminal offenses or in resolving civil legal issues; manages and prioritizes assigned caseload; provides guidance to management on procedural issues; assures that cases are resolved within office policy guidelines; directs criminal and civil investigations; advises law enforcement agencies on legal issues; reviews criminal and civil cases and assignments; conducts officer/witness/victim/defendant interviews; formulates and offers pleas when appropriate; prepares and conducts probable cause determinations; reviews changes and updates in criminal law; develops trial strategy; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, briefs, motions and other legal documents; develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for trial; monitors and reviews trends in law enforcement and criminal justice, recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements; screens and assigns cases, assigns tasks and projects; counsels, trains and coaches attorneys and support personnel; develops staff skills and conducts performance evaluations; provides direction and guidance in legal analysis, strategies and negotiations; participates in meetings with County Officials, local and national law enforcement, judicial, professional and community groups; may be required to supervise other attorneys and/or units within the office of department on a routine and/or interim basis;  and reviews and evaluates performance of professional staff and support staff; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned. 

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; seven (7) years of experience as a practicing attorney AND extensive trial experience in a leading role in complex criminal or civil cases; two (2) years of supervisory experience; must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record; requires successful completion of a background check. Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona.

Attorney IV Minimum Qualifications:
Hourly rate: Min $54.79 - Max $68.49/hr.

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; six (6) years of experience as a practicing attorney and extensive trial experience in a leading role in complex criminal or civil cases; must be licensed by the Bar to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record; AND one (1) year of supervisory experience. Requires successful completion of a background check. Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate in Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona.

Attorney III Minimum Qualifications:
Hourly rate: Min $52.18 - Max $65.23/hr.

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney and significant experience in complex civil or criminal trial practice; must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record. Requires successful completion of a background check. Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona.

Attorney II Minimum Qualifications:
Hourly rate: Min $49.70 - Max $62.12/hr.

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney AND experience in civil or criminal legal practice; must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record. Requires successful completion of a background check. Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona.

Attorney I Minimum Qualifications:
Hourly rate: Min $42.93 - Max $53.67/hr.

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; Must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record. Requires successful completion of a background check. Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona.

Bar Candidate - Temporary
Hourly rate: Min $32.03 - Max $40.04/hr.

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; must have taken the most recent bar examination to practice law in the State of Arizona and maintain a clear criminal record. Requires successful completion of a background check. Special Requirements: Within six months of appointment, must be admitted to practice law in Arizona.
 
Hourly rates have been revised effective 7/7/24. 

Knowledge of: County and Department policies and procedures; civil and criminal statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable Federal rules and regulations; trial and appellate court processes, protocols and strategies; legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools; legal case management procedures, ethics and techniques; the principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court; the principles and practices of supervision and management.

Skill in: Reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents; setting priorities, planning, assigning, training and supervising the work of others; effectively assessing, interpreting and applying laws to information, evidence and other data compiled; trial procedures, negotiation, developing legal strategy, and presenting legal arguments; planning and managing the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date records and documentation; verbal and written communication, and exercising judgment and discretion in decision making; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, judges, community members, victims and other participants in the justice process; operating a personal computer, standard office software and specialized legal software programs.

Ability to: Effectively respond to phone calls, emails and complaints in a timely manner; analyze, understand, interpret and represent cases effectively in court; plan, prioritize, manage caseload; respond to multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment; read, write, research and synthesize data; use modern office equipment and computers; communicate effectively; lift up to 5 – 10 lbs.

Working Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity; generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing; the job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.